HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-26 - AGENDA REPORTS - GP ANNUAL RPT (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Appro-,
Item to be presented
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: March 26, 2002
SUBJECT: General Plan Annual Reports
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Building Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council receive and file the fiscal year 1999-2000 and fiscal year 2000-01
General Plan annual reports.
The Planning Division has prepared the fiscal year 1999-2000 and fiscal year
2000-2001 Annual Reports on the Status of the General Plan. The attached
General Plan annual reports are provided for the City Council's information. The
purpose of these reports, which are required by State law, is to outline the
progress made during the past fiscal years and identify measures taken toward
implementation of the goals and policies within the City's General Plan.
During the 1999-2000 fiscal year, the City implemented the Land Use Element as
the City began working with the County on the preparation of a Valley -wide
General Plan. Also, staff continued working toward the implementation of the
North Valencia I Specific Plan. The City also prepared amendments to the Air
Quality and Noise Elements for consistency with the Circulation Element. The
City implemented the Parks and Recreation Element with the completion of
Phase I of Central Park and the Skate Park. Progress was also made toward
implementation of the Public Services, Facilities and Utilities Element as the
Golden Valley High School site was graded. The Circulation Element was
implemented with a variety of capital improvement projects, such as the Wiley
Canyon Realignment and the slurry seal and overlay program.
During the 2000-01 fiscal year, the draft Housing Element amendment was
prepared and routed to Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review.
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Implementation of the Land Use Element continued as the City is working with
the County on a joint General Plan. In addition, staff began the implementation
of the North Valencia II Specific Plan. The City implemented the Parks and
Recreation Element when Circle J Park was completed and opened. In addition,
the Circulation Element was implemented with a variety of capital improvement
projects, such as access ramp improvements, new sidewalks and flowline repair.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact
ATTACHMENTS
General Plan Annual Report fiscal year 1999-2000
General Plan Annual Report fiscal year 2000-2001
JJL:VPB:LH:WD:lep
pbs\advance\general plan reports\city council agenda report
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
FY 1999-2000 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
Introduction
Since its adoption on June 25, 1991, significant progress has been made on the
implementation of the City's General Plan. This report summarizes the planning activity for
the fiscal year 1999-2000 regarding the implementation of the City's General Plan in the
following areas: General Plan amendments;: major implementation accomplishments,
mandatory reporting requirements, growth management, mitigation monitoring and General
Plan legislation.
On July 14, 1992, the City Council adopted the General Plan Implementation Program. It
includes a list and description of established City programs (various strategic plans, the
Capital Improvement Plan, and the annual budget) that are available in the implementation
process. The Implementation Plan also includes a chapter devoted to each element within the
General Plan, which organizes the implementation of the various elements. Additionally, a
priority ranking has been established for each of seventy-seven implementation measures.
This priority ranking has received minor adjustments in response to the City Council's
direction to address the changing needs of the City and its residents. This approach is, in
turn, being used to budget the expenditures necessary to implement the General Plan. The
Implementation Program is an on-going process coordinated with and affected through the
City's capital improvement projects, on-going maintenance activities, permits and licensing
requirements, housing, growth management and legislative requirements.
The implementation of the General Plan is now in more of a'maintenance' mode as opposed
to a'formulating° mode in the earlier years where new programs and activities were designed
to implement the General Plan. Most of these items are now well established and executed
as routine procedure in the implementation of the General Plan.
The City of Santa Clarita periodically reviews its General Plan elements. The following
outlines the status of amendments to General Plan elements during the 1999-2000 fiscal year.
Noise Element
The City completed a Noise Element amendment during the 1999-2000 fiscal year. The
amendment was prepared to update the exhibits within the element to reflect the current
Circulation Element. The amendment included new exhibits for existing noise contours,
future noise contours, a Roadway Traffic Noise table and an inventory of existing and
proposed sensitive receptors.
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 2
Air Quality Element
The City completed an Air Quality amendment during the 1999-2000 fiscal year. The
amendment was prepared to update the exhibits within the element to reflect the current
Circulation Element. Included was an identification chart of Federal and State Ambient Air
Quality Standards, a Ambient Air Quality Summary, new exhibits for the Maximum Annual
One -Hour Average and Days Exceeding the State One -Hour Standard for ozone, new exhibits
for the Maximum 24 -Hour Average Concentration and Calculated Days Exceeding the State
24 -Hour Standard for PM10, a new exhibit for the Maximum One -Hour Standard Average
Concentration for Santa Clarita for Carbon Monoxide and a new Projection of Future Air
Quality Under the 1998 AQMP.
Housing Element
The City is currently preparing an update to the Housing Element update. Changes to the
Housing Element will include updates to housing policies, needs, quantified goals, constraints
and programs.
11. MAJOR IMPLEMENTATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A. Land Use Element
Joint City -County Planning
Land Use Policy No. 1.9 of the General Plan states that the City shall 'continue to pursue a
policy of cooperation with Los Angeles County" with the intent to "preserve the character of
the communities and the integrity of the Santa Clarita Valley." The primary and overriding
goals of this program continue to promote consistent and sound planning, and to enhance the
quality of life in both the incorporated and unincorporated parts of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Through County project monitoring, the City has become an effective liaison between Santa
Clarita Valley residents and the County. As such, public participation in the land use
planning and project approval process has been facilitated. During the 1999-2000 fiscal year,
the City commented on the following Los Angeles County projects: Transit Mixed Concrete
(a 24 hour mining operation); Dr. Lobs (single-family residential subdivision); Urbandale (a
residential subdivision); Copperhill (residential subdivision); and the Newhall Ranch Specific
Plan.
