08e Grant Application to Fund a General Plan UpdateMEMORANDUM
TO: ClN COUNCIL
FROM: TERESA DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLU'I'ION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF
A GRANT APPLICATION TO FUND A GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
THROUGH THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT
AND INCENTIVES PROGRAM UNDER PROPOSITION 84
DATE: FEBRUARY 14,2012
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing submittal of a grant
application to the Strategic Growth Council for consideration of funding the development
of a Sustainable Community Performance Index, updated General Plan and a form-
based E. Grand Avenue Corridor Plan.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
Although there is no match required, leveraged funds and in-kind services are
encouraged to increase competitiveness for the grant. Staff is anticipating a
contribution of approximately 15% of funds by providing staff time necessary to manage
the project, utilizing volunteer labor (Economic Development Update Committee), and
funds from engineering and planning contract services for work performed in relation to
the preparation of the targeted General Plan update. The requested grant amount is
approximately $362,000. Approximately 11% of the grant funds will be allocated to the
Sustainable Community Performance Index, 74% to the General Plan Update, and 15%
to the form-based East Grand Avenue Corridor Plan.
BACKGROUND:
The Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program is administered through the
State's Strategic Growth Council and funded by Proposition 84, Chapter 9 funds from
the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Act
of 2006.
This grant program implements the vision of the Governor and Legislature to foster the
development of sustainable communities throughout California. It is designed to help
local governments meet the challenges of adopting land use plans and integrating
strategies in order to transform communities and create long-term prosperity.
Sustainable communities are to promote equity, strengthen the economy, protect the
environment and promote healthy, safe communities. The primary goal of this grant
Agenda Item 8.e.
Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO FUND A GENERAL PLAN
UPDATE THROUGH PROPOSI'rION 84 FUNDING GRANTS
FEBRARY 14,2012
program is to develop and implement plans that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
achieve the following objectives:
Grant Objectives
lmprove Air and Water Quality
Promote Equity
lncrease lr~fill & Compact
Development
Protect Natural Resources & Ag
Lands
lmprove Infrastructure Systems
Promote Energy Efficiency &
Conservation
Promote Public Health
lncrease Housing Affordability
Revitalize Urban & Community
Centers
Reduce Auto Usage & Fuel
Consumption
Promote Water Conservation
Strengthen the Economy
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Sustainable Community Performance lndex
In an effort for meaningful compliance with SB375 and AB32, Phase I of the grant will
be used to create a Sustainable Community Performance lndex (Index) for the City. In
contrast to the development of a stand-alone comprehensive Plan, an index that utilizes
a set of performance indicators tied to General Plan Objectives will enable policy
makers to determine consistency with implementation of City programs and future
development projects. Performance indicators will be City-specific, but developed in
conjunction with concurrent regional projects including the Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Plan that is being developed with our neighboring cities, the Air Pollution Control
District, Southern California Gas Co., PG&E, and the Sustainable Communities Strategy
(SCS) that is continuing to be developed through SLOCOG.
Updated General Plan
Phase II of the Grant is the update of the City's General Plan. The last comprehensive
update was adopted in 2001 with some subsequent amendments to individual
elements. California law requires every City to periodically update its General Plan,
although with the exception of the Housing Element that must be completed every five
years, it does not define how often. In practice, a comprehensive update of the General
Plan (for at least five of the seven mandatory elements) should occur every eight to ten
years to address economic and other changing conditions, new laws and regulations,
and to enable the Council to consider and plan for the community's needs based on a
comprehensive analysis, public participation and current and projected conditions. The
City received correspondence from 'The Governor's Office of Planning and Research
regarding the status and expectation for an updated General Plan (Attachment 1).
Below is a table showing the status of the City's General Plan Elements:
Comments
Several updates have been
General Plan Element
Land Use
Date last updated
2001
Agenda Item 8.e.
Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO FUND A GENERAL PLAN
UPDATE THROUGH PROPOSI'rION 84 FUNDING GRANTS
FEBRARY 14,2012
The City does not have a fund allocation to update the General Plan. Since the last
comprehensive update, the introduction of sustainable mandates and practices, the
dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency and constrained resources all warrant the
need for updating the documents for internal consistency and compliance with current
requirements. It is proposed that each of the General Plan elements be evaluated and
integrated using the Index.
