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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - CDBG SUBMISSION DRAFT FUNDS (2)Agenda Item: CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT CONSENT CALENDAR City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: LTJ Erin Moore -Lay DATE: May 12, 2009 SUBJECT: SUBMISSION OF THE DRAFT 2009-2013 CONSOLIDATED PLAN (CON PLAN) FOR THE CITY'S USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ENTITLEMENT FUNDS DEPARTMENT: Community Development RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council approve the Draft 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan for the City's use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds. BACKGROUND Each year the City receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Activities funded through CDBG must benefit the low- and moderate -income community through the creation of a Suitable Living Environment, Decent Housing, or Expanded Economic Opportunities. To guide the use of CDBG entitlement funds, HUD requires the City to create a Consolidated Plan (Con Plan). This strategic planning document evaluates and prioritizes the needs of the low- and moderate -income community. The City's current five-year Con Plan is due to expire on June 30, 2009. The new 5 -year Consolidated Plan will cover program years 2009-2013. The development of the draft 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan took place over a seven month period and included significant demographic analysis as well as input from residents, community agencies, and other stakeholders. Using this input, high, medium, and low Con Plan priorities were established. There are a wide range of activities and programs that may be funded. The proposed priorities in the Draft 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan are listed below with some examples of the types of activities that may be funded. ■ Affordable Housing (High) — This priority is intended to increase, improve, and maintain affordable housing for low- and moderate -income residents and may include Rehabilitation Programs, Community Preservation, and Fair Housing Counseling and Advocacy. ■ Infrastructure (High) — This priority expands infrastructure that benefits low- and moderate -income neighborhoods and residents and may include community centers, park improvements, or curbs, gutters and sidewalks. ■ Supportive Human Services (Medium) — This priority improves services for low- and moderate -income persons and may include programs concentrating on health, housing, senior, disabled, youth, transportation, victims of domestic violence, tenant /landlord issues, homeless services, and crime awareness. ■ Expanded Economic Opportunities (Medium) — This priority may include programs and/or services that support the economic development of the City in order to provide employment opportunities for low- and moderate -income residents. Specific funding amounts and service goals for each year will be submitted to HUD in an Annual Action Plan. The 2009-2010 Annual Action Plan will be brought to the City Council at a future meeting. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other actions as directed by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to the general fund. ATTACHMENTS Draft 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan available in the City Clerk's Reading File VA City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Fiscal Year 2009-2013 Prepared By: B -Adair Consulting and Administrative Services and City of Santa Clarita Community Development Department 23920 Valencia Blvd. Suite 300 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Draft April 2009 Table of Contents Section Page Executive Summary...........................................................................................1 Introduction (Managing the Process)......................................................4 A. Institutional Structure and Lead Agency..............................................4 1. B. Collaboration and Partnership............................................................5 2. C. Leadership......................................................................................5 3. D. Citizen Participation..........................................................................5 a. Households by Income ..................................................... 1. Applications for Funding...........................................................5 b. Household Income by Race and Ethnicity ........................... 2. Public Hearings and Meetings....................................................6 4. Concentration of Low- and Moderate -Income Households........... 3. Access to Meetings and Information...........................................6 5. Racial and Ethnic Composition ................................................. 4. Technical Assistance................................................................7 6. E. Public Comments.............................................................................7 7. F. Needs Assessment Survey.................................................................7 8. II. Housing and Community Development Needs.......................................10 A. Demographics.................................................................................10 1. Population Growth................................................................. 10 2. Age of Residents................................................................... 11 3. Income................................................................................ 11 a. Households by Income ..................................................... 12 b. Household Income by Race and Ethnicity ........................... 12 4. Concentration of Low- and Moderate -Income Households........... 13 5. Racial and Ethnic Composition ................................................. 16 6. Racial and Ethnic Concentrations ............................................. 16 7. Household Language and Linguistic Isolation ............................ 18 8. Employment Characteristics.................................................... 18 9. Major Employers................................................................... 19 B. Persons with Special Needs.............................................................20 1. Elderly and Frail Elderly.......................................................... 20 2. Persons with Disabilities.........................................................22 3. Physically Disabled................................................................ 23 4. Mentally Disabled.................................................................. 24 5. Severely Mentally III (SMI) .................................................... 25 6. Developmentally Disabled.......................................................26 7. Needs of Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Who Do Not Require Supportive Services.........................................27 8. Large Households/Families.....................................................28 9. Single Parents and Female -Headed Households ......................... 28 10. Victims of Domestic Violence .................................................. 29 11. Substance Abuse...................................................................29 12. Foster Children...................................................................... 31 13. Persons with HIV Infection and AIDS ....................................... 32 C. Community Care Facilities for Special Needs ....................................... 33 III. Homeless Needs...................................................................................36 A. Nature and Extent of Homelessness................................................... 36 1. Sub-Populations.......................................................................37 2. Needs of Persons Threatened with Homelessness ......................... 38 B. Continuum of Care.......................................................................... 39 1. Inventory of Services and Facilities ............................................ 39 City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page TOC- 1 FY 2009-2013 2. Homeless Prevention Programs and Services...............................43 3. Unmet Needs..........................................................................43 IV. Housing Conditions..............................................................................44 A. Housing Stock Characteristics..........................................................44 1. Housing Growth.....................................................................44 2. Housing Type.........................................................................44 3. Housing Condition...................................................................45 a. Age of Housing...............................................................45 b. Substandard Housing.......................................................46 4. Housing Occupancy and Tenure................................................46 5. Housing Costs........................................................................47 a. Ownership Housing..........................................................47 b. Rental Housing...............................................................49 c. Housing Affordability....................................................... 50 6. Projected Housing Needs......................................................... 51 7. Housing Needs and Problems of Low- and Moderate -Income Persons................................................................................. 52 8. Overcrowding......................................................................... 52 9. Overpayment......................................................................... 53 10. Foreclosures..........................................................................53 V. Public and Assisted Housing Needs.......................................................58 A. Public Housing................................................................................ 58 1. Resident Initiatives................................................................. 58 2. Public Housing Improvements.................................................. 58 B. Section 8 Rental Assistance.............................................................. 58 1. Patterns of Occupancy.............................................................. 59 2. Section 8 Admission Policy........................................................60 C. Assisted Housing Units "At-Risk".......................................................60 VI. Barriers to Affordable Housing,, ............. ............ mmumnavinavinam,,61 A. Market Barriers..............................................................................61 1. Land Costs.............................................................................61 2. Construction Costs..................................................................61 3. Lack of Adequate Infrastructure................................................ 62 4. Mortgage Financing.................................................................62 B. Government Barriers......................................................................63 1. Land Use Controls...................................................................63 2. Community Care Facilities........................................................65 3. Parking Regulations................................................................65 4. Codes and Enforcement...........................................................65 5. Uniform Building Code.............................................................66 6. Americans with Disabilities Act.................................................66 7. Planning and Development Fees...............................................66 8. Permit and Processing Procedures.............................................66 9. Davis -Bacon Prevailing Wages..................................................67 10. Public Opposition to Affordable Housing.....................................67 11. Reduction of Barriers to Affordable Housing...............................67 VII. Lead-based Paint Hazards and Reduction Strategy, .............. ammmamemamemamm,68 A. Childhood Lead Poisoning...............................................................68 B. Lead Hazard Information...............................................................69 C. Detection...................................................................................70 D. Risk Factors................................................................................70 City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page TOC- 2 FY 2009-2013 E. Number of Housing Units with LBP .................................................. 70 F. Lead Safe LA 2010...................................................................... 71 G. Strategy.....................................................................................71 VIII. Fair Housing.......................................................................................73 A. Impediments.................................................................................. 73 B. Recommendations for Addressing Impediments .................................. 74 IX. Community Development Needs,..., .................................................. mM78 A. Infrastructure Improvements...........................................................78 B. Public Facilities Improvements.........................................................78 C. Public/Community Services.............................................................78 D. Accessibility Needs.........................................................................79 E. Economic Development...................................................................79 F. Strategic Planning Areas.................................................................79 X. Housing and Community Development Strategy................................81 A. Resources Available.........................................................................81 2 B. Housing and Community Development Priorities..................................81 3 Age Characteristics.................................................................................... 1. Housing Needs (Provision of Affordable Housing) .........................84 4 Median Income......................................................................................... 2. Homeless Needs...................................................................... 87 Median Household Income by Race and Ethnicity (2000) ................................ 3. Public Facility and Infrastructure Improvement Needs ..................90 6 Households by Income Level....................................................................... 4. Public Service Needs................................................................91 7 Low- to Moderate -Income Census Tracts ...................................................... 5. Economic Development Needs...................................................92 8 Racial and Ethnic Composition..................................................................... 6. Administration Needs...............................................................93 9 C. Summary of the Five -Year Objectives...............................................93 10 D. Anti -Poverty Strategy and Coordination............................................95 11 E. Lead Based Paint Strategy...............................................................95 12 F. Institutional Structure.....................................................................96 13 G. Strategy to Overcome Service Delivery Gaps.....................................97 14 H. Public Housing Resident Initiatives...................................................97 15 I. Reducing Barriers to Affordable Housing............................................97 16 J. Monitoring Standards and Procedures................................................99 K. Specific Annual Objectives...............................................................99 List of Tables Table Page 1 Survey Results............................................................................................8 2 Population Growth.................................................................................... 10 3 Age Characteristics.................................................................................... 11 4 Median Income......................................................................................... 12 5 Median Household Income by Race and Ethnicity (2000) ................................ 12 6 Households by Income Level....................................................................... 