Also pursuing Land Use Policy 1.9, the City and County began working together in the 1999-
2000 fiscal year on the preparation of a joint Valleywide General Plan. The document titled
One Valley One Vision, allows for a shared vision as to how this Valley should and will evolve
over the next 20 years as it deals with issues such as new construction, infrastructure needs,
transit services and recreation amenities. Completion of this project will result in one general
planning document for the entire Santa ClaritaValley that reflects existing conditions, likely
trends and principles that will define how the Santa Clarita Valley will prepare for and
respond to area increases in population and development over the next 20 years.
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 3
Redevelopment
A redevelopment plan was adopted by the City Council in July 1997. The
Council/Redevelopment Agency appointed a redevelopment committee to make
recommendations to the Agency on redevelopment matters. During the 1999-2000 fiscal year,
the Redevelopment Agency generated $129,185 in tax increment from the County. Due to the
lack of sufficient tax increment, the City has not undertaken affordable housing programs
within the redevelopment area using set-aside funds at this time.
Several major development projects were begun or completed in the redevelopment area in
FY 2000-01:
1. City Events
The Newhall area merchants successfully supported four events within the downtown
area in FY 99-00; the Newhall Street Fair, Festival of Holidays, the Fourth of July
Parade and the Walk of Western Stars. These events attracted spectators and
participants that normally do not patronize the downtown Newhall area. This is
consistent with Economic Development/Community Revitalization Policy 1.5 to "assist
in the development and promotion of amusement, entertainment, filming and the arts
as a theme for the Planning Area to create a positive identity and enhance tourist and
business opportunities to bring revenues to the City."
2. Strategic Plan
The Newhall Redevelopment Committee developed a three-year Strategic Plan to give
direction and priority to the accomplishment of specific action items toward the
revitalization of Newhall. The Strategic Plan implements Policy 7.1 of the Economic
Development/Community Revitalization Element "to promote revitalization for the
City's long-term economic stability." In addition, Goal 8 of the Economic
Development/Community Revitalization Element requires the City to "identify
programs, plans and mechanisms necessary to implement a
Redevelopment/Revitalization Program."
3. Old Town Newhall Association
During FY 1999-2000, the City formed a new merchants association, the Old Town
Newhall Association. Funding was put in place to hire a part-time staff position to
support the efforts of this association. The merchant association is modeled after the
Main Street Program, which is a national program aimed at revitalizing older
commercial/retail areas. This association is consistent with the General Plan Goal 3 of
the Economic Development/Community Revitalization as a "establishment of
public/private bodies that will facilitate the implementation of the economic
development policies of the General Plan."
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 4
4. Downtown Newhall Facade Screenine Proeram
The Redevelopment Agency continued its sponsorship of the downtown fagade screening
program. The program has been a complement to the implementation of the City's Sign
Ordinance. The program assisted with funds under the fagade program and helped to
improve the signage throughout the Newhall Redevelopment area. During this fiscal
year, seven fagade improvements were completed.
B. Circulation Element
The City's Circulation element calls for the extension of Golden Valley Road. As a primary
arterial, the roadway will be six lanes. The project includes three phases, two of which the
City will complete and one of which will be completed by a developer of a neighboring
business park. Phase 1 of the project, whichlies between Sierra Highway and the future Via
Princessa, will begin during the 1999-2000 fiscal year and is anticipated to be completed in
the 2001-02 fiscal year along with Phase II and Phase III. The road will ultimately run
between Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon Road with a bridge over Soledad Canyon Road.
The bridge is anticipated for 2002-2003. Golden Valley Road is part of the City's cross -valley
connector that will ultimately provide and east -west link between Interstate 5 and State
Route 14 through the center of the City.
Capital Improvement Projects
The first phase of the widening of Wiley Canyon Road was completed during this fiscal year.
The road was realigned and widened between Fourl Avenue and Wabuska Street. In order
to accommodate this major realignment, a large gravity crib wall was constructed to support
the adjacent hillside. The completed road served to make commuting on this major route
easier and safer. Future phases will be completed, along with adjacent land developments.
Several traffic signal projects were completed to provide smooth and safe traffic flow
throughout the City. These projects, as well as signal interconnect projects, were completed
on major roads, including, Lyons Avenue, Bouquet Canyon Road and Decoro Drive.
City staff also completed several annual maintenance projects intended to extend the life of
all City roadways, major and residential. Overlay and slurry projects were completed in
various areas of the City, as well as the repair of concrete flow lines and sidewalks.
C. Housing Element
Affordable Housing
A City housing policy was initiated in 1995. Several programs have been implemented since
then, with the goals of assisting residents in finding affordable housing, furthering home
ownership and preserving existing housing stock. Programs administered in FY 1999-2000
are:
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 5
1. Mortgage Credit Certificate Program
This is a program where qualified applicants may seek assistance as first time
homebuyers. It is administered through Los Angeles County. One household in the
City of Santa Clarita was assisted in FY 1999-2000.
2. Handy Worker Program
This program provides funds for minor home repairs to owner and renter occupied
single-family homes within the City. Approximately 138 new recipients were served
with a total appropriation of $180,000 in FY 1999-2000.
