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CC 2021-03-09_08f General Plan Annual Report_2020 MEMORANDUM TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: ROB FITZROY, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BY: ANDREW PEREZ, ASSOCIATE PLANNER SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF THE 2020 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT DATE: MARCH 9, 2021 SUMMARY OF ACTION: The General Plan Annual Report is an informational document identifying work completed in the previous year to implement the City’s General Plan. It is an informational document only and once received and filed by the City Council, it is filed with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and California Department of Housing and Community Development. IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES: Financial impacts include staff time and resources to prepare the Annual Report. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council review and accept the 2020 General Plan Annual Report (the “Annual Report” or “Report”) and direct staff to forward the Report to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the Department of Housing and Community Development. BACKGROUND: California Government Code Section 65400 requires all cities to file a General Plan Annual Report with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) by April 1. The purpose of the Report is to monitor the City's implementation of the General Plan over time, to help identify statewide trends, document progress in meeting the City’s share of regional housing needs, and inform local decision makers. Prior to submittal to the State, the Annual Report must be presented to the City Council for review and acceptance. The City's General Plan was adopted in October 2001. A number of activities have been undertaken that implement the goals and policies of the General Plan since that time, including the optional elements adopted by the City. Item 8.f. - Page 1 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF 2020 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT MARCH 9, 2021 PAGE 2 Planning Commission The Annual Report was presented to the Planning Commission at its meeting on March 2, 2021. The Planning Commission recommended that the report be submitted to the City Council for final acceptance. ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: The Annual Report provides an overview of the activities completed or currently being undertaken during 2020 to implement or update the General Plan. During the 2020 calendar year, no amendments to the General Plan were adopted. However, the vast majority of work to update the Housing Element was completed in 2020. Leading up to conditional certification obtained from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on December 10, 2020, the draft Housing Element was reviewed by the Planning Commission in October, and again in January. City Council adopted the Housing Element on January 26, 2021. Work towards updating the Circulation Element continued in 2020. The Planning Commission reviewed a background conditions report and draft Traffic Impact Analysis Report guidelines during their November study session. Additionally, to maintain compliance with State law, the City Council adopted a policy establishing thresholds of significance for evaluating transportation impacts using vehicle miles travelled, rather than level of service, as was previously used for evaluating impacts pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. A draft of the Circulation Element is expected to be released later this year. Staff also continued the update to the Parks and Recreation Element by beginning the environmental review process and circulating an administrative draft of the element for internal review and comment. The City’s Annual Report is formatted into two (2) sections:  Section 1: Introduction, including the legal requirements of the Annual Report and status of the adopted Elements of the General Plan; and  Section 2: Summary of Activity for 2020. Please note that the tables reporting housing data are derived from spreadsheets provided by the State, with limited formatting functionality. These digital spreadsheets will be submitted in their native file format, resolving blurry image issues. ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are provided for the Commission’s consideration: 1. Accept the 2020 General Plan Annual Report and direct staff to forward the Report to OPR and HCD; or 2. Do not accept the 2020 General Plan Annual Report and provide direction to staff regarding modifications to the Report; or 3. Provide direction to staff. Item 8.f. - Page 2 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF 2020 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT MARCH 9, 2021 PAGE 3 ADVANTAGES: The City will be providing the State with data in compliance with the California Government Code. DISADVANTAGES: There are no disadvantages identified with filing the Annual Report. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, it has been determined that this item is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines, regarding the common sense rule that where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility of a significant effect on the environment, an activity is not subject to CEQA. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2. At the time of report publication, no comments have been received. Attachment: 1. 2020 General Plan Annual Report Item 8.f. - Page 3 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 1 General Plan Annual Report 2020 ATTACHMENT 1 Item 8.f. - Page 4 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 2 CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE City Council Caren Ray Russom, Mayor Jimmy Paulding, Mayor Pro Tem Kristen Barneich Keith Storton Lan George Planning Commission Glenn Martin, Chair Frank Schiro, Vice Chair Jamie Maraviglia Jim Guthrie Ken Sage Community Development Department Whitney McDonald, City Manager Bill Robeson, Assistant City Manager Rob Fitzroy, Community Development Director Andrew Perez, Associate Planner Patrick Holub, Assistant Planner Contact Information City of Arroyo Grande Community Development Department 300 E. Branch Street Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Phone: (805) 473-5420 Website www.arroyogrande.org Item 8.f. - Page 5 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 3 Contents Section 1 - Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4 A. Purpose of the Annual Report ................................................................................................ 