13 7 Low- to Moderate -Income Census Tracts ...................................................... 14 8 Racial and Ethnic Composition..................................................................... 16 9 Employment by Industry............................................................................ 19 10 Major Employers....................................................................................... 19 11 Licensed Residential Care Facilities and Housing for the Elderly ....................... 21 12 Disabilities Tallied......................................................................................22 13 Licensed Drug and Alcohol Residential Facilities ............................................. 31 14 Licensed Community Care Facilities............................................................. 33 15 Shelters for the Homeless........................................................................... 39 16 Housing Units...........................................................................................44 City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page TOC- 3 FY 2009-2013 17 Housing Stock Type...................................................................................44 18 Age of Housing Stock.................................................................................45 19 Median Cost of Resale Housing....................................................................47 20 Santa Clarita Valley Condo Sales Price Range by Area....................................48 21 Santa Clarita Valley Single Family Homes Price Range by Area ........................49 22 Affordable Housing Prices and Rents by Income Groups ................................. 51 23 RHNA New Housing Construction Needs by Income Groups ............................. 52 24 Section 8 Vouchers....................................................................................59 25 Development Code Standards..................................................................... 64 26 Number of Units with Lead -Based Paint........................................................70 List of Figures Figure Page Low- and Moderate -Income Designated Areas ............................................. 15 Ethnic Concentrations...............................................................................17 Access to Transit, Employment and Licensed Care Facilities ........................... 35 Affordable Family Housing.........................................................................55 Senior Affordable Housing......................................................................... 56 MobileHome Parks...................................................................................57 Geographic Distribution of Funds for Area -wide Projects................................80 HUD Tables • Community Development Needs 2B............................................................83 • Priority Needs Summary Table 2A..............................................................84 • Homeless and Special Needs Populations 1A (Continuum of Care Housing Gaps Analysis)................................................88 • Summary of Specific Homeless/Special Needs Objectives IC .........................89 • Special Needs (Non -Homeless) Populations 1B .............................................91 • Summary of Specific Housing/Community Development Objectives 2C ...........94 • Statement of Specific Annual Objectives 3A ............................................... 100 • Annual Affordable Housing Completion Goals 3B ........................................ 101 Appendices Appendix A - Citizen Participation Plan Appendix B - Summary of Public Comments Appendix C - Community Development Needs Assessment Survey Appendix D - Proof of Publications and Outreach Efforts Appendix E - HUD Tables CPMP Version City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page TOC- 4 FY 2009-2013 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Consolidated Plan Final Rule, the overall goal of community planning and development programs is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities principally for low- and moderate -income persons. The primary means towards this end is to extend and strengthen partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector, including for-profit and non-profit organizations, in the production and operation of affordable housing'. • Decent housing: includes assisting homeless persons to obtain appropriate housing and assisting persons at risk of becoming homeless; retention of the affordable housing stock; and increasing the availability of permanent housing in standard condition and affordable cost to low-income and moderate -income families, particularly to members of disadvantaged minorities, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Decent housing also includes increasing the supply of supportive housing, which combines structural features and services needed to enable persons with special needs, including persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, to live with dignity and independence; and providing housing affordable to low-income persons accessible to job opportunities. • A suitable living environment: includes improving the safety and livability of neighborhoods; increasing access to quality public and private facilities and services; reducing the isolation of income groups within a community or geographical area through the spatial de -concentration of housing opportunities for persons of lower income and the revitalization of deteriorating or deteriorated neighborhoods; restoring and preserving properties of special historic, architectural, or aesthetic value; and conservation of energy resources. • Expanded economic opportunities: includes job creation and retention; establishment, stabilization and expansion of small businesses (including micro - businesses); the provision of public services concerned with employment; the provision of jobs involved in carrying out activities under programs covered by this plan to low-income persons living in areas affected by those programs and activities; availability of mortgage financing for low-income persons at reasonable rates using nondiscriminatory lending practices; access to capital and credit for development activities that promote the long-term economic and social viability of the community; and empowerment and self-sufficiency opportunities for low- income persons to reduce generational poverty in federally assisted and public housing. HUD Consolidated Plan Final Rule http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/about/conplan/finalrule bookvicw.doc City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 1 FY 2009-2013 SA :�TI'A CLARITA �. "..a,.k fw. The City of Santa Clarita incorporated outcome measures for activities in accordance with the Federal Register Notice dated March 7, 2006, which require the following Performance Measure Objectives/Outcomes to be associated with each activity funded: General Objective Categories General Outcome Categories Activities will meet one of the following: Activities will meet one of the following: • Decent Housing (DH) 0 Availability/Accessibility (1) • A Suitable Living Environment (SL) • Affordability (2) • Economic Opportunity (EO) • Sustainability (3) Needs which have been determined to be a High Priority level will receive funding during the Five -Year Consolidated Plan. Needs with a Medium Priority may be funded based on the availability of funds. The priorities for the 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan established in consultation with residents and community groups will be prioritized in the following order: High Priority • Increase, improve and maintain affordable housing for low- and moderate - income residents. • Improve and expand infrastructure that benefits low- and moderate -income neighborhoods and residents. • Administration of the City's CDBG funded projects and activities Medium Priority • Improve supportive human services for low -and moderate -income persons in the following areas of concentration service: Health, Housing, Senior, Disabled, Youth, Transportation, Victims of Domestic Violence, Fair Housing Counseling, Tenant/Landlord Counseling and Crime Awareness. • Support the economic development of the City in order to provide business and employment opportunities for low- and moderate -income residents. These priorities are consistent with the City's Housing Element, Redevelopment Implementation Plan and One Valley One Vision planning documents. Projects that may be funded during the five-year period include, but are not limited to and are not listed in a specific order of priority: 1. Prioritv Need: Affordable Housin • Fair Housing Counseling and Advocacy (Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) • Rehabilitation Programs (Sustainability of Decent Housing DH -3) • Community Preservation Programs (Sustainability of a Suitable Living Environment SL -3) 2, Prioritv Need: Infrastructure • 108 Debt Service - East Newhall Project (Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) • 108 Debt Service - Lower Scherzinger Lane (Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 2 FY 2009-2013 Iii A CLARITA � f1 1 .k if w1 108 Debt Service - Boys and Girls Club (Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) Canyon Country Community Center (Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) ADA Sidewalk Improvements (Curb and Gutter) (Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) 3. Prioritv Need: Supportive Human Services • Health Services(Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) • Homeless Services(Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) • Handicapped/Disabled Services (Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) • General Public Services (Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) • Senior Services(Availability/Accessibility of a Suitable Living Environment SL -1) 4, Priority Need: Economic Development General Economic Development Activities (Availability/Accessibility of Economic Opportunity EO -1) 5, Priority Need: Administration • General Planning and Administration City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 3 FY 2009-2013 I. Introduction (Managing the Process) The Consolidated Plan is a five-year planning document designed to be a collaborative process for establishing a community development plan. It outlines a strategy to address needs and identifies funding sources for implementation. Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Consolidated Plan is required to: f - • Describe the jurisdiction's housing and community development needs and market conditions; • Set forth a strategy that establishes priorities; and • Establish a short-term investment plan that outlines the intended use of resources. A primary purpose of the Consolidated Plan is to encourage jurisdictions to develop a plan for addressing the needs of low- and moderate -income groups, which are the intended beneficiaries of HUD -funded programs. The three main goals established by HUD, against which the Consolidated Plan will be evaluated include: 1) providing decent housing; 2) providing a suitable living environment; and 3) expanding economic opportunities. This fiscal year 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan for the City of Santa Clarita also serves as an application to HUD for Community Planning and Development (CPD) formula grants and satisfies the minimum statutory requirements of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The City of Santa Clarita is located 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and is adjacent to the San Gabriel and Santa Susana mountain ranges, which separate Santa Clarita from the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles Basin to the South and from the San Joaquin Valley, Mojave Desert and the Angeles National Forest to the north. Santa Clarita incorporated as a City in 1987 and is comprised of the following communities: Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia. A. Institutional Structure and Lead Agency The City of Santa Clarita has worked with a wide range of public and community social service agencies in efforts to meet and address the various needs of the community. The lead agency responsible for the preparation of the Consolidated Plan and implementation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is the City of Santa Clarita Community Development Department. The City recently restructured its departments to bring all housing -related projects and programs under the Community Development Department Redevelopment Division. This restructure allows for better communication between Departments and Divisions, and a more coordinated effort to address the housing issues affecting the low- and moderate -income residents of the City. It also allows for the development of a clear and comprehensive affordable housing strategy and consistent and complimentary affordable housing related documents. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 4 FY 2009-2013 N- TA CI.ARITA B. Collaboration and Partnership Santa Clarita has partnered with several public agencies, for-profit agencies, and non- profit organizations to provide services to residents, including, but not limited to: • The City of Santa Clarita collaborates with the Los Angeles County Housing Authority, which operates the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program that assists residents earning 50 percent or less of the Area Median Income with direct housing assistance. • The City collaborates with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency (LAHSA) to coordinate homeless shelter and services. • The City collaborates with the Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley to provide fair housing and landlord/tenant complaint intake and mediation services. The City has further collaborated with the County of Los Angeles on the ONE VALLEY ONE VISION (OVOV) joint effort of residents and businesses in these areas to create a single vision and guidelines for the future growth of the Valley and the preservation of natural resources. Initiated in 2000, the result of the project will be a General Plan document and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the build -out of the entire Santa Clarita Valley. The Planning Area (PA) includes the City and its four communities: Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, Valencia and the County communities of Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, Val Verde, Agua Dulce and the future Newhall Ranch. C. Leadership The Consolidated Plan is approved by the jurisdiction's Mayor and Council and is thereby backed and supported by the elected officials. Outreach efforts made to involve elected officials and the public in the development process of the Consolidated Plan include hosting three community meetings on December 9, 2008 (one at 10:00am, one at 2:00pm, and one at 7:00pm), which all members were invited. In addition, a public hearing to approve the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan will be held on May 12, 2009 at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers. D. Citizen Participation Citizen participation is one of the most important components of the Consolidated Plan process. Per the Consolidated Plan submission guidelines, the City is expected to take appropriate actions to encourage the participation of all its residents. The City's Citizen Participation Plan, can be found in Appendix A. The City of Santa Clarita utilized the following strategy to solicit meaningful input in preparing the Consolidated Plan for FY 2009-2013: 1. Applications for Funding Notice of CDBG funding availability and Consolidated Plan process was public noticed in the November/December edition of the Old Town Newhall Gazette, in the Signal Newspaper on November 26, 2008 and again on November 30, 2008. Since the Community Services Division is responsible for awarding competitive grants to non - City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 5 FY 2009-2013 Iii CLARITA profit organizations that serve community needs with general fund monies, there was no formal application process specific to the Consolidated Plan. A meeting to appropriate CDBG funds was supposed to be held on April 28, 2009, which was public noticed April 14, 2009; however with delayed fiscal year 2009-2010 allocations from HUD, this meeting was moved to May 12, 2009 at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers. The May 12, 2009 meeting was public noticed on April 21, 2009 in the Signal. Copies of all notices can be found in Appendix D. 2. Public Hearings and Meetings Three community meetings were held on December 9, 2008 (one at 10:00am, one at 2:00pm, and one at 7:00pm). A public hearing to adopt