3. Emergency Homeless Shelter
The City provided a location, utilities and a $10,000 grant of General Fund monies
toward other operating expenses of an emergency homeless shelter in the City's Sports
Complex located in Canyon Country in FY 1999-2000. The City also participated in
other fundraising efforts of the non-profit group that operates the emergency homeless
shelter. This shelter is open approximately half the year during the winter months and
aids approximately 90 people throughout the winter. The City is presently assisting the
non-profit group in their efforts to find a permanent location for a •homeless shelter in
Santa Clarita.
4. FreshRate Program
This is the second year the City has participated in this program. FreshRate provides
101% financing for first-time homebuyers with incomes up to 120% of area median
income. The intent of this program is to provide a second 4% loan to provide a down
payment in coordination with 97% financing. This program assists homebuyers who do
not have enough money for a down payment but do have sufficient income to make
monthly payments. One of the drawbacks of this program is that the first loan is offered
at a higher interest rate. No households were assisted this last year, however, the
program is still available.
5. Senior Housing Advocate
The City of Santa Clarita continues to provide funding to the Newhall Senior Center to
advocate for senior housing and provide counseling for seniors on housing issues. The
City allocated $48,000 for these housing services for seniors in FY 1999-2000.
6. Peer Counseling for Single Head of Households
The City of Santa Clarita allocated funds toward assisting Debbie Quick in providing
peer counseling -resource management information to assist single head of households.
The City allocated $10,000 for these services in FY 1999-2000.
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 6
San Fernando Road Service Center
The City of Santa Clarita allocated $31,000 to the Service Center in FY 1999-2000.
Among other responsibilities, the Service Center provides 36 one night vouchers per
year at local hotels.
8. Fair Housing Services
The City of Santa Clarita contracts with the San Fernando Valley Fair Housing Council
to help those households who have housing discrimination complaints. The City
allocates $15,000 per year for these services. The complaints received from City
residents result in approximately 5-6 active case files per year.
9. Affordable Housing Brochure
An Affordable Housing Brochure is published by the City and provides information on
affordable housing units and services provided in the City. This brochure includes
referrals to other agencies.
D. Public Services, Facilities and Utilities
Five school districts exist within the Santa Clarita Valley including four elementary school
districts and one high school district. The Public Services, Facilities and Utilities Element
of the General Plan states in Policy 1.18 to "work and cooperate with school district,
developers and the County to ensure appropriate means to facilitate the development of
school facilities to accommodate growth and ensure that the school districts can meet future
needs. The Golden Valley High School site was graded this fiscal year. The William S. Hart
Union High School District is anticipating development of this new high school for FY 2002-
03.
E. Community Design Element
The City has been working on preparing a Citywide Beautification Master Plan. The
proposal was first initiated in 1998 by the City Council. The scope of the project includes
identifying beautification treatments for primary corridors throughout the City, identifying
a theme for the City of Santa Clarita along with identification of individual communities. The
City has contracted with RRM design group to conduct the needs analysis, public outreach
process and prepare the final document. The document is anticipated to be approved in the
2001-2002 fiscal year. The master plan will include design guidelines for the following:
♦ Freeway on/off ramps
♦ Medians
♦ Street signs
♦ Street lights
*Bus benches
♦Bus stops
♦ Street trees
♦ City entry signs
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 7
♦ Pavement treatments at intersections
F. Parks and Recreation Element
Goal 1 of the Parks and Recreation Element of the City of Santa Clarita General Plan states
that the City should "provide, develop, and maintain parks with quality recreational facilities
dispersed throughout the area." Phase 1 of Central Park was constructed during this fiscal
year. The park offers numerous amenities, including lighted sports fields. Other phases for
Central Park are planned in future years and the design for these phases are underway.
Goal 8 of the Parks and Recreation Element of the General Plan states "To develop
community centers which provide multiple -use opportunities for the residents of the planning
area or community and City-wide parks and other such locations deemed appropriate."
During the 1998-99 fiscal year, the City approved a master plan for a five -phase Sports
Complex. The first and second phase, a gymnasium that offers youth and adult sports
activities, and a skate park was completed during this fiscal year. The next phase, the
activity center, will be started in the 2000-01 fiscal year and the last two phases (the aquatics
center and site buildout) are anticipated for completion by the 2002-03 fiscal year.
Additional General Plan Accomplishments
1. Specific Plans
The City's second specific plan, the North Valencia I Specific Plan, was completed in
1997. Implementation of NVI began in the 1998-99 fiscal year. It comprises
approximately 1.3 square miles and will result in approximately 1,600 single and multi-
family housing units. This is a major implementation accomplishment in that several
land use policies call for the use of a specific plan as a planning tool. The North
Valencia Specific Plan area includes a 16 -acre elementary school which will be within
the Saugus School District. Development of this school site will fulfill the institutional
needs and policies of the Land Use Element of the General Plan. Provisions for
infrastructure expansion including roadway improvements and an additional
elementary school is consistent with General Plan policies to ensure that public facilities
are expanded to meet the needs of new development.
The development of two pedestrian bridges over two different major roadways were
constructed which were incorporated in a multi-purpose bicyclelpedestrian river trail
and paseo system throughout the Bridgeport community which is consistent with one
of the Circulation Element polices. Acquisition of a 16 -acre portion of the Santa Clara
River for a park site, which is consistent with the policies of the Parks and Recreation
Element, will be completed in 2000-01. This open space area is planned to incorporate
a system of trails for public use.