Form Based E. Grand Avenue Comcior Plan
Phase Ill of the grant will be the testing and implementation of the Index and updated
General Plan for the E. Grand Avenue Corridor. The corridor plan will update and
supersede the E. Grand Avenue Enhancement Plan and is intended to resolve existing
inconsistencies that the City has encountered through review of proposed and approved
developments along the corridor. The form-based approach will integrate parking,
Comments
adopted including the
Peawood Annexation, and
minor policy revisions and
changes to the land use
map in 2003,2004,2007,
2009 supporting infill
development
Traffic Study Policy
adopted 2003
Draft Element under review
by HCD
Updated for Creek
Protection Policies
Revision must be
consistent with the ongoing
update of the City's Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Comprehensive update for
Agricultural land and
conservation
201 1 Economic
Development Update
Committee formed and
update stated for .
completion in 2012
General Plan Element
TrafficICirculation
Housing
Conservation
Open Space
Safety
Noise
Agriculture
Parks and Recreation
Economic
Date last updated
2001
2005 with new update in
progress
2007
2001
2001
2001
2003
2001
2001 with new update in
progress
Agenda Item 8.e.
Page 3
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERA'TION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO FUND A GENERAL PLAN
UPDATE THROUGH PROPOSI'TION 84 FUNDING GRANTS
FEBRARY 14,2012
circulation and the relationship of buildings to streets and public space that are key
components for continued and successful infill development.
The grant application would include funding for consultant services associated with
preparation of the development of the Index, the General Plan update and the E. Grand
Avenue Corridor Plan. Additionally, staff anticipates incorporation with recent work
products from a variety of programs and partnerships, including those discussed above,
the 2010 Urban Water Management Plan and the current Economic Development
update. The Existing Settings report prepared in 2010 by Cal Poly and the draft
Housing Element update will also inform the grant effort.
Grant applications for Round Two of the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and
Incentive Program are due February 15, 2012. Grant requests for amounts between
$100,000 and $1,000,000 will be considered.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration:
1. Adopt the Resolution, authorizing a general plan update grant application;
2. Do not adopt the Resolution; or
3. Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Submittal of the grant application could result in the awarding of funds that would cover
the cost of preparing a Sustainable City Performance Index, the required General Plan
update and a form-based E. Grand Avenue Corridor Plan.
DISADVANTAGES:
If the grant is approved, staff will develop an RFP for the project and will have to
contribute considerable staff time to work on and manage the update. However, if no
application is made, or the grant is not awarded, the City's General Plan will continue to
become increasingly outdated with intermittent updates completed over time to meet
State law that would also be completed by utilizing staff resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
None required for grant applications. Environmental review will have to be completed
prior to adoption of the General Plan update.
PUBLIC NOTIFICA'I'ION AND COMMENTS:
The agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, February 9, 2012. The
Agenda and report were posted on the City's website on Friday, February 10, 2012. No
public comments were received.
Attachment:
1. Letter from Office of Planning and Research
Agenda Item 8.e.
Page 4
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE ClTY COUNCIL OF THE ClTY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF A
GRANT APPLICATION TO FUND A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY
PERFORMANCE INDEX, GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND E.
GRAND AVENUE CORRIDOR PLAN THROUGH PROPOSITION
84 FUNDING GRANTS FROM THE STRATEGIC GROWTH
COUNCIL'S SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT
AND INCENTIVES PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Legislature and Governor of the State of California have provided funds for
the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program under the Safe
Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 84); and
WHEREAS, the Strategic Growth Council has been delegated the responsibility for the
administration of this grant program, including establishing necessary procedures; and
WHEREAS, said procedures require all award recipients commit to threshold requirements; .
and
WHEREAS, said procedures established by the Strategic Growth Council require a
resolution certifying the approval of application(s) by the Applicant's governing board before
submission of said application(s) to the State; and
WHEREAS, the applicant, if selected, will enter into an agreement with the State of
California to carry out the development of the proposal:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande
hereby:
1. Approves the filing of an application for the grant funding of a Sustainable
Community Performance Index, General Plan Update and E. Grand Avenue Corridor Plan
in order to become a more sustainable community; and
2. Certifies that applicant will have sufficient funds to develop the Proposal or will
secure the resources to do so; and
3. Certifies that the Proposal will comply with any and all applicable laws and
regulations, including being consistent with the State's Planning Priorities identified in
Government Code section 65041.1 and summarized below: .
a. Promote infill development and invest in existing communities
b. Protect, preserve and enhance agricultural land and natural resources; and
c. Encourage location and resource efficient new development; and
Agenda Item 8.e.