4 B. Purpose of the General Plan ................................................................................................... 4 C. Status of the Adopted Elements of the City’s General Plan ................................................... 4 Land Use Element (Adopted October 2001) ............................................................................... 6 Circulation Element (Adopted October 2001) ............................................................................ 6 Housing Element (Adopted March 2016) ................................................................................... 7 Agriculture, Conservation, and Open Space Element (Adopted October 2001, Amended June 2007)............................................................................................................................................ 8 Safety Element (Adopted October 2001) .................................................................................... 8 Noise Element (Adopted October 2001) ..................................................................................... 8 Economic Development Element (Adopted October 2012) ....................................................... 8 Parks and Recreation Element (Adopted October 2001) ............................................................ 8 Section 2 – Summary of Activity – 2020 ......................................................................................... 9 Planning Commission .................................................................................................................. 9 Building and Life Safety Division ................................................................................................. 9 Planning Division ......................................................................................................................... 9 General Plan Policies and Programs .......................................................................................... 10 Appendix A – Housing Element Reporting Forms ......................................................................... 11 Item 8.f. - Page 6 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 4 Section 1 - Introduction A. Purpose of the Annual Report This report reviews the activities that took place to implement the Arroyo Grande General Plan between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. This report fulfills the requirements of Section 65400 of the California Government Code, which requires the City to file an annual report addressing the status of the General Plan and progress made toward goals and objectives. This annual report provides a means to monitor the success of implementing the General Plan and determine if changes need to be made in the plan or its implementation programs. The City is required to file the annual report with the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), as well as to their legislative bodies. The legislative body for Arroyo Grande is the City Council. B. Purpose of the General Plan The General Plan is the foundational development policy document of the City of Arroyo Grande. It defines the framework by which the physical, economic and human resources of the City are to be managed and utilized over time. The General Plan is available for public review at City Hall and on the City’s website. The General Plan acts to clarify and articulate the intentions of the City with respect to the rights and expectations of the public, property owners, and prospective investors and business interests. C. Status of the Adopted Elements of the City’s General Plan State law requires that the General Plan include seven elements. These mandatory elements must cover the following topics: Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Safety, Noise, Conservation, and Open Space. State law allows the City to adopt any additional general plan elements that the City deems necessary. The City has adopted the Parks and Recreation, Agriculture, and Economic Development Elements as optional elements, which have the same decision making weight as the mandatory elements. Additionally, the elements of the general plan may combine elements as it deems necessary. The City of Arroyo Grande General Plan combines Agriculture, Open Space, and Conservation elements into a single element. The following is a breakdown of the City’s General Plan: Arroyo Grande GP Elements Required GP Elements Examples of Topics Covered Agriculture, Conservation and Open Space Element Agriculture (Optional) Define policy for the protection of significant natural resources, providing the setting or context for urban land use development and incorporated City areas. Conservation Open Space Fringe and Urban Area Land Use Element Land Use Provides for the types, density or intensity, design and distribution of existing and potential City areas. Circulation/Transportation Element Circulation Identifies the street pattern and other circulation infrastructure and transportation Item 8.f. - Page 7 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 5 Arroyo Grande GP Elements Required GP Elements Examples of Topics Covered systems needed to support the uses identified Land Use Element. Housing Element Housing Identifies and provides an analysis of existing and projected housing needs, an evaluation of housing constraints, a statement of goals, policies, quantifiable objectives and financial resources, and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement, and development of housing. Safety Element Safety Provides for the protection of lives and property from the adverse effects of natural and man- caused hazards. Noise Element Noise Identifies the sources and outlines policy to protect land uses against adverse noise levels associated with necessary circulation and related activity. Economic Development Element Economic Development (Optional) Defines the objectives, policies and proposals for improved employment, business retention and expansion, and fiscal growth of the community. Park and Recreation Element Parks and Recreation (Optional) Outlines these public facilities and services desired to support the City and area residents, businesses, and visitors’ leisure-time activities. The City’s General Plan was comprehensively updated in October 2001. The City’s last major