The development of two major shopping centers within the community of Bridgeport will
serve the local and regional population. Companies such as Lowes and Vons will be the
major core of the commercial shopping centers. These developments are also consistent
with the policies in the City's Land Use Element. ,
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 8
Implementation of the North Valencia No. 1 Specific Plan should be completed by the
end of the 2002-03 fiscal year.
The North Valencia No. 2 Specific Plan and annexation will be completed in the 2000-01
fiscal year and implementation is set to begin in 2000-01. The specific plan covers
approximately 596 gross acres of land. The implementation of the specific plan is
supported by several goals outlined in the City's General Plan. Roadway improvements
within this area include the extension of Copperhill Road to Interstate 5 that will
improve circulation through the northern portion of the City. The specific plan will
provide approximately 1,400 single and 500 multi -family housing units. In addition,
two major shopping centers will provide additional commercial services for new and
existing residents in the area. Parks and recreation facilities will include a 17 -acre
community park, open space along the San Francisquito Creek, trails and a trailhead
facility.
2. Annexations
During the past year no annexations occurred, however, the City is preparing to submit
to LAFCO for the following annexation areas: Towsley Canyon, Golden Valley Ranch
and Wes Thompson Ranch for FY 2000-01.
3. Sphere of Influence
The City of Santa Clarita is preparing to submit to LAFCO for a sphere of influence. The
City is anticipating LAFCO's decision during the 2000-01 fiscal year.
M. MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Although the state law requiring the annual report on the General Plan is very general and
does not dictate a particular format or a precise list of contents, the following two subjects,
Regional Housing Share and Removal of Constraints, both pertain to the Housing Element
and must be addressed.
A. Regional Housing Share
The following section pertains to housing requirements set forth by the state, that are driven
by housing needs information determined by the local Council of Governments (COG). State
law requires that every five years, the housing needs determination, entitled Regional
Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) must be updated. SCAG is in the process of preparing
the RHNA which will become the basis for the updates to the Housing Element due to HCD
by July 1, 2000. The City of Santa Clarita is participating in SCAG's RHNA process as part
of the North Los Angeles County sub -region.
The data below represents the 1989 update because the 1995-2005 Regional Housing Needs
Assessment for the SCAG region had not been adopted as of June 30, 2000.
State Housing Element law requires that cities receive a determination through the local
council of governments of what each city's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is.
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 9
In 1989, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) last provided the City
of Santa Clarita with this determination. As of 1989, according to the City's R.HNA, a total
of 6,401 housing units should have been built to accommodate anticipated growth from 1989
through June 30, 1994. The latter was to serve as a benchmark date, since it represented the
date by which cities and counties in the SCAG region were originally required to update their
housing elements. The 6,401 units were further divided into the four different income
categories shown below:
1. Regional Housing Needs Assessment
Existing Future Percentage
Income Level Need No. Need No. Distribution
Very Low (0-50% of County median income) 3,087
1,031
16.1
Low (50-80% of County median income) 1,285
531
8.3
Moderate (80-120% of County median income) ---
992
15.5
High (over 120% of County median income) ---
33.847
60.1
6,401
100.0
(Source: Southern California Association of Governments, 1989)
B. Removal of Constraints
Potential constraints are discussed in State Housing Element law, and include both
governmental and non-governmental constraints. Examples of governmental constraints may
include overly strict or unwieldy development ordinances, high fees and exactions, and slow
permit processing. Provisions addressed in the Unified Development Code (UDC) that are
intended to reduce constraints include: density bonuses, joint living and working quarters,
and home occupations. Non-governmental constraints include the availability of land, the
marketplace, community and the economy. The City has continued to use these provisions
since the adoption of the UDC in 1992.
The City has an ordinance that regulates the affordability of mobilehome parks. The
ordinance permits yearly increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The ordinance
also regulates the percentage increase for mobilehomes vacated by sale. These regulations
protect affordable housing for mobilehome parks.
IV. SUMMARY OF INFRASTUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
The General Plan is structured around the philosophy of "pay as you go" to help ensure that
adequate infrastructure is provided along with new development. The following is a list of
infrastructure improvements, made within the FY 1999-2000 and is indicative of the level of
attention being given to improving the local infrastructure:
1. Public Works- Traffic Improvements
ANNUAL PROGRAMS
a. Access ramp improvements
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 10
b. Sidewalk replacement
c. Street slurry seal and overlay program
d. Street light installation
e. Stormdrain repair and retrofit
f. Landscape Maintenance Districts
a. Orchard Village Road Signal Interconnect
b. Soledad Canyon Road Signal Interconnect Phase I
c. Placerita Canyon Backbone Sewer Study
d. Camp Plenty Road Improvements at Calla Way
e. West Newhall Phase III- curbs and gutter (CDBG project)
f. Wiley Canyon Road Realignment
g. Vermont Drive/Everett Drive Improvements
2. Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
a. Central Park Phase I
b. Sports Complex Phase I, Gymnasium
c. Santa Clarita Skate Park
d. Creek Park Improvements
e. Median Landscaping Program
3. Transit Improvements
a. Newhall Metrolink Station
b. Town Center Traffic Improvements
c. Via Princessa Metrolink Station Improvements
V. GENERAL PLAN MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM
Monitoring of all mitigation measures identified in an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
and in a mitigated negative declaration is required by the California Public Resources Code.
The Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP) prepared for the General Plan EIR brings
together all mitigation measures (largely developed as goals and policies) identified for each
environmental issue analyzed in the EIR, identifies implementation measures and sets
timelines. This annual report on the General Plan and policy implementation, required by
state law, is one of six items required by the Mitigation Monitoring Program. The City's
progress is as follows:
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 11
A. General Plan Annual Report
Preparation of this report serves as a reminder of the implementation obligations.