the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan will be held May 12, 2009 at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers. Public notices regarding the community meetings were published in the November/December edition of the Old Town Newhall Gazette, in the Signal Newspaper on November 26, 2008 and again on November 30, 2008. The City released a public service announcement on December 5, 2008 and the local radio station played the announcement periodically throughout the week until December 9, 2008. The Daily News also printed a brief article announcing the three community meetings in the December 7, 2008 edition of the paper. On April 14, 2009 the City public noticed the public hearing to adopt the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan in the Signal, which was supposed to be held April 28, 2009; however with delayed fiscal year 2009-2010 allocations from HUD, this meeting was moved to May 12, 2009 at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers. The May 12, 2009 meeting was public noticed on April 21, 2009 in the Signal. Proof of publication for all public hearings, meetings, and general outreach efforts can be found in Appendix D. 3. Access to Meetings and Information The City of Santa Clarita allowed adequate, timely notification of all public meetings. The public meetings conducted at various stages of the Consolidated Plan development were advertised in the newspaper and through other methods of public notice. Publication of notices in the local newspaper described the purpose, priorities and goals of the Plan, and the availability of the draft Plan for review. Copies of the City's Draft 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan and the Draft 2009-2010 Annual Action Plan were available at the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, located at 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 304, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, and on-line at www.santa- clarita.com/housing/CDBG, from March 1, 2009 through March 30, 2009. City staff ensures adequate notification of public hearings related to significant amendments and performance reviews of the Consolidated Plan. Advance notice of public hearings is printed in newspapers of general circulation at least ten days prior to the meeting date. Translation services are available upon request to assist non- English speaking residents. The final Consolidated Plan, amendments to the Plan, and annual performance reports will be available for five years at City Hall. Residents affected by the Plan's City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 6 FY 2009-2013 SA :NTI'A CLARITA implementation have access to the City's plans. The City of Santa Clarita is committed to minimizing displacement and assisting those displaced, if any, as a result of the Plan's activities. In cases where other options are not available, and the displacement of low- and moderate -income households is unavoidable, the City will follow the relocation policies set forth in Uniform Relocation and Property Acquisition Act (Act) located at 49 CFR, part 24 and the policies set forth in section 104 (d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as applicable. The City currently has a relocation plan in place, which is available upon request for public review. 4. Technical Assistance City staff notified public meeting participants and other community members who represent lower and moderate- income groups that they could receive technical assistance in order to develop funding requests for CDBG funds to help them understand the program requirements and determination of eligible/ineligible activities. E. Public Comments A 30 -day public review period was held from March 1, 2009 through March 30, 2009. A public notice was published in the Signal Newspaper on February 13, 2009 notifying the public of the availability of the draft Consolidated Plan and Action Plan. During the 30 -day public review, community members had the opportunity to comment on the draft Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. Copies of the City's Draft 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan and the Draft 2009-2010 Annual Action Plan were available at the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, located at 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 3041 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 and on-line at www.santa- clarita.com/housing/CDBG. Community members were encouraged to submit comments during the development of the Plan, and will also be encouraged to submit comments on any subsequent Plan amendments, and on the annual performance reports to the Plan. Written and verbal comments expressed during the comment period were considered and are summarized in Appendix B of this Consolidated Plan. The City made an effort to respond in writing within 15 working days to written comments received during the comment period. The City will make an effort to respond in the same amount of time to future comments. Complaints regarding the Consolidated Plan process must be made within the 30 -day public comment period, and City staff will make an effort to respond to complaints within 15 working days from the date of the complaint, where practical. Complaints regarding the Plan amendments and annual progress reports must include: 1) a description of the objection with supporting facts and data; and 2) name, address, telephone number, and date of complaint. F. Needs Assessment Survey The City of Santa Clarita distributed a Housing and Community Development Needs Assessment Survey to solicit resident input on community development needs and potential activities to be undertaken during the Consolidated Plan. Surveys were posted on the City's website, were available at City Hall, and were distributed at all community City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 7 FY 2009-2013 F s4:VVTA CLARITA meetings from July 2008 through January 2009. A copy of the survey can be found in Appendix C. Approximately 95 surveys were returned (a return rate of less than one percent of the surveys distributed). The Survey was distributed as follows: Location Business Expo NRC Meeting Council Meeting Planning Committee Meeting Add in Newhall Gazette Housing Element Workshop Rehabilitation Loan Applications All City Staff Departments Website- Housing Homepage Sheriff Station Local Libraries Chamber of Commerce Senior Center Activities Center Newhall Community Center Address College of the Canyons City Hall -23920 Valencia Blvd. City Hall -23920 Valencia Blvd. City Hall -23920 Valencia Blvd. Distributed to Newhall residents 22421 Market St. City Hall -23920 Valencia Blvd. 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 300 www.santa-clarita.com 23740 Magic Mountain Pkwy Valencia/Canyon Country/Newhall 28460 Avenue Stanford, Ste 100 22900 Market St. 20880 Center Pointe Parkway 22421 Market St. Total # of Con Plan Surveys 500 50 100 100 50,000 50 50 400 n/a 50 150 50 80 50 50 51,680 Respondents were asked to rate the list of needs under each category on the survey as having a 'High", "Medium", "Low" or "No Such Need" priority level. Each need level was assigned a weight to determine the average rate of response, as follows: High= 3; Medium=2; Low=1; and No Such Need=O. The closer the average rate to 3.0, the higher priority level for that need. As shown in Table 1, none of the needs listed were determined to be of "High" priority per the residents' responses. The priorities listed below are in order of highest to lowest. TABLE 1: Survey Results Priority Type Priority Need Priority Level Public Facility Senior Centers 2.6 Public Service Senior Services 2.6 Economic Development Job Creation 2.4 Economic Development Job Retention 2.4 Public Facility Youth Centers 2.3 Public Facility Handicapped Centers 2.2 Public Service Handicapped Services 2.2 Public Service Crime Awareness 2.2 Public Service Health Services 2.2 Housing Energy Efficiency Improvements 2.2 Code Enforcement Code Enforcement 2.2 Public Service Transportation Services 2.2 Public Service Abused and Neglected Children 2.1 Public Facility Parks, Recreational Facilities 2.1 Public Facility Fire Stations 2.1 Public Facility Health Facilities 2.1 Source: City of Santa Clarita Survey Tabulation City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 8 FY 2009-2013 F rr,V SANTA CLAL Written comments from the survey pertaining to housing and community development needs included: • Use CDBG funds to pay for code enforcement and officer salaries • LaCocina at McBean/Skycrest (vacant lot) or Makers Mark Restaurant [Use funds for improvements] • We are building the city too fast. Traffic is awful now • Roads, parks, schools [are needed] • Senior rental assistance [is needed] • Send illegals back & fix the fence • Low-income housing [is needed] • Traffic [is an issue] • Rent is too high; can't afford high rent mobile parks • Rent subsidies for low-income people [are needed] • Graffiti prevention and removal [is needed] It is important to note that an estimated 30-50 percent of the 95 surveys returned were received as a result of meetings with the participants at the Santa Clarita Senior Center. The high percentage of responses from one particular stakeholder group has resulted in a skewing of the Survey results, which may or may not be representative of the needs of the community as a whole. The Community Development Needs Assessment Survey is one of the methods by which the City determined priority community development needs for the Consolidated Plan. Other methods included demographic and empirical data analysis, interviews with staff and service providers, and direct input by residents and stakeholders during public meetings. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 9 FY 2009-2013 II. Housing & Community Development Needs This section of the Consolidated Plan presents an overall picture of the housing and community development needs in the City of Santa Clarita. The needs assessment provides the foundation for establishing priorities and allocating Federal, State, and local resources to address identified housing and community needs. Major data sources include 1990 and 2000 Census, 2000 CHAS data, 2008 Department of Finance Estimates, 2009 Housing Element, the 2004 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), information collected through community public meetings, and interviews with interested parties and City staff. The City of Santa Clarita encompasses the four communities of Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia. Some of the data sources used throughout the document capture each community separately, while others, such as the 2000 Census, do not. Data that does not collect them separately is inclusive of them. A. Demographics 1. Population Growth According to the 2000 Census, Santa Clarita was the fourth largest city in the County of Los Angeles with 151,088 residents, behind only the City of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Glendale. Table 2 displays population growth in Santa Clarita, surrounding jurisdictions, and Los Angeles County over the past two decades. As illustrated by the table, population growth in Santa Clarita has exceeded County -wide averages, with only Lancaster and Palmdale growing faster over the past two decades. The State Department of Finance estimates the City's 2008 population at 177,045; still the fourth largest in the County. According to the City's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) adopted in 2004, substantial increases in Santa Clarita's population may be partially attributed to the demand for new housing in the Southern California region and the Valley's ability to meet the demand for new housing due to the availability of undeveloped land, as well as to increases in the geographic area of the City as a result of annexations. Table 2: Population Growth City 1990 2000 1990-2000 % Change 2008 2000-2008 % Change Burbank 93,643 100,316 7.1% 108,029 7.7% Glendale 180,038 194,973 8.3% 207,157 6.2% Lancaster 97,291 118,718 22.0% 145,243 22.3% Palmdale 681842. 116,670 69.5% 147,897 26.8% Los Angeles County 8,863,164 9,519,338 7.4% 10,363,850 8.9% Santa Clarita 110,642 151,088 36.6% 177 045 17.2% Source: US Census (1990 and 2000) and 2008 California State Department of Finance Estimates, May 1, 2008. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 10 FY 2009-2013 IV SA .TA CI ARITA a fi4I. nk I...q. 2. Age of Residents The changes in the population by age group is an important potential factor in determining trends in the general population make-up and possible future housing and service needs. According to the 2000 Census, the median age for the City of Santa Clarita resident was 33.4. The ages of 25-44 is reflected as the largest age group in the City (33.6 percent). Table 3 summarizes the age composition of the City. Table 3: Age Characteristics Age Group 1990 # Persons 1990 0 /o Population 2000 # Persons 02000 /o Population Under 5 Years 91905 9.0% 11,829 7.8% 5 to 14 Years 16,674 15.1% 26,982 17.9% 15 to 19 Years 71627 6.9% 11,047 7.3% 20 to 24 Years 81191 7.4% 81219 5.4% 25 to 44 Years 43,097 39.0% 50,818 33.6% 45 to 64 Years 18,232 16.5% 31,468 20.8% 65 and over 61916 6.3% 10,725 7.1% TOTALI 110,642 1 100.0% 1 151,088 1 1000/0 Source: US Census, 1990 and 2000 The most notable percentage point changes from 1990 to 2000 include: a proportional decrease of young adults (ages 25-44) by approximately six percentage points, and an increase in older adults (ages 45-64) by nearly four percentage points. Possible reasons for the decrease in young adults may include high housing costs and/or a shortage of first-time homebuyer opportunities. In addition, the City may need specialized senior citizen housing in the future to house the aging population, as is the case in most of the Country. Information on the City's efforts related to the senior population can be found in the Special Needs section of this document. 3. Income Income levels influence the ability of a household to afford housing, services and other necessities. Households with lower incomes are limited in their ability to balance housing costs with other needs and often the ability to find housing of adequate size. For purposes of the Consolidated Plan, HUD has established the following income categories: • Extremely Low -Income Households: Households whose gross income is equal to or less than 30 percent of the area median income. • Low -Income Households: Households whose gross income is between 31 percent and 50 percent of the area median income. • Moderate -Income Households: Households whose gross income is between 51 percent and 80 percent of the area median income. • Above Moderate -Income Households: Households whose gross income is above 80 percent of the area median income. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 11 FY 2009-2013 IV SA .TA CI ARITA a. Households by Income An important factor with respect to housing affordability is household income. While upper income households have more discretionary income to spend on housing, low- and moderate -income households are more limited in the range of housing they can afford. According to figures published by the 2000 Census, the median income for the City of Santa Clarita was $66,717 in 1999; significantly higher than the County median of $42,189 and of surrounding jurisdictions (Table 4). Table 4: Median Income 2000 Jurisdiction Median Household Income 1999 Burbank $47,467 Glendale $41,805 Lancaster $41,127 Palmdale $46,941 LA County $42,189 Santa Clarita $66,717 Source: US Census, 2000 b. Households by Income and Race/Ethnicity The 2000 Census data also provides information on household income by race and ethnicity. As illustrated in Table 5, Hispanics make the least amount annually followed by Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders, though still considerably more than Hispanics in the County. Table 5: Median Household Income by Race and Ethnicity 2000 Race/Ethnicity Santa Clarita Median Household Income LA County Median Household Income White, not Hispanic $69,735 $53,978 Black or African American $69,917 $31,905 American Indian or Alaskan Native $62,679 $36,201 Asian $68,375 $47,673 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander $56,750 $42,363 Hispanic or Latino $55,841 $33,820 Source: US Census, 2000 HUD's Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data indicate that only 19 percent of households in Santa Clarita earn low- and moderate -incomes. In contrast 40 percent of households in Los Angeles County earn low- and moderate incomes. Table 6 illustrates households by income level. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 12 FY 2009-2013 s,.:NTA CLALR11 Table 6: Households by Income Level Income Level Santa Clarita LA Count Total Households Percent Total Households Percent Extreme Low 0-30%) 21546 5% 412,789 13% Low 31-50% 2,497 5% 353,762 11% Moderate (51-80%) 4,359 9% 487,235 16% Above Moderate (80%+) 41,028 81% 11879,289 60% Total 50,430 100% 3,133,075 1000/0 Source: CHAS Databook, 2000 4. Concentrations of Low- to Moderate -Income Households An area of low- to moderate -income concentration is usually defined as a census tract or block group in which the number of low-income persons (defined as persons earning 50 percent or less of the County median income) exceeds 51 percent of the total number of persons. The threshold for an area defined as highly concentrated is 75 percent or more of the census tract or block group occupied by low-income households. The City of Santa Clarita is referred to as an "exception City", with its concentrated census tracts and block groups defined as those containing 29.7 percent or more low- to moderate -income persons. Table 7 provides further detail of the census tracts and block groups considered to be low - to moderate -income areas. As shown, there are approximately 16 census tracts with 27 block groups in Santa Clarita containing concentrations scattered throughout the City. Two of the City's areas are close to being considered highly concentrated; 9203.35 block group 4 (74.3 percent) and 9108.07 block group 2 (72.8 percent). According to the 2000 CHAS data, the City of Santa Clarita has about 19 percent of its households earning low- to moderate -incomes, which is much less than the County proportion at 40 percent. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 13 FY 2009-2013 S.:NTTA CLARITA Table 7: Low- to Moderate -Income Census Tracts Tract Block Group # of Low -Mod Households Percent Low -Mod 920013 3 217 33.2 920029 3 297 44.7 920031 2 542 51.3 920031 4 438 55.6 920034 2 255 45.9 920035 1 646 31.5 920036 2 403 30.7 920036 3 365 67.3 920037 1 1 444 29.7 920038 1 833 38.2 920038 2 1151 55.5 920112 1 456 36.8 920113 6 230 58.8 920312 1 629 37.5 920312 3 186 40.9 920313 2 313 36.2 920322 3 158 43.1 920334 3 650 33.4 920335 2 859 46.5 920335 3 1351 66.1 920335 4 648 74.3 920335 5 257 63.1 920335 6 846 47.3 920335 7 602 47.4 920335 8 366 32.4 920335 9 11087 53.5 910807 1 2 429 72.8 Total 14r658 Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) spreadsheet The greatest concentrations of low- and moderate -income areas are located in Newhall and Canyon Country, with smaller low- and moderate -income pockets located in Valencia. Figure 1 illustrates the location of low- and moderate -income areas in the City. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 14 FY 2009-2013 NTACL m7 LL t \ \ - ! 7 \ m : / |/d[! :§ ] \ \\ ! ! City ¥a* GA Consolidated @n Pagee Rz as .TTA CI ARITA S. Racial and Ethnic Composition The racial and ethnic composition of Santa Clarita changed considerably between 1990 and 2000. As illustrated in Table 8, the dramatic population growth experienced since 1990 has resulted in greater ethnic diversity throughout the City. While White continues to be the largest, most dominant race in the Santa Clarita Valley, there has been a decrease in proportion by approximately ten percentage points of this group within the City of Santa Clarita. Similar to the County as a whole, Santa Clarita has seen an increase in the Hispanic population, with the proportion increasing by nearly seven percentage points in 2000. Table 8: Racial and Ethnic Composition qj Race 1990 2000 # of Persons % Of Population # of Persons % of Population White, Not Hispanic or Latino 89,203 80.6% 104,646 69.3% Black 1r612 1.5% 2 957 2.0% Native American 502 0.5% 528 0.3% Asian 4 266 3.9% 7 758 5.1% Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander 136 0.1% 198 0.1% Other 152 0.1% 337 0.2% 2 or More Races n/a n/a 3 696 2.4% Hispanic (All Races) 14,771 13.4% 30,968 20.5% TOTAL 110,642 100.0% 151 088 100.0% Source: US Census, 1990 and 2000 6. Racial and Ethnic Concentrations An ethnic concentration occurs when the percentage of a particular ethnic or racial group of residents in the census tract exceeds the County percentage of the same ethnic group. A high concentration occurs when the percentage of a particular ethnic group is more than twice the County -wide average for that same group. Ethnic concentrations typically occur for either social or economic reasons. As shown in Figure 2, three areas of Hispanic concentration exist: 1) Census Tract 9200.36 Block Group 1; 2) Census Tract 9108.07 Block Group 1; and 3) Census Tract 9203.35 Block Group 6, which is also considered a low- to moderate -income area and comprises a large portion of the City's approved redevelopment area. In these areas, the percentage of Hispanic residents is greater than the County proportion of 44.6 percent. Asians are concentrated in one area: Census Tract 9200.35 Block Group 3, which falls outside of the low- to moderate -income area. In this area, the percentage of Asian residents is greater than the County proportion of 12.2 percent. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 16 FY 2009-2013 Ill CLALR[TA m p ¢ no � n A�T �d�Gj? LL R S a 9 5 y yy L � y R 9 L r w 5 8 m � 40 s `s. �r 4 F a I City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 17 FY 2009-2013 T :TA CLARITA �. "..d,.& f", 7. Household Language and Linguistic Isolation According to the 2000 Census, nearly 18 percent of the population in Santa Clarita was foreign born (24,489 people). Of those that were foreign born, the majority speak Spanish (52 percent) followed by Asian or Pacific Island languages (15 percent). The majority of foreign born residents that speak languages other than English reported that they spoke English "very well" or "well"; however, for those that speak Spanish, 31 percent reported that they speak English "not well" and another 16 percent reported that they speak English "not at all". This may be an indication that outreach and/or translation services may need to be available and or targeted to the City's Spanish speaking residents. According the US Census Bureau, a linguistically isolated household is one in which all adults (high school age and older) have some limitation in communicating in English. A household is classified as "linguistically isolated" if no household members age 14 years or over speak only English, and no household members age 14 years or over who speak a language other than English speaks English "very well". Approximately 7,824 people are in households reported by the 2000 Census as linguistically isolated. Language barriers of linguistically isolated households may prevent residents from accessing services, information, housing, and may also affect educational attainment and employment. Executive Order 13166 ("Improving Access to Services by Persons with Limited English Proficiency") was issued, in August 2000, which requires federal agencies to assess and address the needs of otherwise eligible persons seeking access to federally conducted programs and activities who, due to Limited English Proficiency (LEP), cannot fully and equally participate in or benefit from those programs and activities. This requirement passes down to grantees of federal funds as well; therefore, the City of Santa Clarita is responsible for ensuring compliance with this regulation for both themselves and their sub -recipients. Currently, public notices, flyers, posters, surveys and program applications are all available in English. The City is currently working on translating all documents into Spanish to ensure equal access to LEP persons for the planning and program implementation of the City's CDBG programs. In addition, translators are available upon request at all public meetings and for questions pertaining to draft and final documents such as the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, CAPER, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice and other documents. 8. Employment Characteristics Table 9 shows employment characteristics in Santa Clarita by industry. As shown, the "agriculture, forestry, and fisheries" industry has experienced the largest decrease at 58.6 percent, while slight decreases have occurred in "manufacturing", "wholesale trade" and "retail trade". This trend is consistent throughout Los Angeles. Industries with the largest increase include "Other professional and related services" and 'entertainment and recreation services". Industry data is consistent with 2000 Census educational attainment data, which indicated that the majority of residents over age 25 were educated, with approximately 39 percent having a degree and an additional 29 percent with some type of college experience, but no degree. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 18 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV F�:N1TA CLARITA W..., . . Table 9: Employment by Industr Company Name Santa Clarita 1990 2000 Percent Change Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 693 287 -58.6% Construction 4116 4,612 12.1% Manufacturing 11,681 9,653 -17.4% Wholesale trade 2,19, 2 3 2,537 -13.2% Retail trade 91335 81232 -11.8% Transportation 1739 3,239 86.3% Information 21784 5,159 85.3% Finance, insurance, and real estate 5 756 5,990 4.1% Other professional and related services 31626 8,573 136.4% Educational services 4 055 71442 83.5% Health Care and Social Services 41367 6,218 42.4% Entertainment and recreation services 3 1 010 6,037 100.6% Public administration 21478 3,746 51.2% Source: US Census 1990 and 2000 9. Major Employers According to City records, the largest employer in the Santa Clarita Valley is Six Flags Magic Mountain, with 2,165 employees. Education is the largest sector of the major employers with three school districts and two colleges employing a combined 7,081 people. Comparing the data to that reported in the last Consolidated Plan shows stability in the economic base as these are nearly all of the same major employers; however, there were various changes in the numbers of employed. The most notable change would be the decrease of 2,335 employees at Magic Mountain, while Princess Cruises increased by 925 employees and College of the Canyons increased by 890 employees. Table 10: Major Employers Company Name # Empl2 oyed ed 208 #Employed Difference Six Flags Magic Mountain 41500 21165 -21335* Saugus Union School District 1 823 1 942 119 William S. Hart Union School District 21460 2,317 -143 Princess Cruises 1 175 2 f 100 925 U.S. Postal Services 21000 11697 -303 College of the Canyons 685 1,575 890 Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital 860 1J33 273 Newhall School District 750 846 96 HR Textron 805 845 40 City of Santa Clarita 324 753 429 Source: City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan (citing 2002) and California Economic Forecast October 2007, telephone survey.* This number may be skewed based on the seasonal nature of the business and the date of the data collection. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 19 FY 2009-2013 SA .TTA CI ARITA %1.HL LN hk Lv--Ys B. Persons with Special Needs Some population groups are identified as having a need for special housing assistance or alternative types of housing. These groups include: the elderly/frail elderly; persons with disabilities (including those with HIV/AIDS); large families; single parents/female-headed households; victims of domestic violence; persons with substance abuse problems; and young people aging out of the foster care system. These special need populations have difficulty finding appropriate housing to meet their needs due to economic, social, mental, or physical conditions. In addition to housing, these populations typically need various types of supportive services. 1. Elderly and Frail Elderly Elderly is defined as 62 years or older, while frail elderly is an elderly person who is 62 years or older and unable to perform at least three activities of daily living. Examples of daily living activities include, but are not limited to eating, bathing, grooming, and household management activitiesz. According to the 2000 Census, there are approximately 12,989 Santa Clarita residents over age 62 (seven percent of the total population). Of this population, there are 4,968 seniors over age 75 (66 percent of which are female), whom are referred to as extra elderly by the CHAS data. According to the 2000 CHAS data, there are 7,611 elderly households in Santa Clarita, with most seniors owning their home (72 percent). Of the City's 5,504 elderly owner households, 32.7 percent reported some type of housing problem. In contrast, there are only 2,096 elderly renter households reported in Santa Clarita, of which 61.3 percent reported some type of housing problem, indicating that elderly renters experience a higher percentage of housing problems than elderly owners. Housing problems are worse for extra elderly and elderly renter households with a mobility and/or self care limitation with 72.3 percent and 64.6 percent respectively reporting some type of housing problem. The elderly and frail elderly have a number of special needs including housing, transportation, health care, and other supportive services. Housing is a particular concern due to the fact that many elderly people have fixed incomes that make it hard to balance housing costs with other costs such as medication and general living expenses. Many seniors also need housing that is modified with items such as grab bars and showers with seats. Santa Clarita has one Senior Center, located at 22900 Market Street, which is run by the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging. The Center offers a variety of services for seniors including: nutritional services (home -delivered and congregate meals), supportive services, paratransit services, classes/activities, Handyworker services, naturalization services, senior employment, trips/tours, volunteer activities, affordable housing, advocacy, referrals, and a book lending/video library. The County of Los Angeles Department of Senior and Social Services office in Santa Clarita provides emergency housing information, a food pantry and referral services. As shown in Table 11, there are 2 http://cdocket.acecss.gpo.gov/cfr 2008/gprgtr/pdf/24cfr891.205.ndf City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 20 FY 2009-2013 :N- TA CLARITA 73 residential care facilities with a capacity of 914 beds located within the City of Santa Clarita, Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia. Table 11: Licensed Residential Care Facilities and Housin Moor Agency for the Elderly ICapacity Elderly Residential Care Facilities by Community the community, there will likely Santa Clarita (6 facilities) 190 (Beds) Canyon Country (6 facilities) 34 (5 are pending) Newhall (13 facilities) 270 (Beds) Saugus (18 facilities) 113 (Beds) Valencia (30 facilities) 307 (Beds) Total 914 (Beds) Subsidized Affordable Senior Housing Bouquet Canyon Seniors Tax Credits/Bond 264 Units Canterbury Village Senior Apartments HUD 202 64 Units Canyon Country Senior Apartments Tax Credits/Bond 200 Units Fountain Glen Apartments(Affordability Agreement with Cit 8 Units Orchard Arms Senior or Disabled Public Housing Operated by HACoLA 182 Units Valencia Villas (221)(d)(3) Section 8 Project Based 76 Units Whispering Oaks Apartments Section 8 vouchers 13 Units Total 807 Units Senior Assisted Living Capri -Retirement Villa Full Service Senior Residential Care Facility) 90 Units Santa Clarita Convalescent Home Skilled Nursing Home with 24-hour Care/Rehabilitation Services 99 Units Summerhill Villa* Residential Apartments Independent and Assisted Living) 96 Units Sunrise At Sterling Canyon Full Service Senior Residential Care Facility) 120 Units Total 405 (Units) Seniors Only Mobile Home Parks Canyon Palms Mobile Home Park 45 (Spaces) Greenbrier Estates 316 (Spaces) Sierra Park 76 (Spaces) Total 437 (Spaces) Source: State of California Community Care Licensing Division Website, 2008 and City of Santa Clarita There are seven (7) subsidized senior apartment complexes with a total of 807 units targeted to seniors earning less than 60 percent of the area median, all of which are located in the City of Santa Clarita with the exception of one; located in Castaic. According to the City's Housing Element, approximately 76 of these subsidized units are at risk of converting to market rates (Valencia Village). Other housing options available to the elderly include: four assisted living facilities with a capacity of 405 units and three mobile home parks for seniors only with a capacity of 437 spaces/units. While there are several facilities and beds/units available throughout the community, there will likely be a need to increase capacity as the number of baby boomers become seniors over the next few years. The number of older adults ages 45-64 is approximately City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 21 FY 2009-2013 :�TI'A CLARITA 31,468 people. The current inventory is not nearly large enough to meet this potential need. One option for increasing the number of affordable senior housing units identified in the City's Housing Element is shared housing. Alternative Living for the Aging, a Los Angeles - based non-profit that matches seniors seeking to share their homes with others looking for housing, and owns and operates shared housing facilities is one example of an agency that provides this service. 