Attachment 4 - Questions from the Vice MayorFrom: Mary Badame <MBadame@losgatosca.gov>
Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2023 3:14 PM
To: Laurel Prevetti <LPrevetti@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Latest Table 10-3..pdf - adjusted to reflect SB 330 for B-1 and D-1
Dear Laurel,
I remain very concerned with our Housing Element not obtaining certification from HCD.
I am forwarding Table 10-3 with revisions which counters what was submitted to HCD.
SB 330 applications for the N40 D-1 site and the Los Gatos Lodge B-1 site are “pending projects” and are
listed as such on the Town’s website. The property owners have clearly stated on their applications
there is no intention of developing at the densities and the number of units per income category.
Adjusting Table 10-3 to reflect the number of units in the received SB 330 applications, shows there is a
shortfall of 109 very low units and 5 moderate units from the Town’s RHNA of 537 very-low units and
320 moderate units. Additionally, there is only an 8% buffer over the 310 low-income units which is less
than the 15% buffer requested by HCD.
I am seeking answers to discrepancies and representations - including the statement “Los Gatos
reasonably expects that a total of 2492 units will be developed, as described in the tables below”.
Can you confirm the adjusted Table 10-3 correctly shows the RHNA shortfall once the densities and units
by income in the SB 330 applications for sites B-1 and D-1 are accounted for?
What do you expect HCD will do once they fully understand the B-1 and D-1 property owners have no
intention of developing at the densities and units by income category as represented by our Town?
If sites B-1 and D-1 are adjusted to reflect the planned units in the SB 330 applications, can you confirm
that the Town has sufficient units in the 15% buffer to meet our RHNA requirements for all income
categories?
If the Town adds more parcels to the site inventory now, how does that impact the likelihood of
obtaining HCD certification? Wouldn’t it increase the likelihood?
If we do nothing and file the HE with no additional parcels, how confident are you that HCD will certify
the HE, ignoring the shortfall in densities and income units on B-1 and D-1 sites?
I look forward to discussion at our next Council meeting.
Kind Regards,
Mary
ATTACHMENT 4
From: Mary Badame <MBadame@losgatosca.gov>
Sent: Friday, August 4, 2023 2:55 PM
To: Laurel Prevetti <LPrevetti@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Final spreadsheet Site Inventory for B-1 and D-1 and HCD comment letter to LAH
addressing lack of owner interest in development
Dear Laurel,
Thank you for the Council Referral on my prior email regarding the Housing Element.
Can you please retract the prior attachment of Tqble 10-3 and replace with the attached site inventory
analysis. Also included and requesting distribution with the Referral is the attached HCD comment letter
regarding the Town of Los Altos Hills..
Kind Regards,
Mary
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Phil Koen
Sent: Friday, August 4, 2023 2:10:41 PM
To: Mary Badame <MBadame@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Final spreadsheet Site Inventory for B-1 and D-1 and HCD comment letter to LAH addressing
lack of owner interest in development
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Analysis of adequacy of Site Inventory
Zipcode APN VL L M A Total Acres
N40 Parcels - Site D-1 inventory
14859 Los Gatos Boulevard 95032 424-07-094 35 17 17 18 87 2.9
16392 Los Gatos Boulevard 95032 424-07-095 9 4 5 5 23 0.78
16260 Burton Road 95032 424-07-053 5 2 3 3 13 0.44
16250 Burton Road 95032 424-07-009 5 2 3 3 13 0.44
14917 Los Gatos Boulevard 95032 424-07-081 45 22 22 23 112 3.74
14925 Los Gatos Boulevard 95032 424-07-115 73 36 36 37 182 6.07
Los Gatos Boulevard 95032 424-07-116 12 6 6 7 31 1.02
>>Total 184 89 92 96 461 15.39
SB 330 Application received by Town 0 88 0 349 437
(Shortfall)/Excess from Site Inventory D-1 (184)(1)(92)253 (24)
Los Gatos Lodge - Site B-1 inventory
50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road 95030 529-24-032 76 75 51 9 211 7.04
Los Gatos-Saratoga Road 95030 529-24-001 9 9 9 18 45 1.49
Los Gatos-Saratoga Road 95030 529-24-003 1 2 2 3 8 0.28
>>Total 86 86 62 30 264 8.81
SB 330 Application received by Town 0 32 0 126 158
(Shortfal)/Excess from Site Inventory B-1 (86)(54)(62)96 (106)
>>Total Shortfall from Site Inventory for B-1 and D-1 (270)(55)(154)349 (130)
Table 10-3 Total Estimated Housing Site Inventory 646 362 347 642 1,997
Adjusted Table 10.3 Total Estimated Housing Site Inventory 376 307 193 991 1,867
ADU 20 60 60 60 200
Senate Bill 9 96 96
Pipeline Projects 1 200 201
Total 396 368 253 1,347 2,364
RHNA 6th Cycle 537 310 320 826 1,993
(Shortfall)/Excess over RHNA (141)58 (67)521 371
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT
2020 W. El Camino Avenue, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 263-2911 / FAX (916) 263-7453
www.hcd.ca.gov
January 25, 2023
Sofia Mangalam, Director
Planning and Building Department
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Dear Sofia Mangalam:
RE: Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element
Thank you for submitting the Town of Los Altos Hills’ (Town) draft housing element that
was received for review on October 27, 2022 along with revisions on January 9, 2023.