update of the General plan was completed in January 2017, with the City’s approval of the E. Cherry Avenue Specific Plan project. The following is a list of updates to the General Plan since the document’s adoption: Amendment No. Date Type Project GPA 02-001 November 2003 Land Use Map Parkside Residences GPA 02-002 June 2003 Land Use Map Berry Gardens Subarea 2 GPA 03-001 April 2003 Land Use Map Village Core Extension GPA 03-002 September 2003 Land Use Map Agriculture Designations GPA 03-003 March 2004 AG/C/OS Conversion of Prime Ag Land, Farmworker Housing, and Ag Conservation Easements GPA 04-001 Withdrawn by applicant Land Use Map Alder House GPA 04-002 August 2004 Land Use Map Noyes Road Properties Item 8.f. - Page 8 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 6 Amendment No. Date Type Project GPA 04-003 March 2005 Housing Element Housing Element Update GPA 06-001 August 2006 Land Use Map Castillo Del Mar GPA 06-002 November 2006 Circ & Parks and Rec Elements Bike and Pedestrian Plan GPA 06-003 November 2007 Land Use Map S. Elm Multi-Family Designation GPA 06-004 February 2007 Land Use Map Sunset Drive GPA 07-001 June 2007 AG/C/OS Creek Protection Policies GPA 07-002 November 2007 Housing Element Affordable Housing Requirements GPA 07-003 Placed on hold due to competing priorities AG/C/OS Conservation Element Update GPA 09-001 September 2009 Land Use Map 2009 Land Use Map Cleanup GPA 09-001B October 2009 Land Use Map Pearwood Annexation GPA 11-001 Withdrawn by applicant Land Use Map Hillcrest GPA 11-002 October 2013 Housing Element 2007-15 Housing Element GPA 12-001 Withdrawn by applicant Land Use Map Alder House GPA 12-002 July 2012 Circulation Element Bicycle and Trails Master Plan GPA 12-003 October 2012 Economic Development 2012 Economic Development Element GPA 14-001 March 2014 Land Use Map Heights at Vista Del Mar Annexation GPA 14-002 October 2015 Land Use Element Courtland/Grand GPA 14-003 March 2016 Housing Element 2014-19 Housing Element GPA 15-001 January 2017 AG/C/OS Creek Map Land Use Map E. Cherry Avenue Specific Plan The following is a brief overview of actions taken in 2020 relative to each individual Element: Land Use Element (Adopted October 2001) No text amendments to the Land Use Element occurred in 2020. Circulation Element (Adopted October 2001) No text amendments to the Circulation Element occurred in 2020. The Community Development Department is currently working with a consultant to update the Circulation Element. In Item 8.f. - Page 9 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 7 November 2020, staff presented the Existing Conditions and Background Report, draft policies and maps, including Traffic Impact Analysis Report Guidelines, to the Planning Commission in a study session. The feedback from the public and the Planning Commission will be incorporated into the public draft, which is anticipated for release in Spring 2021. City Council adopted a policy establishing thresholds of significance for evaluating transportation impacts using vehicle miles travelled as the metric, consistent with SB 743. Housing Element (Adopted March 2016) No text amendments to the Housing Element occurred in 2020, however, the City completed the majority of the 6th cycle Housing Element update in 2020. In a letter dated December 10, 2020, the Department of Housing and Community Development deemed that the draft Housing Element would comply with state law once the element was adopted and submitted. The City Council adopted the Housing Element update on January 26, 2021 and the adopted element was submitted to HCD for its final 90-day review. Upon acceptance by HCD, the update will bring the Housing Element into compliance through 2028. Staff applied for grant funds to implement programs that result in accelerated housing production. The City obtained $104,053 from the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) grant program to be used towards drafting and adopting objective design standards for multi-family housing. The City also partnered with the cities of Atascadero, Morro Bay, and Grover Breach to submit a multi-jurisdictional application for REAP funding to develop a pre-approved ADU program. Both programs will help implement programs identified in the 6th cycle Housing Element. Table 1 reflects the number of units that were entitled, permitted, and/or finaled in 2020. This is compared to the number of units permitted in 2019. With changes in reporting requirements for the State, future Annual Reports will have comparable data between the current and previous years: Table 1: Entitled, Permitted, & Finaled Units – 2019 vs. 2020 Income Level Entitled Permitted Finaled 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 Very Low 2 0 0 0 0 0 Low 4 0 31 0 4 20 Moderate 0 0 0 0 0 0 Above Moderate 62 4 34 54 20 63 Total 68 4 64 54 24 83 The year 2020 was the first year of the 6th cycle for purposes of reporting progress towards the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). Table 2 reflects the number of units permitted during 2020 that count towards the 6th cycle RHNA. Item 8.f. - Page 10 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 8 Table 2: 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation Income Level RHNA by Income Units Permitted 2020 – 2028 Very Low 170 0 Low 107 0 Moderate 124 0 Above Moderate 291 58 Total 692 58 Agriculture, Conservation, and Open Space Element (Adopted October 2001, Amended June 2007) No text amendments to the Agriculture, Conservation, and Open Space Element occurred in 2020. Safety Element (Adopted October 2001) No text amendments to the Safety Element occurred in 2020. The City is part of a countywide team, which successfully obtained grant funding to produce a countywide Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Plan was adopted by City Council in September. The Plan will be incorporated into the Safety Element; however, the timeframe for doing so has not been established. Noise Element (Adopted October 2001) No text amendments to the Noise Element occurred in 2020. Economic Development Element (Adopted October 2012) No text amendments to the Economic Development Element occurred in 2020. The City is currently working on the East Grand Avenue Master Plan in order to increase implementation of the plan and investment by property owners. Parks and Recreation Element (Adopted October 2001) No text or map amendments to the Parks and Recreation Element occurred in 2020. Item 8.f. - Page 11 