Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-22 - AGENDA REPORTS - GP ANNUAL REPORT (2)Agenda Item: / / CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT CONSENT CALENDAR City Manager ApprovA Item to be presented by: Vincent P. Bertoni DATE: April 22, 2003 SUBJECT: GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 01-02 DEPARTMENT: Planning and Building Services RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council review and file the report on the General Plan Annual Report for FY 2001-2002. BACKGROUND The Planning Division prepared the annual report on the status of the General Plan for the 2001-02 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001 and ending June 30, 2002. The purpose of this report, which is required by State planning law, is to outline the progress made during the past fiscal year and identify measures taken toward implementation of the goals and policies. The annual report will be sent to the Govenor's Office of Planning and Research and the Housing and Community Development Department. The attached General Plan annual report is provided for the City Council's information and no action is required by the City Council. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other direction as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT No fiscal impact is anticipated to the City's budget. ATTACHMENTS General Plan Annual Report 7r � I P7D jR R� ��t. � � _..� tip CITY OF SANTA CLARITA FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT Introduction The City of Santa Clarita incorporated on December 15, 1987, and the General Plan was adopted by the City Council on June 25, 1991. The City's General Plan consists of the following elements: Land Use; Housing; Community Design; Economic Development and Community Revitalization; Circulation; Human Resources; Public Services, Facilities and Utilities; Parks and Recreation; Open Space and Conservation; Air Quality; Noise; and Safety. As required by State law, this report summarizes the progress of planning activity made within any of these elements for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001, and ending June 30, 2002. The report includes completed General Plan amendments, major implementation accomplishments, mandatory reporting requirements, growth management, mitigation monitoring and General Plan legislation. 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 Fiscal Year 2001-02. Housing Element The Planning Division completed a draft Housing Element during this past fiscal year. The revisions to the Housing Element reflect current demographic data and produce specific program descriptions and objectives. Some of these modifications include further detailing the City's housing programs, specifically adding five year objectives, addressing large family affordable housing, establishing a program to inventory land suitable for residential development, and identifying the governmental constraints on attaining affordable housing. The City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission reviewed the draft Housing Element on October 2, 2001, and made a recommendation to the City Council to amend the Housing Element of the General Plan. The Housing Element was adopted by the City Council in November 2001 and was sent to California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review. HCD is requesting revisions to the Housing Element so that it will be in compliance with State Housing Element law regarding the City's share of regional lower income housing needs. City staff is working with a consultant to address HCD concerns and anticipates adoption of the Housing Element by the City Council during the 2003-04 fiscal year. City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001-02 Page 2 of 11 MAJOR IMPLEMENTATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS A. Land Use Element Schools The William S. Hart School District anticipates starting construction of Golden Valley High School during the 2002-03 fiscal year with completion in 2004. The District plans to open the high school in August 2004. Bridgeport Elementary School was completed this fiscal year and is scheduled to open in Fall 2002. This school is within the Saugus Union School District and will serve the Valencia community. 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 goal of this program is to 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 2001-02 fiscal year, the City commented on the following Los Angeles County projects: Transit Mixed Concrete (a large mining operation adjacent to the Angeles National Forest and the Santa Clara River); Somerset Summit by Dentec Holdings (98 residential units on 76 acres); 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 Valleywide 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. In Summer 2000, the City of Santa Clarita, together with Los Angeles County, launched this project to develop a new Valleywide General Plan that will guide future planning and decision making for the entire Santa Clarita Valley over the next 20 years. In Fiscal Year 2001-02, community input received from these outreach efforts was used to develop a draft vision statement and a series of guiding principles. The Vision and Guiding Principles articulate the City and County's approach to managing growth and planning for the future of the Valley. The principles focus on growth management, environmental resources, land use, housing, infrastructure, schools, public services and the local economy. On October 25, 2001, the public outreach and input phase of One Valley One Vision reached a milestone with an innovative community participation event called the Valley Congress. Over 75 persons representing each distinct Valley community, various agencies and special interest groups participated in the Valley Congress to discuss and provide input on the Vision City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001-02 Page 3 of 11 and Guiding Principles that will serve as the foundation of the Valleywide General Plan. Approval of the Vision and Guiding Principles by both the City and County marks the conclusion of Phase II of the One Valley One Vision project. Phase III involves the preparation of the Technical Background Report for the Valleywide General Plan which will be completed during the 2002-03 fiscal year. 