Pursuant to Government Code section 65585, subdivision (b), the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is reporting the results of
its review. Our review was facilitated by a conversation on December 22, 2022 with
yourself, City Manager Peter Pirnejad, and attorneys Steve Mattas and Claire Lai from
Meyers Nave. In addition, HCD considered comments from Kevin Meyer, YIMBY Law,
South Bay YIMBY, Sasha Zborzek, Adam Buchbinder, Elain Haight, Chuong Vu,
Campaign for Fair Housing Elements, and the League of Women Voters of Los Altos-
Mountain View Area pursuant to Government Code section 65585, subdivision (c).
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).
The enclosed Appendix describes these revisions needed to comply with State Housing
Element Law.
For your information, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1398 (Chapter 358, Statutes of 2021), if
a local government fails to adopt a compliant housing element within 120 days of the
statutory deadline (January 31, 2023), then any rezoning to make prior identified sites
available or accommodate the regional housing needs allocation (RHNA), including for
lower-income households, shall be completed no later than one year from the statutory
deadline pursuant to Government Code section 65583, subdivision (c)(1)(A) and
Government Code section 65583.2, subdivision (c). Otherwise, the local government’s
housing element will no longer comply with State Housing Element Law, and HCD may
revoke its finding of substantial compliance pursuant to Government Code section
65585, subdivision (i). Please be aware, if the Town fails to adopt a compliant housing
element within one year from the statutory deadline, the element cannot be found in
substantial compliance until these rezones are completed.
Item 4.1 Attachment 2
Sofia Mangalam, Director
Page 2
Public participation in the development, adoption and implementation of the housing
element is essential to effective housing planning. Throughout the housing element
process, the town 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.
Please be aware, any revisions to the element must be posted on the local
government’s website and to email a link to all individuals and organizations that have
previously requested notices relating to the local government’s housing element at least
seven days before submitting to HCD.
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 Town will meet housing element requirements for these and other funding
sources.
For your information, some general plan element updates are triggered by housing
element adoption. HCD reminds the town 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:
https://www.opr.ca.gov/planning/general-plan/guidelines.html.
HCD appreciates the work and assistance the Town’s housing element team provided
during the update and review. We are committed to assisting the Town in addressing all
statutory requirements of State Housing Element Law. If you have any questions or
need additional technical assistance, please contact Reid Miller, of our staff, at
Reid.Miller@hcd.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Paul McDougall
Senior Program Manager
Enclosure
Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element Page 1
APPENDIX
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
The following changes are necessary to bring the Town’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
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/planning-and-community-development/hcd-memos. Among other
resources, the housing element section contains HCD’s latest technical assistance tool,
Building Blocks for Effective Housing Elements (Building Blocks), available at
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/planning-and-community-development/housing-elements/building-
blocks and includes the Government Code addressing State Housing Element Law and other
resources.
A. Review and Revision
Review the previous element to evaluate the appropriateness, effectiveness, and progress
in implementation, and reflect the results of this review in the revised element. (Gov. Code,
§ 65588 (a) and (b).)