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 9 Section 2 – Summary of Activity – 2020 The City of Arroyo Grande policies and programs identified in the General Plan include tools already in place and used on a day-to-day basis in the City. Some of the various tools available to further the City’s goals and objectives include the City Council’s annual goals and priorities, Budget/Capital Improvement Program, Specific Plans and Master Plans of Development, Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, CDBG Funds, etc. Planning Commission The City of Arroyo Grande Planning Commission is designated as the "Planning Agency", as authorized by Section 65100 of the Government Code. The Commission has the discretionary and advisory responsibilities that are authorized by Chapters 2.18, 16.04, and 16.08 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code. During 2020, the Planning Commission took action on the following: • One (1) conditional use permit; • Five (5) time extensions; • Two (2) lot line adjustments; and • One (1) certificate of compliance. Building and Life Safety Division The City’s Building and Life Safety Division reviews project plans, issues permits, and provides inspection services for compliance with California's building, fire, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and disabled access codes, as well as City ordinances. In 2020, the Building Division received 565 building permit applications and issued 548 building permits. During the past year, City building inspectors made 2,065 construction and safety- related inspections associated with building permit activity. The Building Division finaled and completed 428 building permits in the same period. Engineering Division The City’s Engineering Division ensures all construction in the public right-of-way related to land development entitlements comply with adopted codes and engineering standards. Additionally, the Engineering Division, in partnership with the Public Works Department, is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the City’s Stormwater Management Program. In 2020, the Engineering Division received 145 applications for encroachment permits, 15 grading permit applications, and 58 stormwater permit applications for a total of 218 permit applications received, and 221 permits were issued. Major work efforts include the Brisco Interchange Project and environmental review and Bridge Street Bridge and Traffic Way Bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects, and Circulation Element update. Item 8.f. - Page 12 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 10 Planning Division The Planning Division assists the community, the City Council, and the Planning Commission in preparing for the City's future growth and development, as well as reviews current development plans for consistency with local ordinances. The Planning Division administers the Development Code and deals with transportation, housing, community facilities, public safety, open space, design, and the use of land. The Planning Division provides support staff to the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Committee, and Downtown Parking Advisory Board. Administrative functions include the scheduling of meetings, preparation of agendas, posting of hearing notices, and preparation of minutes. The Planning Division provides land use analysis, environmental review as required under the California Environmental Quality Act, and prepares staff reports for the aforementioned Commissions and Committees, including the City Council. In 2020, the Planning Division received 96 applications for various land use entitlements (permits), including, land divisions, Conditional Use Permits, Minor Use Permits, and Sign permits. In 2020, the Planning Division spent time working on a number of work items. These work items included: • 6th cycle Housing Element update; • Submission of applications for Regional Early Action Planning and Local Early Action Planning grant programs to provide financial assistance to accelerate housing production and implement Housing Element programs; • Permitting of a 120-bed assisted living facility for seniors; • Participation in a regional effort to develop a stock accessory dwelling unit program; and • Participation in the Regional Housing Action Team working group. General Plan Policies and Programs Community Development Department staff is currently working on a number of items specifically related to the General Plan, as referenced above. Prioritized work efforts for the General Plan include the Circulation Element Update, the East Grand Avenue Master Plan (ED7-1.1, LU5-7), the Halcyon Road Complete Streets Plan, and the Economic Development Strategic Plan (ED6). Item 8.f. - Page 13 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 11 Appendix A – Housing Element Reporting Forms Item 8.f. - Page 14 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 12 Table A Item 8.f. - Page 15 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 13 Table A2 (Part 1) Item 8.f. - Page 16 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 14 Table A2 (Part 2) Item 8.f. - Page 17 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 15 Table A2 (Part 3) Item 8.f. - Page 18 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 16 Table A2 (Part 4) Item 8.f. - Page 19 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 17 Table B Item 8.f. - Page 20 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 18 Table D Item 8.f. - Page 21 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 19 Item 8.f. - Page 22 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 20 Item 8.f. - Page 23 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 21 Item 8.f. - Page 24 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 22 Item 8.f. - Page 25 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 23 Item 8.f. - Page 26 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 24 Item 8.f. - Page 27 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 25 Item 8.f. - Page 28 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 26 Item 8.f. - Page 29 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 27 Item 8.f. - Page 30 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 28 Item 8.f. - Page 31 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 29 Item 8.f. - Page 32 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 30 Item 8.f. - Page 33 Arroyo Grande General Plan Annual Report - 2020 Page 31 Summary Item 8.f. - Page 34