Page 5
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
4. Certifies that threshold requirements outlined in the guidelines, including
consideration of Ocean Protection Council Sea Level Rise Guidance will be met; and
5. Agrees to reduce, on as permanent a basis as feasible, greenhouse gas emissions
consistent with California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5
(commencing with Section 3850) of the Health and Safety Code); including any applicable
regional plan; and
6. Agrees to meet the Collaboration Requirements of the focus area applicable to the
Proposal; and includes all required documents in the application package; and
7. Appoints the Community Development Director, or designee, as agent to conduct all
negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to applications,
agreements, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the
aforementioned project(s).
On motion by Council Member , seconded by Council Member , and
by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was adopted this 14th day of February, 2012.
Agenda Item 8.e.
Page 6
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 3
TONY FERRARA, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KELLY WETMORE, ClTY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
STEVEN ADAMS, ClTY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
TIMOTHY J. CARMEL, ClTY ATTORNEY
Agenda Item 8.e.
Page 7
EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
GOVERNOR
June 15,2011
. ATTACHMENT 1
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE of PLANNING AND RESEARCH
Ms. Teresa McClish, Community Developmer: Dira-,tor
City of Arroyo Grande
Community Development Department
P.O. Box 550
Arroyo Grande, CA 93422 '
JUN 1 '9 2011
CITY OF M?C'lO G&NDE
COMMUNITY DEVE!.WMENT
Dear Ms. McClish:
Pursuant to State statute, the Governor's OfFice of Planning and Research (OPR) is required to notify cities
and counties with general plans that have not been revised within the last eight (8) years (Government Code
section 65040.5(a)). Our records indicate that the City of Arroyo Grande's General Plan has not been revised
in the past eight (8) years or longer.
For purposes of this notification, a revision is considered to be a comprehensive update of at least five (5) of
the seven (7) mandatory general plan elements, which have been adopted by the local legislative body.
According to our records, the mandatory elements of the Genera'l Plan for.the'City of Arroyo Grande were
-. ...-. . . . - , . last updated during th'e years noted. -' '- .. .
If this information is incorrect, please contact Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez at the OPR State Clearinghouse via
email cuauhtemoc.gonzalez@opr.ca.gov or phone (916) 445-0613 so that we may update our records.
Land Use:
Circulation:
Housing:
Conservation:
Open Space:
Safety:
Noise:
As part of our process to identify jurisdictions with general plans that have not been revised in eight (8) years,
OPR surveyed local government.planning agencies in the 2010 Annual Planning Survey for current
information regarding their general plans. In addition, OPR reviewed General Annual Progress Reports,
public notices from the jurisdictions, environmental document filings, as well as websites of individual
jurisdictions. . .
2001
2003
2005
2001
2001
2001
2001
General plans that havenot been revised within the past eight (8) years are not necessarily legally
inadequate. However, the California'Supreme Court has stated that local governments have an implied duty
to keep their general plans current (DeVita v. County of Napa, 9 Cal. 4th 763 (1995)). Additionally, local
governments must review and revise their general plans as often as they deem necessary or appropriate
(Government Code section 65103(a)). The general plan statutes do not provide a mandatory minimum time
1400.10th Street P.O. Box 3044 Sacramento, California 95812-3044
'(916) 445-0613 FAX (916) 323-3018 www.opr.ca.gov
Agenda Item 8.e.
Page 8
frame for revision of elements, except for housing elements, which must be revised based on the schedule
established in Government Code Section 65588. In addition, Government Code sections 65302 and 65302.1
require certain information be included in general plan elements at the time a jurisdiction next revises its
housing element.
Additionally, OPR is also required to report to the Attorney General, cities and counties with general plans
that have not been revised in ten (10) years (Government Code section 65040.5(b)). We will report your
jurisdiction to the Attorney General only if your general plan becomes loyear; old. If our records indicate
that your general plan has not been revised in ten (10) years, we will report this information.to the Attorney
General in late July 2011.
If you would like to make corrections to our records, please respond by July 15,2011. This will allow us to
update our records prior to notifying the Attorney General of general plans that have not been revised in ten
(10) years. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez
at cuauhtemoc.gonzalez@opr.ca.gov. or by phone at (916) 445-0613.
Sincerely,
Ken Alex
Director
1400 10th Street P.O. Box 3044 Sacramento, Califomla 95812-3044
(9 16) 322-23 18 FAX (91 6) 322-3785 www.opr.ca.gov
Agenda Item 8.e.
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Agenda Item 8.e.
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