The review requirement is one of the most important features of the element update. The
review of past programs should describe progress in implementation of previous actions,
including results compared to objectives and evaluate the effectiveness of actions to make
appropriate adjustments in the current planning period. Specifically, the prior element
included Program 19 (Support Foothill College). This Program was geared toward
promoting housing variety and affordability, housing mobility and inclusion into the Town
given the lack of multifamily zoning. Yet, the current element does not evaluate past
commitments, progress or effectiveness and merely states a new program is included. For
example, the Program committed to amend the general plan and zoning to permit
multifamily as well as meeting with developers and applying for funding to encourage
affordable multifamily development.
The element omits the depth and importance of this commitment and did not discuss or
evaluate the effectiveness of multifamily zoning, lack of alternative measures taken and
outreach efforts. To address this requirement, the element must fully describe past
commitments, progress in implementation, evaluate effectiveness and then discuss
appropriate adjustments in the current planning period. Given the apparent lack of
effectiveness and success in developing multifamily choices and affordability, this analysis
should particularly focus on zoning for a variety of housing types, including multifamily and
discuss significant actions to promote housing choice, affordability, and mobility to facilitate
inclusion beyond the regional housing need allocation (RHNA) and beyond complying with
related state laws (e.g., ADU law and SB 9).
Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element Page 2
B. Housing Needs, Resources, and Constraints
1. Affirmatively further[ing] 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).)
Income and Racial Concentration of Affluence (RCAA): The element briefly mentions
incomes in the Town compared to the region as well as the entire Town’s status as a
RCAA. The element should include specific analysis of income and RCAA at a regional
level (Town compared to the broader region). The analysis should at least address
trends, conditions, coincidence with other fair housing factors (e.g., race, highest
resource, overpayment), effectiveness or absence of past strategies (e.g., lack of
publicly assisted housing and lack of multifamily zoning), local data and knowledge and
other relevant factors. The element must add or modify meaningful programs based on
the outcomes of this analysis, including actions to improve housing mobility within and
beyond Town boundaries (not limited to the RHNA).
Identified Sites and Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH): The element includes
some general discussion and conclusions that identified sites for lower-income households,
while concentrated on three sites in a proposed multifamily housing overlay, do not
exacerbate existing patterns of development in the Town. In addition, the element should
include analysis to support these conclusions, including the number of units per site by
income group for each of the AFFH categories relative to the existing patterns (number of
households), impacts on patterns of disproportionate housing needs (e.g., overpayment,
overcrowding, displacement) and expanding on the reasoning for apparently isolating the
RHNA for lower-income households. Further, if the inventory continues to isolate the RHNA
for lower-income households in certain areas, the element must have commensurate
programs related to housing mobility and new opportunities in higher opportunity areas
(beyond RHNA and throughout the Town) to promote inclusion and AFFH throughout the
Town.
Local Data and Knowledge: The element 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 Town related to fair housing issues. The
housing 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. For
example, the element could include information from code enforcement officers related
to housing conditions, lack of public investment in affordable housing and relationships
with the college.
Contributing Factors to Fair Housing Issues: Based on the outcomes of a complete
analysis, the element should re-assess contributing factors and prioritize those factors
then formulate appropriate policies and programs.
2. Include an analysis of population and employment trends and documentation of
projections and a quantification of the locality's existing and projected needs for all
income levels, including extremely low-income households. (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd.
(a)(1).)
Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element Page 3
Extremely Low Income (ELI): While the element reports on households by income and
mentions ELI households, it must analyze the housing needs of ELI households to
formulate appropriate policies and programs. The analysis should address trends,
tenure, overpayment, overcrowding and other characteristics and examine resources,
disproportionate housing needs and the magnitude of the gap in addressing housing
needs. Based on the outcomes of the analysis, the element should add or modify
programs as appropriate.
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).)
Realistic Residential Capacity: While the element notes a lack of past trends or experience
with multifamily development, it must still include a methodology for calculating residential
capacity and account for land use controls and recent experience, including affordability.