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 the developer of the Santa Clarita Business Park. Phase I of the project, which lies between Sierra Highway and the future Via Princessa, was completed in the 2001-02 fiscal year. Phase II of the project is anticipated to be graded and improved in the 2002-03 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 connect to Newhall Ranch Road to help create a new Cross Valley Connector. The City has secured a contract to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the extension of Newhall Ranch Road between Bouquet Canyon Road and the future Golden Valley Road. Newhall Ranch Road is a major arterial, commonly referred to as the Cross - Valley Connector. The EIR will also include a portion of Golden Valley Road and the Golden Valley Road Bridge over the Santa Clara River, north of Soledad Canyon Road. In addition, the City secured a contract to prepare the EIR for Newhall Ranch Road between State Route 126 and the existing Newhall Ranch Road. Completion of the environmental documents is expected during the 2002-03 fiscal year for review and certification by the City Council. Construction of the roadway is anticipated for the 2003-04 fiscal year. C. Housing Element Affordable Housing During the 2001-02 fiscal year, a project for the development of a 200 unit affordable senior housing project within the community of Canyon Country was approved by the City Council. The project included a zone change and General Plan amendment and will provide 200 units of low-income senior housing. The project also included an impact fee reduction of $946,482 which results in a 55% reduction in Bridge and Thoroughfare District Fees, a 30% reduction in Parkland Dedication Requirement Fees, and a 25% reduction in Transit Impact Fees. The project will provide opportunities to seniors in the Santa Clarita Valley to live within the community of Canyon Country in affordable apartments with on-site amenities. The income levels of potential residents will be restricted to low-income seniors which is consistent and encouraged by several goals in the Housing Element. The project will be constructed during the 2002-03 fiscal year. City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001.02 Page 4 of 11 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 2001-02 are: 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, and seven Santa Clarita households were assisted in FY 2001-02. 2. Handy Worker Program This program provides funds for minor home repairs to owner and renter occupied single-family homes within the City. Approximately 122 new recipients were served with a total appropriation of $180,000. 3. Emergency Homeless Shelter The City provided a location, utilities and a $33,000 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 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 2001-02. 6. Peer Counseling for Single Head of Households The City of Santa Clarita allocated $20,000 toward assisting the Single Mothers Outreach in providing peer counseling -resource management information to assist City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001.02 Page 5 of 11 single head of households. Ms. Quick, the Executive Officer of the Single Mothers Outreach, is also operating a transitional living center for single mothers. 7. San Fernando Road Service Center The City of Santa Clarita allocated $31,000 to the Service Center in FY 2001-02. Among other responsibilities, the Service Center provides one night vouchers at local hotels. This fiscal year the Service Center provided 40 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 approximately six 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. In addition to these programs, the City has a Manufactured Home Rent Adjustment Procedures Ordinance that regulates the rent increase within mobilehome parks. The ordinance permits yearly increases between 3 — 6% based on the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI). The ordinance also regulates the rent increases for mobilehomes vacated by sale. These regulations help to protect affordable rents for mobilehome parks. E. Open Space The City developed an Open Space Acquisition Plan to implement Goal 1 of the City's Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan which states "to preserve the special natural features which define the Santa Clarita planning area and give it its distinct form and identity." More specifically, the plan implements Policy 1.8 which states "identify and prioritize open space lands which should be held in public trust and seek acquisition and the means to gain control of such land" and Policy 1.14 which states "encourage the preservation of the National Forest and open spaces surrounding the City through regular meetings with Los Angeles County Regional Planning Department, alliances with other cities and environmental groups and utilizing our congressional and state legislative delegations." The plan proposes to protect and preserve open space within the Santa Clarita Valley. This plan intends to assist in the creation of "green belts," acquiring and maintaining open