Title
Report regarding a resolution to authorize application to and participation in the California Department of Housing and Community Development Prohousing Designation Program (Adena Friedman, Principal Planner and Tony Rozzi, Chief Planner)
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to authorize application to and participation in the California Department of Housing and Community Development Prohousing Designation Program.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On July 1, 2021, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) established the Prohousing Designation Program pursuant to California Government Code §65589.9. The Program creates incentives for cities and counties that are compliant with Housing Element requirements and can demonstrate that they have enacted, or plan to enact, Prohousing policies in four category areas: Favorable Zoning and Land Use, Accelerating Production Timeframes, Reducing Construction and Development Costs, and Providing Financial Subsidies. Jurisdictions who are awarded a Prohousing Designation will receive a competitive advantage for critical state affordable housing and infrastructure grant programs, including the Prohousing Incentive Pilot Program, Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program, Transformative Climate Communities, and the Infill Incentive Grant Program.
Jurisdictions wishing to apply for the Prohousing Designation must complete and submit an application to HCD which includes documentation of relevant policies and regulations, and a resolution authorizing application to the Program. Applicants must demonstrate that they have enacted or proposed at least one policy that significantly contributes to the acceleration of housing production in each of the four categories. A Prohousing Designation requires a total of 30 points or more across all four categories.
Planning Division staff is currently drafting the application and has determined that South San Francisco will qualify for at least 30 points and has the required policies and/or programs in each of the four categories, such as the City’s existing zoning regulations which permit high-density housing proximate to transit, technical assistance program for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) applications, and planning processes such as streamlined CEQA analysis and objective design standards. The application scorecard is attached to this staff report listing all the potential programs with a description of the City’s qualifying programs and relevant document links. If the City Council chooses to authorize application to the program, Planning Division staff will submit a completed application to HCD.
Upon submission of the City’s application, HCD will complete a review of the application and will notify the City in writing within 60 days of its determination. If approved, the City will receive an official letter formalizing the Prohousing Designation.
FISCAL IMPACT
Applying for the Prohousing Designation will have no fiscal impact to the City. If awarded the Prohousing Designation, the City would receive a competitive advantage in certain State grant programs, which would help accelerate affordable housing production in South San Francisco.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The proposed Municipal Code amendment helps achieve the following priority of the City’s Strategic Plan:
Priority #2: Quality of Life:
• Excellent bike paths, pedestrian ways, and multi-modal transportation options
• Full range of housing options
CONCLUSION
Adopting a resolution to authorize the City to apply for HCD’s Prohousing Designation supports the City’s efforts to provide a wide range of housing options and upgraded mobility networks, by giving the City a competitive advantage when applying for several State grant-funded programs.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to authorize application to and participation in the HCD’s Prohousing Designation Program.
Attachment:
1. Prohousing Designation Scorecard
Associated File:
1. Prohousing Designation Resolution (Legistar File 23-202)