To address this requirement, the element could utilize a minimum density and no further
analysis is required. Otherwise, the element could examine trends in the broader region in
comparable zones by listing developments by zones, allowable and built density and
affordability. In addition, since the element is utilizing an overlay zone, uses in the base
zoning are still allowed and the methodology should account for the likelihood that
development will occur or not occur according to the uses allowed by the base zoning. For
example, the element could explain interest in multifamily development and add or modify
programs to establish incentives for multifamily development and evaluate (mid-planning
period) the effectiveness of the new zone in promoting multifamily development, including
appropriate responses if the zoning is not effective. Alternatively, the element could
commit to replace the base zoning with a multifamily zone instead of an overlay zone.
Suitability of Nonvacant Sites: The element identifies nonvacant sites to accommodate
the regional housing need for households of all incomes. not adequate to demonstrate
the suitability of these sites. A complete analysis should describe the methodology used
to determine the additional development potential within the planning period. The
methodology must consider factors including the extent to which existing uses may
impede additional residential development, including market demand for the current
uses, leases or other indicators of turnover in uses.
Additionally, HCD received several public comments related to the lack of availability of
identified sites such as owners of both the Foothill College site and the St. Nicholas
Catholic School site explaining no interest in residential development in the planning
period. While expressed interest in development is not necessarily required for sites to
be used in the Town’s sites inventory, statements made by these property owners seem
to indicate that residential development on these sites is highly unlikely in the planning
period, especially at the densities and affordability levels indicated in the element. The
element should address this lack of owner interest in development and provide
alternative sites as needed to accommodate the Town’s RHNA.
Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element Page 4
Finally, while the element notes that greater than 50 percent of the lower-income RHNA
is identified on vacant sites, upon a complete analysis of identified sites, it this
conclusion changes, specific actions are necessary if the housing element relies upon
nonvacant sites to accommodate more than 50 percent of the RHNA for lower-income
households. For your information, the housing element must demonstrate existing uses
are not an impediment to additional residential development and will likely discontinue in
the planning period. Absent findings (e.g., adoption resolution) based on substantial
evidence, the existing uses will be presumed to impede additional residential
development and will not be utilized toward demonstrating adequate sites to
accommodate the RHNA.
Large Sites: Sites greater than ten acres are deemed inadequate to accommodate
housing for lower-income households unless it is demonstrated that sites of equivalent
size and affordability were successfully developed during the prior planning period or
other evidence demonstrates the suitability of these sites. The element currently
discusses how smaller portions of larger sites will be used toward the lower-income
RHNA. However, the element should discuss how these smaller portions will be
established and add or modify programs to encourage appropriately sized parceling or
site planning. For example, the analysis could describe interest and plans from property
owners or comparable developments in nearby communities.
Senate Bill 9 (Statutes of 2021) Projections: The element is projecting 32 units that will
be developed based on the passage of SB 9 (Statutes of 2021) to accommodate a
portion of its above moderate income RHNA. To utilize projections based on SB 9
legislation, the element must; 1) include a site-specific inventory of sites where SB 9
projections are being applied; 2) include a nonvacant sites analysis demonstrating the
likelihood of redevelopment and that the existing use will not constitute as an
impediment for additional residential use and; 3) include programs and policies that
establish zoning and development standards early in the planning period and implement
incentives to encourage and facilitate development. The element should support this
analysis with local information such as local developer or owner interest to utilize zoning
and incentives established through SB 9.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): The element uses the Association of Bay Area
analysis of ADU rents. However, these assumptions should also consider the Town’s
survey information and market rents from comparable and nearby communities and
projections and affordability assumptions should consider other relevant factors such as
availability of the units for rent.
Availability of Infrastructure: While the element includes some discussion of water and
sewer capacity, it should specifically address whether sufficient total capacity is
available or planned to accommodate the RHNA and modify Program B-8
(Infrastructure) as appropriate based on the outcomes of the analysis.
Environmental Constraints: While the element generally describes potential environmental
constraints, it must still describe how these conditions relate to the St. Nicholas Catholic
School and Twin Oaks Court Sites. In addition, the element should discuss any other
known environmental or other conditions (e.g., shape, contamination, easements,
accessibility) that could preclude or impact housing development on identified sites in the
planning period.