space properties with greatest economic, strategic and natural resource value; and enhance partnerships between the City and other agencies. Staff anticipates adoption of the plan by the City Council in September of 2002. City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001-02 Page 6 of 11 F. Community Design Element The City Council adopted a City Beautification Master Plan on December 11, 2001. The plan identifies beautification treatments on public property throughout the City. In addition, the plan identifies a theme for the City of Santa Clarita along with identification for individual communities. The master plan addresses public rights-of-way and 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 and community identification signs ♦Pavement treatments at intersection Goal 2 of the Community Design Element states "to encourage design excellence in the development of all public and private projects in the City." Currently, the City has Design Guidelines that are broad and do not address issues pertaining to green building, grading, open space or other current recommendations for landscaping. The City Council hired RRM Design Group, a team of urban designers, architects and landscape architects to prepare the City Architectural Design Guidelines. This document will expand and replace the existing design guidelines. The intent of the Architectural Design Guidelines is to achieve consistent, high quality architectural design for developments and private improvements throughout the City. These guidelines will serve as a tool for developers and property owners to address community demands while balancing the project economics. The guidelines include recommendations for developers and property owners to address building height, architectural styles, building orientation, massing, and material and colors. Staff anticipates adoption of the Architectural Design Guidelines by the City Council during the 2002-03 fiscal year. Redevelopment A redevelopment plan was adopted by the City Council in July 1997. The City Council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency, appointed a redevelopment committee to make recommendations to the Agency on redevelopment matters. During this fiscal year, the Redevelopment Agency generated $535,829 in tax increment from Los Angeles County. The following occurred in the redevelopment area in FY 2001-2002: I. City Events The Newhall area merchants successfully supported four events within the downtown area last year: The Walk of Western Stars plaque unveiling ceremony, which unveiled City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001-02 Page 7 of 11 three new plaques; the 4th of July parade; the Newhall Street Faire; and the Festival of Holidays which sponsored the Metrolink Toy Train and a children's holiday parade. D. Additional General Plan Accomplishments I. Snecific Plans The North Valencia Specific Plan (NVI), was completed in 1997 and began implementation in the 1998-99 fiscal year. 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 Bouquet Canyon Road, south of Newhall Ranch 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 (Bridgeport Elementary School) which is constructed and will open Fall of 2002. Bridgeport Elementary School is located within the Saugus Union School District. Provisions for infrastructure expansion including roadway improvements and the elementary school is consistent with General Plan policies to ensure that public facilities, including schools, roadways and other services are expanded to serve the needs of new developments. An automotive mall consisting of four dealerships was approved for development within the Pony League sub -area of the NVI Specific Plan. Cinema Drive will be extended west of Valencia Boulevard to the Hart Pony ball fields in accordance with the specifications of the North Valencia Specific Plan. Capital improvements including a deceleration lane and improved Class I bike lane and a trail system around the site connecting the equestrian trail to the Santa Clara River and the South Fork of the Santa Clara River. The North Valencia 2 Specific Plan and annexation was completed in 2000 and implementation began 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. Valencia Village, a 28,500 square foot retail center was submitted for review and approval. This center, located across from Valencia High School, will provide a variety of retail for residents within the north Valencia community. A swim and tennis club proposal was also submitted that would provide recreational uses for the community. Hidden Creek, a 278 unit active adult community project and Warmington Homes, a 292 single-family tract were submitted during this past fiscal year. These projects will include River Trail and roadway improvements. Approval for these projects are anticipated during the 2002-03 fiscal year. City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001.02 Page 8 0£ 11 2. Annexations a. Townley Canyon — The City submitted an application to LAFCO in June of 2000 requesting an annexation of approximately 60 acres in Towsley Canyon. The annexation area is located west of Interstate 5 and Calgrove and is unpopulated. The City Council adopted stormwater fees during the 1999-2000 fiscal year and approval of the annexation by LAFCO is anticipated during the 2002-03 fiscal year. b. California Canyons — The City submitted an application for the annexation of 43.1 acres with 68 single family residences to LAFCO during the 2001-02 fiscal year. The estimated population is 216 residents. The prezone was approved by the City Council in the 1997-98 fiscal year and the stormwater fees were adopted during the 2001-02 fiscal year. The City anticipates approval of the annexation