2. Persons with Disabilities A disability is defined as a long lasting condition that impairs an individual's mobility, ability to work, or ability to care for themselves. Persons with disabilities include those with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. According to the 2000 Census, 31,341 disabilities were tallied for Santa Clarita. An individual can report more than one disability; thus the numbers of disabilities tallied are higher than the total count of disabled persons. As shown in Table 12, most disabled residents were affected by employment disabilities (24.8 percent), followed by physical disabilities at 22.8 percent. In general, many persons with disabilities have lower -incomes since the disability may affect their ability to work. Persons with disabilities typically have a greater need for affordable housing, accessible housing, supportive services, and transportation services. Some may not be able to live on their own, and may require additional care and supervision. Table 12: Disabilities Tallied in Santa Clarita Disability 5 to 15 16 to 64 65+ Total Percent Years Years Years Sensory 138 11384 11514 31036 9.7% Physical 160 31895 31080 71135 22.8% Mental 1 104 2 502 1 189 4r795 15.3% Self -Care 185 933 906 21024 6.5% Go -Outside -Home 0 41534 21029 6,563 20.9% Employment 0 7F788 0 7r788 24.8% Total 11587 21,036 8,718 31,341 100.0% Source: US Census 2000 Group housing, shared housing, and other supportive housing options can help meet the needs of persons with disabilities. These housing options often have the advantage of social service support on-site or readily available. Disabilities can also hinder the ability of a person to earn adequate income. Many people with severe disabilities are unemployed and rely on fixed monthly disability incomes that are rarely adequate for the payment of market rate rent. Accessibility housing needs of the disabled population can typically be addressed through housing rehabilitation programs that provided improvements such as ramps, grab bars, wider doorways, lower sinks, specialized kitchen cabinets, and elevators. The disabled population may also need fair housing services, as disability discrimination is generally on the rise in California. The City's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Study City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 22 FY 2009-2013 F 1.V skN- TA CL ARITA ..,,, ,,. a ...:.� �...... from 2004 shows discrimination based on disability bias as the largest proportion of complaints. Many of the cases revolved around reasonable accommodations by landlords and Condominium Homeowner Associations. According to the State Community Care Licensing Division, there are currently four adult day care facilities with a capacity of 164 beds and 9 adult residential facilities with a capacity of 118 beds in Santa Clarita to serve the disabled population (see Table 14). With only 282 beds available for the disabled adult population, there may be a need to increase capacity for adult day care and adult residential care facilities. Orchard Arms, owned and operated by the Los Angeles County Housing Authority, has 183 low-income units available to seniors and disabled, which may also be suitable for developmentally disabled tenants. The Independent Living Center of Southern California operates an emergency shelter that can house up to five disabled persons per night. This shelter is located in the San Fernando Valley; however, it does serve the Santa Clarita population. No emergency shelters for the disabled homeless are located in the City of Santa Clarita, though there are four known board and care homes located in single-family residential neighborhoods in the Santa Clarita Valley that serve non-ambulatory residents. Services providers for the disabled population are listed in further detail below under each section's specific type of disability. 3, Physically Disabled According to the 2000 Census, 7,135 people over the age of five in Santa Clarita had physical disabilities. The majority of the supportive services and housing assistance for physically disabled persons are provided through non-profit organizations. Providers in the area include: • Ability First (formerly the Crippled Children's Society)- Provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities • Carousel Ranch- Provides therapeutic and recreational programs for disabled and disadvantaged children through horses • Community Therapies Baby Steps- Comprehensive therapy services for children and adults with disabilities • Diverse Journeys- Offers spiritual seminars, workshops and retreats • Fact Inc.- Provides formal training seminars and case management services • Families Caring for Families- Help families' access services for their children who are developmentally disabled, delayed, at -risk of delay, physically disabled, learning delayed, emotionally delayed, and/or medically fragile. • Family Focus Resource Center- Support information and Referral Services for Families of Children With Special Needs • Family Focus Empowerment Center (FFEC)- Support, information and referral services for families with children Aged 3-22 who have an IEP • Foundation for the Junior Blind- Provides in-home early intervention and support services for visually impaired, multi -disabled infants and toddlers, (ages City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 23 FY 2009-2013 C Iii &L TTA CLARITA �. "..a:.k f", birth to three years old). Weekend camps, workshops. Functional visual assessment, parent education, family recreation, counseling. Heads Up Therapy- Provides therapeutic riding for disabled children. Heads Up Inc- Brain Injury, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) support group for people who have experienced the traumatic and life changing effects of this type of injury. Independent Living Center Of Southern California- Provides a wide range of services to a growing population of people with disabilities. International Dyslexia Association- Clearinghouse with 45 branches providing information on testing, tutoring, and effective teaching methods used to aid people with dyslexia. John Tracy Clinic - An educational center for deaf children (age birth to five years old) and their parents. Hearing tests for hearing impaired infants and pre-school children (ages 22 months to 5 years). Baby Course (age birth to 22 months) for child and parents. English/Spanish, deaf, and blind programs for children of all ages. LARC Industries- Disabled Persons Assistive Services and housing/shelter. Letmesail Inc- Lifestyle Enrichment through Meaningful Exercise, Social Activity, & Independent Living organization for people with disabilities Neuro -Vision Rehabilitation Institute & Sensory Learning Program- Provides individualized treatment regimen for patients with visual deficits, as a direct result of physical disabilities, traumatic and/or acquired brain injuries. Pediatric Therapy of Santa Clarita- Offers Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists. Parents of John Tracy Clinic- Classes for parents of hearing-impaired children. Classes for parents/family of hearing-impaired children, mail correspondence, classes for methods of teaching children who are hearing impaired. Free Audiology testing. Pre-school available (2 to 5 years old). Santa Clarita Valley SELPA Early Start Program- Provides an array of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with special needs from birth to three years of age. Eligible children include those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have severe orthopedic impairments and/or visual impairment, which may impact their development. Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)- Coordinates with school districts and the County Office of Education to provide information for educators and parents of special needs children. The North Los Angeles County Regional Center- Private, non-profit organization providing services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities and their families in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys The Special Needs Community Calendar- Free directory of special needs services and events in the Los Angeles County Area and Santa Clarita Valley. 4. Mentally Disabled The current prevalence estimate is that about 20 percent of the U.S. population is affected by mental disorders during a given year3. According to the 2000 Census, 4,795 people over the age of five in Santa Clarita had mental disabilities. Supportive services and housing assistance for the mentally disabled ' http://www.sur(,congencral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chaptcr2/scc2 l.hhnl#cpidcmiologgy City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 24 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV SA NTA CLARITA are provided through non-profit organizations. The Department of Mental Health will send informational brochures available in English and Spanish through their website upon request. Providers in the area include: Child & Family Center - Provides mental health, behavioral and educational services to children, adults and their families. Special Olympics of Santa Clarita - Provides sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic -type sports for children and adults with mental retardation. Santa Clarita Autism Asperger Network (SCANN) - Monthly support group meetings, social events, information and referral and seminars LetmeSail - Provides recreational opportunities for youth and adults with mental disabilities The Help Group: Project Safe - Serves children with special needs related to autism, Asperger's disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, abuse, and emotional problems. S. Severely Mentally III (SMI) A severe mental illness (SMI) is defined as a disorder that causes substantial interference with the ability to handle basic living skills -- such as eating, bathing or managing money -- or to function in family, job or social contexts. Severe mental illness includes the diagnosis of psychoses and major schizoaffective disorders and qualifies as chronic if it lasts at least one year4. Approximately 5.4% of US adults have serious mental illness. About half of those with SMI (or 2.6% of US adults) were identified as being even more seriously affected, that is, by having "severe and persistent" mental illness referred to as Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) 5. Applying these figures would result in approximately 4,603 severely mentally ill persons in Santa Clarita. Detailed mental illness prevalence estimates provided on the Department of Mental Health website indicate that 6.78 percent of the total population in Los Angeles County (as of January 2006) reported cases of mental illness, which is similar to that of the State estimate of 6.59 percent6. According to the Santa Clarita office of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Santa Clarita DMH office serves approximately 705 mentally ill clients, of whom 10 are homeless. The National Coalition for the Homeless reports that a disproportionate number of mentally ill people are among the homeless. Low-income people with mental disorders are at increased risk of homelessness. Mental disorders prevent people from carrying out essential aspects of daily life, such as self-care, household management and interpersonal relationships. Homeless people with mental disorders remain homeless for longer periods of time and have a harder time finding employment'. Limited housing facilities are available in the Santa Clarita Valley to serve the mentally ill. There are no emergency housing shelters specifically for the mentally ill in SPA 1 and 2 4 htti)://www.healthweol)le.gov/Data/20I Dproe/focusI8/default.htm s htti)://www.dmh.ca.gov/Statistics and Data Analvsis/Definitions.asp 6 http://www.dmh.ca.gov/Statistics and Data Analysis/CNE/05wsmiOl caindexl.htm ' http://www.nationallioincless.org/publications/facts/Mental Itlness.pdf City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 25 FY 2009-2013 T &:TA CLARITA (the homeless planning districts that may serve Santa Clarita residents); however there are 195 units of transitional housing for individuals, 129 permanent housing beds for individuals, 126 permanent housing beds for families, and 46 permanent housing units for families throughout the region. Further details can be found in Table 23: Inventory of Homeless Shelters. The Bible Tabernacle provides housing for up to 70 mentally ill. The nearest transitional housing units for the mentally ill are located in Sylmar and operated by BRIDGES, Inc. and Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc.; they provide for a capacity of 18 mentally ill (three facilities with six beds each). Nearby service providers include, but are not limited to: • A Community of Friends and Homes for Life Foundation (North Hills/Van Nuys) developed supportive housing countywide for persons with chronic mental illness. • Alliance Mental Illness (The San Fernando Valley AMI, or NAMI San Fernando Valley) is an all -volunteer, self-help support group for families and friends of people who suffer from a major mental illness. • Pioneer Boys Ranch (Newhall) is a non-profit organization operating five group homes for adolescent boys. The State Department of Mental Health Website contains a large resource directory of services htto://www.dmh.ca.ciov/MH for Resources.aso In addition, the following organizations provide services to those with mental illness: • The National Alliance for the Mentally III is the foremost advocacy group for people with mental illness, offers extensive educational and research materials. • The Center for Mental Health Services maintains a Web site with information for adults and children. • The American Psychiatric Association offers pamphlets and fact sheets on psychiatric disorders and illnesses. • The Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law includes information on the legal rights of the mentally ill and disabled. 6. Developmentally Disabled The federal definition of developmental disabilities covers persons whose disability occurs before age 22 and includes a mental or physical impairment or a combination of both. There must be a substantial limitation in three or more of these major life areas: self- care; expressive or receptive language; learning; mobility; capacity for independent living; economic self-sufficiency; or self-direction$. Persons with developmental disabilities require individually planned and coordinated services and supports (e.g., housing, employment, education, civil and human rights protection, health care) from many providers in order to live in the community9. According to the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, estimates of individuals meeting the federal definition of developmental disability can be obtained for a http://www.scdd.ca.yov/about developmental disabilities/Defaulchtm httn://www.acfhhs.eov/ona/fact sheets/add factsheet.html City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 26 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV :NTA CLARITA any population area in California by using the Department of Finance demographic information an multiplying the number by .01810. Applying this average rate to the Santa Clarita population, an estimated 3,187 people in the City may be developmentally disabled. • Ability First (formerly the Crippled Children's Society) provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. • The Jay Nolan Center serves developmentally disabled adults. The center owns scattered group homes in the Santa Clarita Valley and in the San Fernando Valley. Previous reports showed that fifty people live at Jay Nolan and the facility is in the process of placing their residents into group homes. The Jay Nolan Center owns one house in the City of Santa Clarita and three homes in the San Fernando Valley. • The Los Angeles Retarded Citizens (LARC) Foundation Ranch, located on 65 acres in Bouquet Canyon just north of the City of Santa Clarita, offers housing programs for developmentally disabled adults. The Saugus campus offers 13 fully equipped 8 -bed homes (capacity of 104 beds total). LARC has 3 homes specializing in care for elderly and one home for those people needing a higher level of care. These are licensed as "Level III" homes by the State of California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). LARC offers 9 "Level II" homes at its Saugus campus and 1 "Level II" home in Newhall, for higher functioning developmentally disabled adults". In addition to shelter, this population has a need for full-time supervision, meals, education, and job training. A focus of LARC is to encourage residents to become more self-sufficient and many of the residents have jobs in the City of Santa Clarita. The City has extended a bus route to provide better service to residents of this facility. • The North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC) provides housing for its developmentally disabled child and adult clients through contracts with residential facilities licensed by Community Care Licensing. NLACRC serves 1,591 consumers in Santa Clarita, including 541 adults and 1,050 children. There are nine adult residential facilities that contract with NLACRC in Santa Clarita and one children's facility. Most of NLACRC's child clients live at home with their families. 