C no
Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element Page 5
Electronic Sites Inventory: For your information, pursuant to Government Code section
65583.3, the Town must submit an electronic sites inventory with its adopted housing
element. The Town must utilize standards, forms, and definitions adopted by HCD.
Please see HCD’s housing element webpage at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/planning-and-
community-development/housing-elements for a copy of the form and instructions. The
Town can reach out to HCD at sitesinventory@hcd.ca.gov for technical assistance.
Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types:
• Employee Housing: The element includes a program to amend zoning to permit
employee housing similar to single-family uses pursuant to Health and Safety
Code section 17021.5. However, the element should also discuss compliance
with Health and Safety Code sections 17021.6 and 17021.8 and add or modify
programs if necessary. For example, Section 17021.6 requires employee
housing consisting of no more than 12 units or 36 beds to be permitted in the
same manner as other agricultural uses in zones allowing agricultural uses.
• Emergency Shelters: The element notes emergency shelters are permitted in the
R-A zone but should also clarify these uses are permitted without discretionary
action. In addition, the element lists several development standards that may
impact capacity and the analysis should account for these factors. The element
should also include specific commitment to amend development standards which
appear to be constraints or contrary to state law including spacing or proximity
provisions, bed limits and parking requirements. Finally, if intending to identify a
new zone, the element should discuss potential capacity and include specific
commitment to amend zoning appropriately, including development standards
that comply with Government Code section 65583, subdivision (a)(4). Finally,
statute was recently amended to specify how to demonstrate suitable sites and
sufficient capacity to accommodate the need for emergency shelters. Future
submittals may need to address these requirements. For more information and
applicable timing, see HCD’s AB 2993 memorandum at
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/planning-and-community/ab2339-
notice.pdf.
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, and local processing and permit procedures... (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd.
(a)(5).)
Land Use Controls: While the element generally describes land-use controls and
identifies constraints on development, it then concludes the new multifamily overlay
zone will address these constraints. However, the element should discuss the
constraints on existing allowable uses and add or modify programs as appropriate. In
addition, the element, based on public feedback (p. 9) notes the line contour formula
may be a constraint but should include specific analysis as a potential constraint. This
Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element Page 6
analysis should also discuss story poles. The analysis should address impacts on
housing supply (number of units), cost, feasibility, timing and ability to achieve
maximum densities.
In addition, the Town does not contain any provisions for development on sites less
than one acre, severely impacting housing choices since Town incorporation (p. 112)
and there are no multifamily units in the Town. Essentially, there is a lack of a variety of
minimum lot sizes and allowable densities. The lack of a variety of lot sizes and
densities can impact housing supply, choices and affordability. As a result, the element
should include analysis of the impacts of a large lot land use pattern and include
programs as appropriate such as establish zoning for a variety of lot sizes and densities
regardless of RHNA. These programs should further commit to appropriate
development standards to facilitate intended densities.
Finally, the element lists various standards to implement Government Code sections
65852.21 and 66411.7 (SB 9) but should also analyze those standards, compliance with
the law and add or modify programs as appropriate to comply with state law.
Fees and Exaction: The element lists total development fees for single-family and
multifamily development but should also list the various fees that comprise the total fees
per unit. For example, the element should list and evaluate the various impact fees per
unit for impacts on housing cost.
Processing and Permit Procedures: While the element generally describes processing
and permitting procedures, it must still list and evaluate the site development permit and
design review, including typical approval findings, typical number of hearings if
applicable, and timing and then evaluate impacts on housing supply, cost, feasibility and
approval certainty.
Constraints on Housing for Persons with Disabilities: The element concludes the Town
has a definition of family that does pose a constraint to housing for persons with
disabilities. However, the element should evaluate its potential impacts, including
impacts on unrelated persons. For example, the element could explain the application of
provisions such as “close social or economic or psychological commitments to each
other” and whether that impacts unrelated persons.
On/Off-Site Improvements: The element generally describes some on-site
improvements but identify the actual standards and any off-site improvements applied to
typical development then analyze impacts on housing costs and add or modify
programs if appropriate.
Codes and Enforcement: The element explains that code enforcement is generally
reactive in response to complaints but should also discuss which building code is
utilized (e.g., 2022) and identify and analyze any local amendments for impacts on
housing costs.
Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element Page 7
Other Local Ordinances: The element must analyze any locally adopted ordinances that
directly impacts the cost and supply or residential development (e.g., inclusionary
requirements, short term rentals, growth controls).
5. An analysis of potential and actual nongovernmental constraints upon the maintenance,
improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including… …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... (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (a)(6).)
Approval Times: The element must identify the length of time between receiving
approval for housing development and submittal of application for building permits and
discuss any hindrances on construction.
C. Housing Programs
1. 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 Government Code 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 Finding B3, 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 Town may need to add or revise
programs to address an additional shortfall of sites or zoning available to encourage a
variety of housing types. Additionally, the element should be revised as follows:
• Shortfall of Sites: The element describes a shortfall of sites and indicates
rezoning will occur to accommodate the RHNA. While the element includes
Program A-1 (Availability of Adequate Sites for New Housing to meet the RHNA),
it must specifically commit to acreage, allowable densities, appropriate
development standards, anticipated units and meet all requirements pursuant to
Government Code section 65583.2, subdivisions (h) and (i).
• Program A-3 (Town-owned Sites): The Program should go beyond reviewing
sites and commit to identify sites, including a schedule of actions to facilitate
development, compliance with the Surplus Land Act and numerical objectives.
• Program E-2 (Emergency Shelters): The Program should specifically commit to
remove or modify development standards or identify an additional zone based on
a complete analysis as described in Finding B3.
Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element Page 8
• Program E-4 (Transitional and Supportive Housing): The Program commits to
amend zoning to comply with AB 2162 (By-right Permanent Supportive Housing)
but should also specifically commit to permit transitional and supportive housing
as a residential use in all zones allowing residential uses and only subject to
those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the
same zone. These requirements are separate and in addition to AB 2162.
• Program E-9 (Single Room Occupancy (SRO)): The Program should explore and
establish additional zoning opportunities given the lack of results in the prior
planning period.
• Future Zones: The element should commit to allow uses as appropriate in any
future zones, including in the multifamily zones or other zones that may be
created as a result of a complete analysis of zoning for a variety of housing
types. For example, future zoning may need to incorporate transitional and
supportive housing and ADUs.
2. 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).)
The element must include a program to assist in the development of adequate housing
to meet the needs of lower and moderate-income households, including ELI and special
needs households. These actions should be significant and specific, given the lack of
implementation and results in the prior planning periods. Examples of actions include
proactive an annual outreach to developers of affordable housing, assisting with
funding, supporting funding applications, land acquisition, priority processing, fee
waivers, concessions and incentives beyond State Density Bonus Law, assistance with
infrastructure and site improvements and monitoring and adjustment at least annually.
3. 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... (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(3).)
As noted in Findings B4 and B5, the element requires a complete analysis of potential
governmental constraints. Depending upon the results of that analysis, the Town may
need to revise or add programs and address and remove or mitigate any identified
constraints.
4. 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... (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(5).)
As noted in Finding B1, the element must include a complete analysis of AFFH. The
element must be revised to add goals and actions based on the outcomes of a complete
analysis. Goals and actions must specifically respond to the analysis and to the
identified and prioritized contributing factors to fair housing issues and must be
significant and meaningful enough to overcome identified patterns and trends.
Town of Los Altos Hills’ 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element Page 9
Actions must have specific commitment, discrete timing, geographic targeting and
metrics or numerical targets. Programs, as appropriate, must address housing mobility
enhancement, new housing choices and affordability in higher opportunity areas
(throughout the Town), place-based strategies for community preservation and
revitalization and displacement protection. For example, the element must add
significant and meaningful housing mobility and new housing choices and affordability
actions (not limited to the RHNA) to overcome the existing patterns in the Town related
to the broader region.
5. Develop a plan that incentivizes and promotes the creation of accessory dwelling units
that can be offered at affordable rent... (Gov. Code, § 65583, subd. (c)(7).)
While the element includes Program A-7 (ADU Tracking and Monitoring) to monitor
ADU production and affordability and adopt another ADU program, if necessary, the
Program should commit to rezoning if production and affordability is significantly not
meeting assumptions in the sites inventory.