during the 2002-03 fiscal year. c. Stonecrest — The City submitted an application for the annexation of 425 residential units on 215.9 acres of land west of Pinetree, north of State Route 14 to LAFCO during the 2001.02 fiscal year. The estimated population is 1,178 residents. The stormwater fees and prezone were adopted by the City Council during the 2001-02 fiscal year. The City anticipates approval of the annexation during the 2002-03 fiscal year. d. Golden Valley Ranch — The City submitted an application for Golden Valley Ranch, a community east of State Route 14, north of Placerita Canyon Road with a projected population of 1,543 was submitted to LAFCO in February 2002. The City has approved all entitlements and certified an Environmental Impact Report. The City anticipates approval of the annexation during the 2002.03 fiscal year. MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS A. Regional Housing Share The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) prepares the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) that is used to project future housing needs. The City of Santa Clarita consistently participates in SCAG's RHNA process as part of the North Los Angeles County sub -region. The following table shows a breakdown for each income level for the City's housing needs during the 1998 — 2005 period. City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001-02 Page 9 of 11 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) 1998-2005 Income Level Units Approved Total Future (98-99) (99-00) (00-01) (01-02) Approved Need* Very Low (0-50% of county median income) 0 0 0 0 0 1,256 Low (50-80% of county median income) 0 1 0 200 201 941 Moderate (80-120% of county median income) 0 205 60 28 293 1,439 High (over 120% of county median income) 931 739 799 34 2_y503 3521 931 945 1059 262 2,997 7,157 *Source: City of Santa Clarita General Plan Housing Element - Table H-7 Between the 98-99 fiscal year and the 01-02 fiscal year, the City approved 2,997 housing units thereby requiring an additional 4,160 units by 2005 to obtain the RHNA goal. The City has not approved any units within the very low income level, thus 100% of this future need is still required. Twenty-one percent or 201 units of the 941 units needed were approved within the low income level, 20% or 293 units of the 1,439 needed were approved within the moderate income level and 71% or 2,503 of the 3,521 units needed were approved within the high income level. In order to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment by 2005, the City needs approval of 1,256 very low units, 740 low units, 1,146 moderate units and 1,018 high units totaling 4,160 units. B. Removal of Constraints Potential constraints include both governmental and non-governmental constraints. Examples of non-governmental constraints include availability of land, the marketplace, community and economy. Governmental constraints may include 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. The City did not receive any applications for joint living or working quarters during this fiscal year. However, the City Council approved a 200 unit senior housing project that consisted of a fee deferral, a 55% reduction in Bridge and Thoroughfare District Fees, a 30% reduction in Parkland Dedication Requirement Fees, and a 25% reduction in Transit Impact Fees. Furthermore, a density bonus to permit 35 units per acre was granted for this affordable senior product. 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: City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001-02 Page 10 of 11 1. Public Works - Capital Improvements ANNUAL PROGRAMS 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. Santa Clarita Sports Complex Activity Center b. Santa Clarita Aquatics Center commencement c. Property purchase for Transit Maintenance Facility d. Live Oak Springs Storm Drain Phase 1 and 2 e. McBean Transfer Station 2. Parks. Recreation. and Community Services a. Pamplico Park* - completed — open in May of 2002 b. Bridgeport Park* - completed — open in June 2002 C. North Valencia I trails - approximately three miles of the five mile trail system are completed. The remaining two miles will be completed during the 2002-03 fiscal year. *With the completion of these parks, the total park acreage will increase from 130 acres to 194 acres. 3. Transit Improvements a. McBean Transfer Station opened; b. Awarded 5 year fixed cost contract to ATC for bus service; c. Expanded transit service to Northpark neighborhood; d. Replaced 11 paratransit vans with 14 new 2001 model vehicles of senior and disabled transportation; and e. Received national recognition for outstanding achievement. GENERAL PLAN MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) 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. The City's progress is as follows: City of Santa Clarita General Plan Annual Report Fiscal Year 2001-02 Page 11 of 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 The Housing Element, unlike the other General Plan elements, consists of programs, rather than implementation measures to facilitate affordable housing. The City is currently working with a consultant to revise the Housing Element and the housing programs. The City anticipates the updated Housing Element will be certified by the Housing and Community Development Department by the end of the 2002-03 fiscal year. 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: Each new development application is circulated for review by approximately 20 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 SLAG. 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. 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. s:\pbs\wendy\annual report info\annual report