7. Needs of Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Who Do Not Require Supportive Services There are a number of housing opportunities available for seniors with above moderate incomes in the City. Elderly owners with low- and moderate -incomes have fewer housing problems and a lower cost burden than other low-income owners. There is a need for funds to rehabilitate or renovate units for those with physical disabilities. Such renovation would include improvements such as ramps, lowering of counters and switches, electronic door -openers, and safety equipment. The City's Handyworker, Residential Rehabilitation, and Property Rehabilitation programs provide such repairs and assistance to low-income persons on a limited basis. 8. Large Households/ Families 'Ohttp://www.sedd.ca.fzov/about developmental disabilities/Default.htm u http://www.larcfoundation.ore/residential.slitmi City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 27 FY 2009-2013 :TTA CL.ARITA 8b 1V1 A.L 1J.. Large households consist of five or more persons and are considered a special needs population due to the limited availability of affordable and adequately sized housing. Santa Clarita has 7,468 large households (as reported by the 2000 Census), of which the majority are owners (74 percent). Based on the 2000 CHAS data, there are 7,435 large households in Santa Clarita. Approximately 75.8 percent of large renter households (1,920 households) reported some type of housing problem, while 42.7 percent of large owner households (5,515 households) reported some type of housing problem. These percentages are extremely different for large households earning low- to moderate -incomes. In fact, 100 percent of large renter households earning between 30 to 50 percent of the median reported some type of housing problem, and 83.9 percent of large owner households reported some type of housing problem. While overpayment is definitely a major issue for low- to moderate -income large households overall, it appears that overcrowding/substandard may be of particular concern for large renter households. CHAS data shows that 63.7 percent of those earning above 80 percent of the median income reported some type of housing problem, though only 8.6 percent had a cost burden over 30 percent and only 1.2 percent had a cost burden over 50 percent. The City's last Consolidated Plan stated that most of the recently constructed rental complexes feature predominantly one and two bedroom units. These construction trends compound the overcrowding problems of large family renter households. Options for relieving overcrowded living conditions include the construction of additional rooms on existing houses now occupied by overcrowded families. Another option would be to require a percentage of all new rental projects to contain a proportion of units suitable for larger families. The housing needs of large family households include larger housing units consisting of three or more bedrooms. 2000 Census data indicated that in Santa Clarita the majority of larger units are owner occupied (28,371 units), with 3,111 rental units containing three or more bedrooms. With only 1,920 large renter households in the City it would appear that there is adequate housing stock of appropriate size for this group. 9. Single Parents and Female -Headed Households Female -headed households tend to have lower -incomes and as a result often have greater needs for affordable housing and child-care. In 2000, there were approximately 3,101 female -headed households with no husband present and children under 18 in Santa Clarita. There were also 1,292 male householders with no wife present and children under 18. Census data pertaining to poverty indicate that 2,130 female householders under 65 years of age with no husband present were living below the poverty level, while 1,183 male householders under 65 years of age with no wife present were living below the poverty level. Without access to affordable housing, many of these households may be at risk of becoming homeless. Affordable housing with childcare centers or in close proximity to schools, public transportation, and recreation facilities can address critical needs of lower - City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 28 FY 2009-2013 :NTI'A CLARITA a f16 I..i i.i f"ti income single -parent families. According to the City's Analysis of Impediments, this group may also be vulnerable to discrimination, as suggested by the large number of complaints related to familial status bias. • Single Mother's Outreach (SMO), a local nonprofit agency that provides emergency services, including housing, to lower-income single mothers and fathers. SMO is seeking to buy or rent a home in Santa Clarita for transitional housing for female head -of -household families. This transitional housing will minimize family disruption by allowing children to remain in their schools and mothers to remain in their jobs while they move towards permanent housing. SMO was previously successful in operating a transitional housing facility in Santa Clarita known as Maple House. 10. Victims of Domestic Violence Domestic violence/spousal abuse is the use of intentional verbal, psychological, or physical force by one family member (including an intimate partner) to control another. Violent acts may include destruction of the victim's possessions, animal cruelty, and, in some instances, killing of the victim and/or his/her children. According to police records, nearly one-third of female homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner1z. • The Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley (also known as the Association to Aid Victims of Domestic Violence) provides the following services: 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, women's support groups, crisis intervention, individual counseling, children's therapy, legal service referral, and a court approved batterer's intervention program, community outreach education, community service program, Teen/Youth Services - "Hurt No More" Program, support groups, and a Teen Hotline. The emergency shelter program has a capacity of 10 beds and 3 units for families. The agency serves approximately 35-40 women and children. • The Antelope Valley Domestic Violence Council (Lancaster) operates a shelter in the Antelope Valley, which can house up to 60 people at a time, including children. This facility is not equipped to house anyone who is mentally ill. The number of overnight stays per year averages 396 to 416 (Source: Antelope Valley Domestic Violence Council). Other service providers in the area include: • Center for the Pacific -Asian Family (aka CPAF) (Los Angeles) • CSAC Chicana Service Action Center (Los Angeles) • Family Violence Project/Jewish Family Services (Sherman Oaks) • Haven Hills (San Fernando Valley) • YWCA of Glendale/DV Project (Glendale) 12 http://www.adp.ca.gov/FactShects/Doinestic Violence -Fact Shcet.pdf City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 29 FY 2009-2013 Iii CL.AR[TA � k6 L.d:.w I.... . 11. Substance Abuse In Calendar Year (CY) 2005, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that of all Californians aged 12 years and older, 14.6 million persons used alcohol in the past month and 5.9 million persons were binge drinkers (drinking five or more drinks on one occasion during the past month)13. Characteristics of substance abusers at the time of admittance for treatment reported by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs indicate that 40 percent were parents of a minor, 27.1 percent were Medi -Cal beneficiaries, 20.3 percent were diagnosed with mental illness, 18.8 percent were homeless, and 16.8 percent were disabled .14 According to the City's last Consolidated Plan, officials at the Acton Rehabilitation Center in previous contacts made by the City, estimate that approximately 10% of the adult population, or approximately 10,123 residents in Santa Clarita, have an alcohol or drug addiction problem. Less than 1% of this group will need assistance with housing given the affluence of this community. Therefore, an estimated 1,012 persons will need supportive housing due to alcohol or other drug addiction. Alcohol- and drug-free houses (also known as sober living homes) are important in supporting treatment and recovery services in a community by helping recovering persons to maintain an alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle. California's program, the California Access to Recovery Effort (CARE), provides vouchers to youth (ages 12 through 20) in Butte, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Shasta and Tehama Counties for alcohol and drug treatment and recovery support services. Additional service providers available in the area include those shown in Table 13 below: " httn://www.ado.ca.sov/FactSheets/Alcohol%20and"/o20Other%20Drues%20Fact%20Sheet%20200712.odf 14 http://www.adp.ca.¢ov/oara/pdf/CharacterisiicI . City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 30 FY 2009-2013 F S,.N A CL.ARII� Table 13: Licensed Drug and Alcohol Residential Facilities Agency Location Type Action Family Counseling Valencia Outpatient treatment Action Family Counseling Saugus Adolescent residential/ 24-hour facility Action Family Counseling Newhall Outpatient treatment Antelope Valley Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Lancaster Outpatient treatment Asian American Drug Abuse Program AADAP Los Angeles Outpatient treatment Bible Tabernacle Santa Clarita/ Canyon Country Drug and alcohol rehabilitation center here California Hispanic Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Inc. - Latino Family Alcohol & Drug Abuse Center EI Monte Outpatient treatment Inter -Agency Drug Abuse Recovery Program I-ADARP Inc. Van Nus Outpatient treatment Phoenix House Lake View Terrace Adolescent residential Reseda Substance Abuse Treatment North Hills Outpatient treatment SPIRITT Family Services Glendora Outpatient treatment Tarzana Treatment Center Lancaster Outpatient and Adolescent residential Tarzana Treatment Center Tarzana Outpatient Tarzana Treatment Center Tarzana Outpatient and Adolescent residential (waiver in adult program) Total Family Support Clinic Sylmar Outpatient treatment Van Nuys Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program Van Nus Outpatient treatment Source: State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Directory 2009 and Treatment Works Database, 2009. 12. Foster Children There are approximately 82,000 foster children in California — 20 percent of all foster children in the nation, and the largest foster care population of all 50 states15. The Department of Health and Human Services reported on September 30, 2006, the latest date for which figures are available, 129,000 foster children were waiting to be adopted le There are no Foster Family Agencies in Santa Clarita; however there are two adoption agencies available: A Loving Choice Adoptions (Santa Clarita) and West Sands Adoption (Valencia). Agencies that serve residents of Santa Clarita include, but are not limited to: Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Services (Van Nuys and Palmdale), the Children's Bureau (Lancaster, Palmdale and N. Hollywood). "http://www.youthlaw.ora/l)ublications/broken promises 16 httn://www.washinetonnost.com/wn-dvn/content/article/2008/11/04/AR2008110403819.htlnl City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 31 FY 2009-2013 Iii CL ARITA The housing needs of foster children are greatest when the foster child reaches the age of 18 years and no longer qualifies for State -funded foster care. It is estimated that one- third of those currently in foster care will become homeless when they reach the age of 18. The following transitional housing programs are available to emancipated youth with a total capacity of 94 beds: • Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services, Inc. (Palmdale) Scheuer House - Antelope Valley Independent Living Program • Penny Lane Centers (Lancaster)- Antelope Valley Program • Penny Lane Centers (Lancaster)- Lancaster Transitional Program • Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services, Inc. (N. Hollywood) - Scheuer House -North Hollywood Independent Living Program • Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. (Pacoima) - Transitional Age Youth Program • Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. (Pacoima) - Hillview Independent Living Program 13. Persons with HIV Infection and AIDS Persons with HIV/AIDS are considered a special needs group due to their need for affordable housing, health care, counseling and other supportive services. Short-term housing needs for persons with AIDS may include hospice facilities, shelters or transitional housing. Long-term needs may include affordable housing in close proximity to public transportation and health care facilities. As with other persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS may face discrimination that affects their access to housing due to fear, the need for reasonable accommodations, and/or other factors. The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health has divided the County into health districts; Santa Clarita is part of SPA 2 (San Fernando). Cumulative cases for this health district are reported to be between 504 and 802. According to the City's last Consolidated Plan, there were 128 cumulative AIDS cases within the City of Santa Clarita. The County HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Program reported that there are 236 cumulative cases as of January 31, 2009. According to the County HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Program, there are currently 3,012 people living with AIDS in the County as a whole as of June 30, 2008. In contrast, there are only 93 people in Santa Clarita currently living with AIDS. Unmet need is defined as individuals who are living with HIV, are aware of their status, and are not receiving regular primary medical care. There is no current data available regarding unmet needs for the City of Santa Clarita. There are no hospice facilities or facilities to serve those with AIDS in the City of Santa Clarita. HIV/AIDS related programs available to Santa Clarita residents include: • Northeast Valley Health Corporation (Valencia): Provides referrals for persons with HIV/AIDS and homeless persons. • AIDS Service Center (Pasadena): Provides free direct services to men, women, and children with HIV and AIDS. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 32 FY 2009-2013 :N- TA CLARITA �.," ...,.0 ,�.� C. Community Care Facilities for Special Needs According to the California State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, there are nine community care facilities in Santa Clarita with a capacity of 286 persons (see Table 14). Factoring in the City's other areas of Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus and Valencia there are an additional 77 facilities with 934 person/bed capacity. Table 14: Licensed Co munity Care Facilities Facility TypeMp Santa Clarita Facilities Capacity Adult Day Care 2 90 Adult Residential 1 6 Residential Elderly 6 190 Group Home 0 0 Small Family Home 0 0 Total 9 1 286 Canyon Country Adult Day Care 0 0 Adult Residential 3 16 Residential Elderly 6 34 Group Home 0 0 Small Family Home 0 0 Total 3 50 Newhall Adult Day Care 0 0 Adult Residential 1 6 Residential Elderly 14 270 Group Home 3 14 Small Family Home 0 0 Total 18 290 Saugus Adult Day Care 2 74 Adult Residential 3 86 Residential Elderly 18 113 Group Home 1 6 Small Family Home 1 4 Total 25 283 Adult Day Care 0 0 Adult Residential 1 4 Residential Elderly 30 307 Group Home 0 0 Small Family Home 0 0 Total 31 311 Source: California Community Licensing Division website, 2009. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 33 FY 2009-2013 T &:TA CL.AR[TA 4b 16 L...:.4 1.F. � Definitions for the types of facilities listed above are as follows: • Adult Day Care Facilities (ADCF) are facilities of any capacity that provide programs for frail elderly and developmentally disabled and/or mentally disabled adults in a day care setting. • Adult Residential Facilities (ARF) are facilities of any capacity that provide 24-hour non-medical care for adults ages 18 through 59, who are unable to provide for their own daily needs. Adults may be physically handicapped, developmentally disabled, and/or mentally disabled. • Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) provide care, supervision and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming. They may also provide incidental medical services under special care plans. The facilities provide services to persons 60 years of age and over and persons under 60 with compatible needs. RCFEs may also be known as assisted living facilities, retirement homes and board and care homes. The facilities can range in size from six beds or less to over 100 beds. • Group Homes are facilities of any capacity and provide 24-hour non-medical care and supervision to children in a structured environment. Group Homes provide social, psychological, and behavioral programs for troubled youths. • Small Family Homes (SFH) provide 24 -hour -a -day care in the licensee's family residence for six or fewer children who are mentally disabled, developmentally disabled, or physically handicapped, and who require special care and supervision as a result of such disabilities. Figure 3 shows the location of community care facilities in the City and transportation access to the facilities. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 34 FY 2009-2013 0 IV S�:A CLALR[TA I J L "j naow 1 11 a City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 35 FY 2009-2013 w e R.s Q D 9 City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 35 FY 2009-2013 III. HOMELESS NEEDS It is the goal of the Consolidated Plan to coordinate services and facilities available for the homeless as a continuum of care. A continuum of care begins with a point of entry in which the needs of a homeless individual or family are assessed. Once a needs assessment is completed, the individual/family may be referred to permanent housing or to transitional housing where supportive services are provided to prepare them for independent living. The goal of a comprehensive homeless service system is to ensure that homeless individuals and families move from homelessness to self-sufficiency, permanent housing, and independent living. The following section summarizes the housing and supportive service needs of the homeless in Santa Clarita, as well as persons and families at risk of becoming homeless. This section also includes an inventory of services and facilities available to serve the homeless population and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. Service and facility gaps in the continuum of care are also identified. As defined by the Stewart B. McKinney Act, homeless is defined as an individual or family that: Lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and/or Has a primary nighttime residence that is: A supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill); An institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or A public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. A. Nature and Extent of Homelessness Throughout the country homelessness has become an increasing problem. Factors contributing to the rise in homelessness include a lack of housing affordable to low- and moderate -income persons, increases in the number of persons whose income fall below the poverty level, reductions in subsidies to the poor, drug/alcohol abuse, and the de- institutionalization of the mentally ill. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) 2007 Homeless Count, on any given day, there are an estimated 68,608 homeless people throughout the Los Angeles Continuum of Care; approximately 15% of these (or 10,100 people) are children under the age of 18. The City of Santa Clarita belongs to Service Planning Area (SPA) 2 San Fernando Valley. Statistics for SPA 2 from the 2007 Homeless Count show that there were 6,411 homeless people throughout the area on any given night. This number represents a large decrease from the 2005 count of 11,275. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 36 FY 2009-2013 SA :NTA CLARITA Y � iV 1... 1:.41W.w Of this 2007 Count approximately 1,107 were sheltered and 5,304 were unsheltered. Further statistics were reported as follows for the homeless counted in SPA 2 under the sub -population section of this document: Many extremely low- and low-income households are considered at risk of becoming homeless because they often overpay for housing and would likely lose their homes if they were to become unemployed. Victims of domestic violence, persons with HIV/AIDS, youth recently released from the foster system, parolees, and other persons released from medical facilities may also be considered "at -risk" of homelessness. In March 2002, the Santa Clarita Homeless Advisory Task Force conducted a service - based and street -based count of homeless in Santa Clarita. During a five-day period, homeless agencies that support at -risk and homeless populations counted every homeless person that came to their program to access services. In addition, a street outreach team counted every homeless person they encountered during the same time period. The following summarizes the findings of this survey: 1.) There were 175 unduplicated homeless adults and children counted during the five- day period March 11 through March 15, 2002. 2.) Of these 175 homeless, 79 (45%) were children. 3.) 96 (55%) were adults, of which 40% were women. 4.) There were 1,641 adults and children at -risk of homelessness seeking services during the week. Of these, more than half (58%) are children. Upon completion of the homeless survey, the Homeless Advisory Task Force identified a transitional housing facility for families and singles as the top priority need in Santa Clarita. There are no current estimates for the number of homeless in Santa Clarita at this time. The City currently provides support to the Santa Clarita Community Development Corporation who operates the winter shelter. Winter shelter data indicate that each winter the shelter has been open, attendance has been steady and the shelter has been filled to capacity on cold and rainy nights. 1. Sub -populations Specific statistics regarding the number of homeless from Santa Clarita are not available at this time. Countywide sub -populations reported by LAHSA for HUD's 2007 Continuum of Care Application are presented below: Percent Sub -population Tyne Sheltered Unsheltered Total of Total Chronically homeless 11604 20,772 22,376 24.9% Severely mentally ill 41382 20,122 24,504 27.3% Chronic substance abuse 21567 221173 24,740 27.6% Veterans 11712 61741 81453 9.4% Persons with HIV/AIDS 263 972 11235 1.4% Victims of domestic violence 11190 61002 71192 8.0% Un -accompanied youth under 18 years of age 218 11070 11,288 1.4% Total 11,936 77,852 89,788 100.00/a City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 37 FY 2009-2013 T :TA CL.ARITA � f 16 1... 1:.4(J.. In contrast, sub -populations in Service Planning Area (SPA) 2 reported by LAHSA from the 2007 Homeless Count are presented below: Sub -population Tyne Number Percent of Total Adult Men 31875 60.4% Adult Women 11394 21.7% Youth under 18 11009 15.7% Age 18-24 292 4.6% Age 25-55 41478 69.8% Age 56+ 632 9.9% Black 11680 26.2% Hispanic 11603 25.0% White 21737 42.7% Multi -Racial 391 6.1% Individual Families w/children 604 9.4% # of People in Families 11663 25.9% Youth in Families 916 14.3% Youth in Families Age 5 or Younger 198 3.1% Chronically homeless 21025 31.6% Severely mentally ill 21475 38.6% Chronic substance abuse 21132 33.3% Veterans 673 10.5% Persons with HIV/AIDS 218 3.4% Victims of domestic violence 667 10.4% Un -accompanied youth under 18 years of age 93 1.5% 2. Needs of Persons Threatened with Homelessness The "at -risk" population is comprised of lower-income families and individuals who, upon loss of employment, would lose their housing and end up residing in shelters or becoming homeless. Lower-income families, especially those earning Extremely Low income (less than 30 percent of the median), are considered to be "at- risk of becoming homeless." These families are often living below the poverty level and are generally experiencing a housing cost burden, paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing. In more severe cases, some families pay more than 50 percent of their income for housing. Households paying a greater portion of their income for housing are at a higher risk of becoming homeless due to financial setbacks and a lack of savings, created as a direct result of their housing cost burden. 2000 CHAS data indicated 2,546 extremely low income households in Santa Clarita, of these 1,881 (73.9 percent) were paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing and 1,680 (66 percent) were paying more than 50 percent. The 2000 Census data also identified six percent of the population (9,552 people) in Santa Clarita were living below the poverty level. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 38 FY 2009-2013 NTA CLARITA � k6 L.d:.w I.... . B. Continuum of Care The City of Santa Clarita participates in the County of Los Angeles' Continuum of Care system that consists of the following components: • Emergency Shelter - Shelter services provided through a homeless shelter or a motel voucher. Outreach and assessment will be provided to identify an individual's or a family's needs and connect them to the appropriate facilities and services. • Supportive Services - Services include job training, drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation, mental health services and special services to specific sub - populations. • Transitional Housing - Housing for homeless families and individuals that is temporary, but longer than emergency facilities and that is provided prior to finding permanent housing. • Permanent Housing - Housing provided along with prevention services in the final phase of the continuum. 1. Inventory of Homeless Services and Facilities Santa Clarita has two major facilities to shelter the homeless; the Domestic Violence Center and the Santa Clarita Community Development Corporation's Winter Shelter Program. Many organizations located in other cities offer shelter for the homeless in Santa Clarita. Table 15 provides an inventory of services and facilities available in and near Santa Clarita as provided by LAHSA for SPA'S 1 and 2. Table IS: Shelters For The Homeless Program Target Agencies Description Population Emergency Shelter Domestic Violence Center of the Shelter Resident Services Families 10 family beds/ Santa Clarita Valley (Santa Clarita) 3 family units Friends Research Institute Safe House - Emergency Multi- 4 individual beds N. Hollywood) Shelter Diagnosed Haven Hills, Inc. Crisis Families 36 family beds/6 family units (Canoga Park Shelter/Confidential Los Angeles Family Housing General Relief (GR) Families 27 family beds Corporation N. Hollywood) Los Angeles Family Housing Transitional Living Center 40 family beds/10 family units Corporation N. Hollywood) - Emergency HousingFamilies People in Progress, Inc. CHP - Chronically Chronically 5 individual beds Sun Valle Homeless Program Homeless People Ill Progress, Inc. Emergency Shelter Adults 17 individual beds Sun Valle San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission Emergency Housing Families 55 family beds/20 family units N. Hollywood) Program Women's Care Cottage The Cottage Families 8 family beds/4 family units N. Hollywood) City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 39 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV F�&LNTA C ARITA Table 15: Shelters For The Homeless Program Target Agencies Be Description Population Emergency Shelter Seasonal Winter Shelter Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Winter Shelter Program Adults 35 seasonal Inc. Lancaster Santa Clarita Community 40 individual beds/ Development Corporation (Santa Winter Shelter Program - Adults 10 family/5 family units/40 Clarita) Santa Clarita seasonal Santa Clarita Community Winter Shelter Program - Adult Men 125 seasonal Development Corporation (Sylmar) Sylmar Volunteers of America of Los Winter Shelter Program Adults 105 seasonal Angeles Glendale Emergency Shelter Year-round Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Year Round Shelter Adults 10 individual beds Inc. Lancaster Program Los Angeles Family Housing Valley Shelter - Year Corporation Round Shelter Adults 80 individual beds N. Hollywood) Transitional Housin Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services, Inc. High Desert Youth Emancipated Palmdale Project Foster Youth 6 individual beds Scheuer House - Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Antelope Valley Emancipated Services Inc. Palmdale Independent Living Foster Youth 6 individual beds Emancipated Penny Lane Centers Lancaster Antelope Valley Foster Youth 18 individual beds Emancipated Penny Lane Centers Lancaster Lancaster Transitional Foster Youth 15 individual beds Scheuer House - North Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Hollywood Independent Emancipated Services Inc. N. Hollywood) Living Foster Youth 24 individual beds Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. Emancipated Pacoima Transitional Age Youth Foster Youth 15 individual beds Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. Hillview Independent Emancipated Pacoima Living Program Foster Youth 10 individual beds BRIDGES, Inc. (Canoga Park) Hacienda Retirada Mentally III 6 individual beds BRIDGES Inc. (Canoga Park Primer Paso Mentally III 6 individual beds BRIDGES Inc. (Sylmar) Terreno Nuevo Mentally III 6 individual beds Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. AB 2034 Housing - 6 individual beds Granada Hills Chatsworth I Mentally III Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. AB 2034 Housing - 7 individual beds (Granada Hills) Chatsworth II Mentally III Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. AB 2034 Housing - 25 individual beds North Hills Natick Mentally III Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. AB 2034 Housing - 6 individual beds (Sylmar) Wheeler Mentally III Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. AB 2034 Housing - 6 individual beds (Sylmar) Brussels Mentally III Hillview Mental Health Center, Inc. 12 individual beds Pacoima Adult Residential Mentally III Penny Lane Centers North Hills Columbus Project Mentally III 21 individual beds Penny Lane Centers North Hills ILP Columbus Mentally III 16 individual beds San Fernando Valley Community Independent Living 18 individual beds Mental Health Center Van Nus Program Mentally III San Fernando Valley Community Project New Start Mentally III 30 individual beds City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 40 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV :N1TA CI,ARITA Table 15: Shelters For The Homeless Program Target Agencies Bedsoff Description Population Mental Health Center (Van Nuys) San Fernando Valley Community 30 individual beds Mental Health Center Van Nus Project New Start Mentally III Antelope Valley Domestic Violence Oasis House Transitional Council Lancaster Housing Program I Families 25 family beds/6 family units Antelope Valley Domestic Violence Council Lancaster Stepping into the Light Families 32 family beds/8 family units Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Transitional Living 6 family beds/32 individual Inc. Lancaster Program Families beds/2 family units Antelope Valley Domestic Violence 10 family beds/10 individual Council Glendale Freedom House Families beds/4 family units Antelope Valley Domestic Violence 10 family beds/10 individual Council Glendale Freedom House Families beds/4 family units Haven Two Housing and Haven Hills Inc. (Canoga Park Employment Program Families 105 family beds/23 family units Jewish Family Services (Sherman Family Violence Oaks) Project/Hope Cottage Families 18 family beds/5 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Project Home Again: The Corporation N. Hollywood) Family Shelter Expansion Families 125 family beds/25 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Transitional Living Center Corporation N. Hollywood) (Sidney M. Irmas Families 143 family beds/30 family units Penny Lane Centers North Hills LAHSA Families 18 family beds/6 family units Women's Care Cottage (N. Holl wood) New Lease on Life Families 0 family beds/0 family units Children of the Night Children of the Night Van Nus Housino Pro ram Youth 24 individual beds San Fernando Valley Community Transitional Youth Mental Health Center Van Nus Program Youth 0 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Tarzana The Central Facility Youth 0 individual beds Transitional Housing for Tarzana Treatment Centers