B. Report on Housing Element Program Implementation
In the Housing Element, unlike the other General Plan Elements, there are programs,
rather than implementation measures. A total of 43 programs are listed that are
available to the City to implement the Housing Element. To date, progress has been made
in utilizing 20 of the 43 programs as follows:
a. Existing Needs Prioritization
b. Mixed Use
c. Land Use Data Base
d. Increasing Affordable Programs - Density Bonus
e. Special Needs Prioritizing
f. Specific Plan and Planned Development
g. Recycling and Composting
h. Enforcement of Conditions of Approval
i. Balance Employment with Housing
j. Rental Rehabilitation
k. Public Facilities Funding'
1. Density Bonuses Site Accessibility
m. Code Enforcement
n. Rehabilitation Loans
o. HUD Program - Section 8
p. HUD Program - California Development Block Grant
q. Manufactured Housing
r. Emergency Housing
s. Emergency Repair Grants
t. Site Design with Low Water Use
C. Coordination with Special Districts, County and Regional Governmental
Agencies to Ensure Balance of Development with Provision of Services and
Compliance with Regional Transportation and Air Quality Goals
The following activities are ongoing:
1. Each new development application is circulated for review by approximately 30
agencies to determine the effects on service providers and infrastructure capacity.
2. Joint City -County fire facility fees are reviewed and revised annually.
3. The City is continuing its participation in the Santa Clara River Watershed
Management Plan with numerous other agencies to inventory and develop
management plans for the entire Santa Clara River watershed.
4. The City continues to work with the Southern California Association of Governments
General Plan Annual Report FY 99-00
Page 12
(SCAG). This action will promote regional interaction between the Santa Clarita
Valley.
5. The programs mentioned under Joint City/County Planning also involved SCAG as
either a funding, or participating party.
6. The City regularly provides comments to the Sanitation Districts that serve the Santa
Clarita Valley to ensure that accurate information is provided to the District and that
the City Council is aware of the Districts' agendas.
D. Infrastructure Improvements and the Capital Improvement Program
Certain infrastructure improvements are required as mitigation measures, including
compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations.
Where cooperation with the County is involved to complete these improvements, the
Mitigation Monitoring. and Reporting Program (MMRP) requires that these items be
incorporated into the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). During the past years, the City
has increased staffing to comply with implementation requirements of the National Pollution
Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES). This will help the City implement the General
Plan requirement for a City-wide drainage master plan and meet requirements set forth in
the new NPDES permit set for adoption in 2001.
VI. GENERAL. PLAN LEGISLATION
To keep current with general plan requirements, the City must annually review new
legislation affecting general plans. The City Attorney notifies the Planning Division of new
legislation to ensure compliance with state planning laws.
s:\pbs\wendy\annual report info\gpannualrpt
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
FY 2000-2001 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT
Introduction
Since its adoption on June 25, 1991, significant progress has been made on the implementation
of the City's General Plan. This report summarizes the planning activity for the fiscal year
2000-01 regarding the implementation of the City's General Plan in the following areas:
General Plan amendments, major implementation accomplishments, mandatory reporting
requirements, growth management, mitigation monitoring and General Plan legislation.
On July 14, 1992, the City Council adopted the General Plan Implementation Program. It
includes a list and description of established City programs (various strategic plans, the Capital
Improvement Plan, and the annual budget) that are available in the implementation process.
The Implementation Plan also includes a chapter devoted to each element within the General
Plan that organizes the implementation of the various elements. Additionally, a priority
ranking has been established for each of seventy-seven implementation measures. This priority
ranking has received minor adjustments in response to the City Council's direction to address
the changing needs of the City and its residents. This approach is, in turn, being used to budget
the expenditures necessary to implement the General Plan. The Implementation Program is
an on-going process coordinated with and affected through the City's capital improvement
projects, on-going maintenance activities, permits and licensing requirements, housing, growth
management and legislative requirements.
The implementation of the General Plan is now in more of a maintenance mode as opposed to
a formulating mode in the earlier years where new programs and activities were designed to
implement the General Plan. Most of these items are now well established and executed as
routine procedure in the implementation of the General Plan.
I. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS
The City of Santa Clarita periodically reviews its general plan elements. The following outlines
the status of amendments to General Plan elements during FY 2000-01.
Housing Element
The draft Housing Element was completed in November 2000 and sent to California Housing
and Community Development (HCD) for review. Comments were received back in May 2001
and the City is currently making the necessary modifications to the element, based on this
feedback. The element will be reviewed by the City Council in the 2001-02 fiscal year and then
provided to HCD for their review and certification. Some of the general modifications include
further detailing our Housing programs, specifically adding five year objectives, addressing
large family affordable housing, establishing a program to inventory land suitable for
residential development and further identifying of the governmental constraints on attaining
affordable housing.
H. MAJOR IMPLEMENTATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A. Land Use Element
Schools
The Golden Valley High School site was graded and development is anticipated for the 2002-03
fiscal year and the William S. Hart Union High School District is planning for the high school
to open in 2003.
Joint City -County Planning
Land Use Policy No. 1.9 of the General Plan states that the City shall "continue to pursue a
policy of cooperation with Los Angeles County" with the intent to "preserve the character of the
communities and the integrity of the Santa Clarita Valley." The primary and overriding goals
of this program continue to promote consistent and sound planning, and enhance the quality
of life in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the Santa Clarita Valley. Through
County project monitoring, the City has become an effective liaison between Santa Clarita
Valley residents and the County. As such, public participation in the land use planning and
project approval process has been facilitated. During the 2000-01 fiscal year the City
commented on the following L.A. County projects: Transit Mixed Concrete (mega -mining
operation adjacent to Angeles National Forest and Santa Clara River), Westridge (1,646
residential units and 400,000 square feet of commercial), West Creek (2,545 residential units
and 180,000 square feet of commercial), and Newhall Ranch Specific Plan (21,670 residential
units with commercial and industrial development).
Also pursuing Land Use Policy 1.9, the City and County began working together in the 1999-
2000 fiscal year on the preparation of a Joint Valley -wide General Plan. This multi-year project
titled One Valley One Vision, allows for a shared vision as to how this Valley should and will
evolve over the next 20 years as it deals with subjects such as new construction, infrastructure
needs, transit services and recreation amenities. Over the past year, the City and County have
conducted "visioning" workshops to gather input from the public on goals and objectives for the
Santa Clarita Valley -wide General Plan. Completion of this project will result in one general
planning document for this entire Valley that reflects existing conditions, likely trends, and
principles that will define how the Valley will prepare for and respond to area increases in
population and development over the next 20 years.
B. Circulation Element
The City's Circulation Element calls for the extension of Golden Valley Road. As a primary
arterial, the roadway will be six lanes. The project includes three phases, two of which the City
will complete and one of which will be completed by a developer of a neighboring business park.
Phase I of the project, which lies between Sierra Highway and the future Via Princessa, has
been graded and completion is anticipated to be completed in the 2001-02 fiscal year. Phase
II of the project is anticipated to be graded and improved in the 2001-02 fiscal year along with
Phase III. The road will ultimately connect State Route 14 to Soledad Canyon Road via a grade
separated interchange. In the future, the road will cross the Santa Clara River and extend
toward Newhall Ranch Road to help create a new Cross Valley Connector.
C. Housing Element
Affordable Housing
A City housing policy was initiated in 1995. Several programs have been implemented since
then, with the goals of assisting residents in finding affordable housing, furthering home
ownership and preserving existing housing stock. Programs administered in FY 2000-01 are:
1. Mortgage Credit Certificate Program
This is a program where qualified applicants may seek assistance as first time home
buyers. It is administered through Los Angeles County. Approximately seven Santa
Clarita households were assisted in FY 2000-01.
2. Handy Worker Program
This program provides funds for minor home repairs to owner and renter occupied single-
family homes within the City. Approximately 123 new recipients were served with a total
appropriation of $180,000.
3. Emergency Homeless Shelter
The City provided a location, utilities and a $10,000 grant of General Fund monies toward
operating expenses of an emergency homeless shelter in the City's Sports Complex located
in Canyon Country. The City also facilitated in other fundraising efforts of the non-profit
group that operates the emergency homeless shelter. This shelter is open approximately
half the year during the winter months and aids approximately 20 people on an average
winter night. The City is presently assisting the non-profit group in their efforts to find
a permanent location for a homeless shelter in Santa Clarita.
4. FreshRate Program
This is the first year the City has participated in this program. FreshRate provides 101%
financing for first-time homebuyers with incomes up to 120% of area median income. The
intent of this program is to provide a second 4% loan to provide a down payment in
coordination with 97% financing. This program assists homebuyers who do not have
enough money for a down payment but do have sufficient income to make monthly
payments. One of the drawbacks of this program is that the first loan is offered at a
higher interest rate. No assistance was granted this fiscal year.
5. Senior Housing Advocate
The City of Santa Clarita continues to provide funding to the Newhall Senior Center to
advocate for senior housing and provide counseling for seniors on housing issues. The
City allocated $48,000 for these housing services for seniors in FY 2000-01.
6. Peer Counseling for Single Head of Households
The City of Santa Clarita allocated $19,950 toward assisting Debbie Quick in providing
peer counseling -resource management information to assist single head of households.
San Fernando Road Service Center
The City of Santa Clarita allocated $31,000 to the Service Center in FY 2000-01. Among
other responsibilities, the Service Center provides one night vouchers at local hotels. This
fiscal year the Service Center provided 36 vouchers.
8. Fair Housing Services
The City of Santa Clarita contracts with the San Fernando Valley Fair Housing Council
to help those households who have housing discrimination complaints. The City allocates
$15,000 per year for these services. The complaints received from City residents result
in 5-6 active case files per year.
9. Affordable Housing Brochure
An Affordable Housing Brochure is published by the City and provides information on
affordable housing units and services provided in the City. This brochure includes
referrals to other agencies.
E. Community Design Element
The City has been working on preparing a Citywide Beautification Master Plan. The proposal
was first initiated in 1998 by a council member who recommended clean up of the on and off
ramps along the freeways. The proposal grew into identifying beautification treatments for
primary corridors throughout the City, identifying a theme for the City of Santa Clarita along
with identification of individual communities. Staff and RRM Design Group met with the
various community groups, conducted photo surveys and a draft master plan has been
prepared. Staff will be taking this version of the document before the various community
groups for review and comments. The Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning
Commission in the 2001-2002 fiscal year will review the document. Approval of the document
by the City Council is anticipated for the 2001-02 fiscal year. The master plan will include
design standards for the following features:
♦ Freeway on/off ramps
♦ Medians
♦Street signs
♦ Street lights
♦Bus benches
♦Bus stops
♦ Street trees
♦ City entry signs
♦ Pavement treatments at intersections
Redevelopment
A redevelopment plan was adopted by the City Council in July 1997: The
Council/Redevelopment Agency appointed a redevelopment committee to make
recommendations to the Agency on redevelopment matters. During this fiscal year, the
Redevelopment Agency generated $437,938 in tax increment from Los Angeles County.
The following occurred in the redevelopment area in FY 2000-2001:
1. City Events
The Newhall area merchants successfully supported four events within the downtown
area last year: the Newhall Street Fair; Festival of Holidays; the Fourth of July Parade;
and the Walk of Western Stars. These events attracted spectators and participants that
normally do not patronize the downtown Newhall area.
D. Additional General Plan Accomplishments
1. Specific Plans
The City's second specific plan, the North Valencia Specific Plan, was completed in 1997
and began implementation in 1998-99. It comprises approximately 1.3 square miles and
the improvements associated with the construction of the North Valencia Specific Plan
area include: expansion of Newhall Ranch Road into an eight -lane major highway;
expansion of McBean Parkway to an eight -lane facility through the Specific Plan area;
expansion of portions of Bouquet Canyon Road into an eight -lane facility; the dedication
of 65 acres of river open space; construction of five miles of river trail; and the start of a
new community park on Newhall Ranch Road. The North Valencia Specific Plan area
included a site for an elementary school which is presently under construction by the
Saugus School District. Provisions for infrastructure expansion including roadway
improvements and an additional school is consistent with General Plan policies to ensure
that public facilities are expanded to serve the needs of new developments.
Two pedestrian bridges over two different major roadways were constructed within North
Valencia I Specific Plan area. These pedestrian bridges are a link up to the paseo system
throughout the community of Valencia. This multi-purpose bicycle/pedestrian river trail
throughout the Bridgeport community is consistent with policies outlined within the
Circulation Element.
The current construction of Bridgeport Elementary School that will be completed in the
2002-03 fiscal year also accomplishes the institutional needs and policies of the Land Use
Element of the General Plan.
Two major shopping centers, including Lowe's and The Promenade Town Center, were
developed within the community of Bridgeport. These shopping centers will serve both
local and regional areas and are also consistent with the policies in the City's Land Use
Element. In addition, the development of 800 apartments will be completed shortly which
are located adjacent to these commercial corridors and major roadways systems that are
consistent with the policies of the Land Use Element.
The North Valencia No. 2 Specific Plan and annexation was completed in 2000 and
implementation is set to begin in the 2001-02 fiscal year. The specific plan covers
approximately 596 gross acres of land. The implementation of the specific plan is
supported by several goals outlined in the City's General Plan. Roadway improvements
within this area include the extension of Copperhill Road to Interstate 5 that will improve
the circulation through the northern portion of the City.
2. Sphere of Influence
During the 2000-01 fiscal year, LAFCO approved a modified sphere of influence for the
City of Santa Clarita. The approved sphere extends to the Angeles National Forest to the
north, State Route 14 to the east and south, and follows the City boundary to the west.
M. MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Although the state law requiring the annual report on the General Plan is very general and
does not dictate a particular format or a precise list of contents, the following two subjects,
Regional Housing Share and Removal of Constraints, both pertain to the Housing Element and
must be addressed.
A. Regional Housing Share
The following section pertains to housing requirements set forth by the state, that are driven
by housing needs information determined by the local Council of Governments (COG). Last
year the state legislature provided funding to the Southern California Association of
Governments (SLAG) for the identification of regional housing needs. State law requires that
every five years, the housing needs determination, entitled Regional Housing Needs
Assessment (RHNA) must be updated. SCAG is in the process of preparing the RHNA that will
become the basis for the updates to the Housing Element due to HCD by July 1, 2000. The City
of Santa Clarita is participating in SCAG's RHNA process as part of the North Los Angeles
County sub -region.
The data below represents the 1989 update because the 1998-2005 Regional Housing Needs
Assessment for the SCAG region had not been adopted as of June 30, 1999.
State Housing Element law requires that cities receive a determination through the local
council of governments of what each city's RHNA. In 1989, the (SCAG) last provided the City
of Santa Clarita with this determination. As of 1989, according to the City's RHNA, a total of
6,401 housing units should have been built to accommodate anticipated growth from 1989
through June 30, 1994. The latter was to serve as a benchmark date, since it represented the
date by which cities and counties in the SCAG region were originally required to update their
Housing Elements. The 6,401 units were further divided into the four different income
categories shown.
Income Level
1. Repional Housing Needs Assessment
Existing Future Percentage
Need No. Need No. Distribution
Very Low (0-50% of county median income)3,087
1,031
16.1
Low (50-80% of county median income) 1,285
531
8.3
Moderate (80-120% of county median income) ---
992
15.5
High (over 120% of county median income) ---
33.847
60.1
6,401
100.0
(Source: Southern California Association of Governments,
1989)
B. Removal of Constraints
Potential constraints are discussed in State Housing Element law, and include both
governmental and non-governmental constraints. Examples of governmental constraints may
include overly strict or unwieldy development ordinances, high fees and exactions, and slow
permit processing. Provisions addressed in the UDC that are intended to reduce constraints
include: density bonuses, joint living and working quarters, and home occupations. Non-
governmental constraints include the availability of land, the marketplace, community and the
economy. The City has continued to use these provisions since the adoption of the UDC in
1992.
The City has an ordinance that regulates the affordability of mobilehome parks. The ordinance
permits yearly increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The ordinance also
regulates the percentage increase for mobilehomes vacated by sale. These regulations protect
affordable housing for mobilehome parks.
During the past year, a project for the development of a 200 unit affordable senior housing
project within the community of Canyon Country was submitted to the Department of Planning
and Building Services for review. The project included a zone change and General Plan
amendment and will be reviewed by City Council in the 2001-02 fiscal year. The project will
provide 200 units of low-income senior housing.
IV. SUMMARY OF INFRASTUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
The General Plan is structured around the philosophy of "pay as you go" to help ensure that
adequate infrastructure is provided along with new development. The following is a list of
infrastructure improvements, made within the past year and is indicative of the level of
attention being given to improving the local infrastructure:
1. Public Works - Traffic Improvements
ANNUALPROGRAMS
a. Access ramp improvements
b. Sidewalk replacement
c. Street slurry seal and overlay program
d. Traffic signal installation
e. Flowline repair
f. Landscape Maintenance Districts
g. Median modification program
h. New sidewalk construction
MAJOR PROJECTS
a. Pedestrian access to bus stops (three new traffic signals on Soledad Canyon Road and
concrete/sidewalk improvements to allow for access to new bus stops)
b. Median landscape projects on Bouquet Canyon Road between Alamagordo and
Centurion, and on Soldead Canyon Road between Galeton and Miss Grace
c. Bouquet Canyon Road/Espuella Drive right turn pocket
d. Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library
e. Santa Clarita Sports Complex Activity Center construction commencement
£ Property purchase for Transit Maintenance Facility
g. Live Oak Springs Storm Drain Phase 1
h. McBean Transfer Station Design
2. Parks. Recreation. and Community Services
a. Circle J Park
b. Via Princessa Trail
c. New park maintenance yard
d. Park monument sign program
e. Lyons Avenue median beautification
f. South Fork Trail — Newhall Avenue access ramp
g. Acquisition of Veteran's Plaza
h. Discovery Park Master Plan
3. Transit Improvements
a. 27 new buses - 22 transit and 5 commuter/express
b. Installed cameras in all transit buses
c. New bus stop signs installed throughout the system
V. GENERAL PLAN MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM
Monitoring of all mitigation measures identified in an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and
in a mitigated negative declaration is required by the California Public Resources Code. The
Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP) prepared for the General Plan EIR brings together all
mitigation measures (largely developed as goals and policies) identified for each environmental
issue analyzed in the EIR, identifies implementation measures and sets timelines. This annual
report on the General Plan and policy implementation, required by state law, is one of six items
required by the MMP. The City's progress is as follows:
A. General Plan Annual Report
Preparation of this report serves as a reminder of the implementation obligations.
B. Report on Housing Element Program Implementation
In the Housing Element, unlike the other General Plan elements, there are programs,
rather than implementation measures. A total of 43 programs are listed that are available
to the City to implement the Housing Element. To date, progress has been made in utilizing
20 of the 43 programs as follows:
a. Existing Needs Prioritization
b. Mixed Use
c. Land Use Database
d. Increasing Affordable Programs — Density Bonus
e. Special Needs Prioritizing
f. Specific Plan and Planned Development
g. Recycling and Composting
h. Enforcement of Conditions of Approval
i. Balance Employment with Housing
j. Rental Rehabilitation
k. Public Facilities Funding
1. Density Bonuses Site Accessibility
in. Code Enforcement
n. Rehabilitation Loans
o. HUD Program - Section 8
p. HUD Program - California Development Block Grant
q. Manufactured Housing
r. Emergency Housing
s. Emergency Repair Grants
t. Site Design with Low Water Use
C. Coordination with Special Districts, County and Regional Governmental Agencies
to Ensure Balance of Development with Provision of Services and Compliance
with Regional Transportation and Air Quality Goals
The following activities are ongoing:
1. Each new development application is circulated for review by approximately 30 agencies
to determine the effects on service providers and infrastructure capacity.
2. Joint City -County fire facility fees are reviewed and revised annually.
3. The City is continuing its participation in the Santa Clara River Watershed
Management Plan with numerous other agencies to inventory and develop management
plans for the entire Santa Clara River watershed.
4. The City continues to work with the SCAG. This action will promote regional
interaction between the Santa Clarita Valley.
5. The programs mentioned under Joint City/County Planning also involved SCAG as
either a funding, or participating party.
6. The City regularly provides comments to the Sanitation Districts that serve the Santa
Clarita Valley to ensure that accurate information is provided to the District and that
the City Council is aware of the Districts' agendas.
D. Infrastructure Improvements and the Capital Improvement Program
Certain infrastructure improvements are required as mitigation measures, including
compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations.
Where cooperation with the County is involved to complete these improvements, the Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) requires that these items be incorporated into the
City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). During the past years, the City has increased staffing
to comply with implementation requirements of the National Pollution Discharge and
Elimination System (NPDES). This will help the City implement the General Plan
requirement for a City-wide drainage master plan and meet requirements set forth in the new
NPDES permit adopted on Fall of 2001.
VI. GENERAL PLAN LEGISLATION
To keep current of General Plan requirements, the City must annually review new legislation
affecting general plans. The City Attorney notifies the Planning Division of new legislation to
ensure compliance with state planning laws.
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