Teens and Young Adults (Winnetka) - Quartz House Youth 0 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Transitional Housing for Winnetka Teens and Young Adults Youth 5 individual beds Transitional Housing For Tarzana Treatment Centers Teens and Young Adults Reseda - Armenta House 2 Youth 5 individual beds Transitional Housing for Tarzana Treatment Centers Teens and Young Adults Winnetka - Kelvin House Youth 0 individual beds Valley Shelter - Los Angeles Family Housing Transitional Housing Corporation N. Hollywood) TLC HUD Adults 135 individual beds Project New Hoe West Hills Frank Cola House Adults 6 individual beds Project New Hoe Van Nus Pioneer Home Adults 5 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Reseda Porch Light Adults 12 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Tarzana Transitional Reseda Housing - Armenta Adults 6 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Tarzana Transitional (Reseda) Housing - Belmar Adults 6 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Tarzana Transitional Winnetka Housing - Bryant Adults 5 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Tarzana Transitional Adults 5 individual beds City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 41 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV :N- TA CLARITA Table 15: Shelters For The Homeless Program Target Agencies Beds Description Population (Reseda) Housing - Darby Tarzana Treatment Centers Tarzana Transitional Reseda Housing - Friar Adults 5 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Tarzana Transitional Reseda Housing - Lorne Adults 5 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Tarzana Transitional Tarzana Housin - Tama Adults 5 individual beds Tarzana Treatment Centers Housing Our Homeless Tarzana Neighbor Adult Men 3 individual beds Permanent Ho Ing 20 individual beds/39 family A Community of Friends Cornerstone Apartments Mentally III beds Hillview Mental Health Center Inc. Hillview Village PRA Mentally III 31 individual beds Hillview Mental Health Center Inc. Hillview Village SRA Mentally III 18 individual beds Hillview Mental Health Center Inc. Tenant Based HA 97-025 Mentally III 15 individual beds Hillview Mental Health Center Inc. Tenant Based HA 99-01 Mentally III 7 individual beds Homes for Life Foundation HFL Garden Villa Mentally III 24 individual beds Homes for Life Foundation Van Nuys Apartments Mentally III 14 individual beds A Community of Friends Woodland Terrace Mentally III 0 individual beds/87 family beds Los Angeles Family Housing Corporation Alabama Court Families 190 family beds/42 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Corporation Cecil Younger Gardens Families 468 family beds/156 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Corporation Delano Court Families 54 family beds/18 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Corporation Gentry Village North Families 30 family beds/5 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Corporation Harmony Gardens Families 82 family beds/14 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Corporation Harmony Place Families 54 family beds/18 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Offsay Steinhauser Corporation Village Families 72 family beds/15 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Corporation Vanowen Gardens Families 94 family beds/15 family units Los Angeles Family Housing Corporation Vineland Place Families 120 family beds/18 family units Penny Lane Permanent 7 family beds/5 family units/3 Penny Lane Centers Housino Families individual beds Los Angeles Family Housing 26 individual beds Corporation Klump SRO Apartments Adult Women Valley Village Carriage House Disabled 8 individual beds Safe House - Permanent Multi- 17 individual beds/7 family Friends Research Institute Housing Diagnosed beds/8 family units Multi- 14 individual beds/8 family Serra Project CHOISS Program SPA 2 Diagnosed beds/4 family units Multi- 14 individual beds/8 family Serra Project CHOISS Program SPA 2 Diagnosed beds/4 family units Source: Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency (LAHSA), 2008 and calls to individual service providers. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 42 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV :NTA CLARITA 2. Homeless Prevention Programs and Services Homeless prevention programs and services available to residents in the Santa Clarita Valley include: • Lutheran Social Services- Provides case management service to persons to help end homelessness, including help to develop self-sufficiency plans, counseling, career development, motivational seminars, job search assistance, transport to interviewing, the use of the office address for submitting applications, and referrals for substance abuse and other problems. In addition, they help in meeting rent obligations of most needy low-income families in the City of Santa Clarita through the eviction prevention program. Individuals who want to move to lower rent residences to avoid eviction from their current residences will also be given cost of moving assistance if the need is clearly established. 3. Unmet Needs A gap analysis of transitional and permanent shelter beds in the continuum of care system for Los Angeles County can be found in HUD Table 1A of the Strategic Plan Section of this document; however it is based on 68,608 homeless persons countywide on any given night, as data at this level of analysis is not readily available for the City of Santa Clarita. The City of Santa Clarita will continue to collaborate with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority(LAHSA) in providing services for homeless persons and families in the region. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 43 FY 2009-2013 IV. HOUSING CONDITIONS A. Housing Stock Characteristics The age of a community's housing stock can provide an indicator of overall housing conditions. Housing diversity is an important factor in ensuring adequate housing opportunities for residents. This section addresses the housing characteristics of the housing supply in Santa Clarita including: growth, type and tenure, age, condition, costs, affordability, and availability. The implications of these housing characteristics with respect to housing programs are also examined. 1. Housing Growth According to the 2000 Census, Santa Clarita had a housing stock of 52,456. By 2008, the State Department of Finance estimated that Santa Clarita's housing stock had grown 11.9 percent (Table 16). Table 16: ousing Units Jurisdiction 1990 2000 2008 2000-2008 % Increase Burbank Single -Family Detached 31,784 36,160 61.6% Glendale 72f114 73f713 74f799 1.5% Lancaster 36,217 41,682 48,973 17.5% Palmdale 24,400 37,136 44,907 20.9% Santa Clarita 41,133 52,456 58,714 11.9% Source: US Census, 1990 and 2000 2. Housing Type As shown in Table 17, Single-family detached units comprised the largest percentage of the housing stock in Santa Clarita (61.6 percent) and multi -family housing units make up 22 percent of the housing stock. Between 2000 and 2008, all types of housing units, with the exception of mobile homes, experienced growth. Table 17: Housing Stock Type Housing Type Santa Clarita 2000 2008 2008 % Total % Change Single -Family Detached 31,784 36,160 61.6% 13.8% Single -Family Attached 6,314 6,937 11.8% 9.9% Multi -Family 12 118 13 377 22.8% 10.4% Mobile Homes 2,240 21240 3.8% 0.0% Total 52,456 58,714 100.0% 11.9% Source: US Census, 1990 and 2000 City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 44 FY 2009-2013 NTA CI ARITA a fi4I. nk I...q. 3, Housing Condition The relatively recent development of much of the City means that most of the housing has been built pursuant to recent building codes and seismic standards, is served by adequate sewer and utility systems, has access to adequate schools and parks, and is maintained in a safe, habitable condition for residents. A few portions of the City have older housing units, in which property maintenance issues arise more often. These areas are regularly monitored by the City's Community Preservation Section to ensure that property maintenance issues are addressed immediately before the properties deteriorate into a blighted condition. Lack of maintenance can have a negative effect not only on the value of an individual home, but on the value of adjacent properties in a neighborhood. The City pursues remedies to gain code compliance, and offers assistance to qualified homeowners with maintenance needs that they cannot afford to pay for themselves. The City's Community Preservation program responds to complaints as well as conducting regular proactive inspections in selected areas where there are concentrations of structural problems and/or deferred maintenance. The City's Redevelopment Division funds three residential rehabilitation programs described under the "Substandard Housing" section. a. Age of Housing Age of housing is often an indicator of housing conditions. Many federal and state programs use age of housing as one factor to determine housing rehabilitation needs. It is generally accepted that housing over thirty years old needs minor repair, while housing older than fifty years is apt to need major rehabilitation. Rehabilitation needs may include new plumbing, roof repairs, foundation work and other repairs. Table 18 indicates that 55 percent of the housing units in Santa Clarita are less than 30 years old. Approximately 39 percent (20,349 units) of Santa Clarita's housing units were built between 1979 and 1959 (over 30 years, but under 50 years old) about 5 percent (2,820 units) are over 50 years old. Typically, older units are a source of affordable housing stock for low- and moderate -income residents as rents and sales prices are usually lower. It is important to preserve these units as affordable housing stock through careful monitoring, code enforcement, and rehabilitation. 18,880 Source: US Census 2000 City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 45 FY 2009-2013 Table 18: Age of Housing Stock Year Built Santa Clarita Number Percent 1990 to 2000 10 407 19.8% 1980 to 1989 18,880 36.0% 1970 to 1979 10,656 20.3% 1960 to 1969 9 693 18.5% 1940 to 1959 21422 4.6% 1939 or earlier 398 0.8% Total 52,456 100.0% Source: US Census 2000 City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 45 FY 2009-2013 Iii CL.AR[TA b. Substandard Housing Substandard housing units may consist of the following conditions: Structural hazards, poor construction, inadequate maintenance, faulty wiring, plumbing, fire hazards, and inadequate sanitation. The 2000 Census indicated that in Santa Clarita, 96 owner -occupied units and 76 renter - occupied units lacked complete plumbing facilities. Given the young age of the housing stock in the City, the number of substandard housing units is limited, though isolated substandard conditions nonetheless exist. The City's Building and Safety Division estimates that approximately 10% of the housing units in the City are substandard. The City does not have a policy of regular canvassing of neighborhoods to locate substandard units. City Code Enforcement Officers generally investigate complaints of substandard conditions when they are received. Deterioration of the City's housing stock is most notable in the older neighborhoods in Newhall and Canyon Country. Staff conducted a windshield survey in 2007 of the areas which have been identified as having older housing stock with potential for property maintenance needs. The survey did not identify each property with maintenance issues, but instead assessed the overall housing conditions in each area surveyed. Between 120 and 208 residential properties in the survey areas, or between 4% and 7% of all properties surveyed are in need of some maintenance or rehabilitation to meet minimum habitability standards of the City. The City currently offers a Residential Rehabilitation program, which provides grants up to $5,000 to income -qualified, owner -occupants. The program allows homeowners to repair damages and/or code violations within their home. Typical repairs include but are not limited to, electrical, roofing, windows, flooring, and modifications needed to improve disabled access. The program is extensively advertised through brochures, periodic targeted mailings, and on the City's website. In addition, grants of up to $2,500 for minor home repairs for low- and moderate -income homeowners through the Handyworker program and the City has a Property Rehabilitation program that offers grants for property repairs under $1,000 that are not eligible under the Residential Rehabilitation Grant or Handyworker Program to low- and moderate - income homeowners. 4. Housing Occupancy and Tenure The number of occupied dwelling units in Santa Clarita was 50,685, according to the Census 2000. Of these, 37,891 units (75 percent) were owner -occupied and 12,794 (25 percent) were renter -occupied, indicating that ownership is attainable in the City. While the majority of households in the City are owner -occupied, the City's First -Time Homebuyer Program, providing downpayment and mortgage assistance, seeks to increase the opportunity for low- to moderate -income renter -households to become homeowners. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 46 FY 2009-2013 SA :TTA CL.ARITA S. Housing Costs Housing costs are indicative of housing accessibility for all economic segments of the community. Typically if housing supply exceeds housing demand, housing costs will fall. If housing demand exceeds housing supply, housing costs will rise. If housing costs are high in comparison to the resident's income, a community will experience higher levels of overcrowding and overpayment. Housing costs also affect where a person will choose to live and the type of financing they might receive. In Santa Clarita, housing costs continued to rise during 2000 to 2006 and have begun to decline since 2007, as in most cities in California. a. Ownership Housing The value of homes varies substantially within the City of Santa Clarita, depending on the age, size and location of the home. The California Association of Realtors (CAR) reported that the median price of a single family residence in Santa Clarita in January 2009 was $366,000. A year earlier the median reported was $497,500, illustrating a 26.4 percent decrease. While the overall market is slowing, homes in Santa Clarita have done so at a slower rate than many of the surrounding areas. Table 19 shows the median cost of resale housing in Santa Clarita along with surrounding areas. Table 19: Median Cost Of Resale Housing Jurisdiction January 2009 January 2008 % Change Burbank $445,000 $510,000 -12.7% Glendale $457,000 $487,500 -6.3% Lancaster $140,000 $260,000 -46.2% Los Angeles County $300,000 $465,000 -35.5% Palmdale $135,000 $300,000 -55.0% San Fernando $250,000 $535,000 -53.3% Santa Clarita $366,000 $497,500 -26.4% Canyon Country $307,500 $395,500 -22.3% Newhall $190,000 $327,000 -41.9% Saugus n/a n/a n/a Valencia $391,000 $460,000 -15.0% Source: California Association of Realtors (CAR) 2009 The First -Time Buyer Housing Affordability Index prepared by the California Association of Realtors (CAR) measures the percentage of households who could afford to buy an entry- level home. The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California stood at 53 percent in the third quarter of 2008, compared with 24 percent for the same period a year ago. The number for Los Angeles County was 10 percentage points lower (less affordable) at 42 percents'. CAR also reported that the minimum household income needed to purchase an entry-level home valued at $287,760 in California in the third quarter of 2008 was $56,100, based on an adjustable interest rate of 5.91 percent and assuming a 10 percent down payment. " http://www.car.org/newsstand/ncwsreleases/278707/Q3housingaffordability/?view=Standard City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 47 FY 2009-2013 Iii CLARITA 4b 1V1 A.L 1J.4 First-time buyers typically purchase a home equal to 85 percent of the prevailing median price. The monthly payment including taxes and insurance was $1,870 for the third quarter of 2008. In contrast, the minimum household income needed to purchase an entry-level home at $332,680 in Los Angeles County was $64,800, with a monthly payment of $2,160. Santa Clarita's median income is $66,717, indicating that homeownership is more accessible in the City as opposed to the County where the median income is much lower at $42,189. Recent sales data indicate that condominiums in the City are affordable per CAR's report; however, the number of bedrooms and particular area of the City have a significant impact on price. The Newhall area had the lowest sales prices, as shown in Table 20. Table 20: Santa Clarita Valllejr Condo Sales Price Range by Area City Name Bedrooms Low Hicjh Santa Clarita 2 $155,000.00 n/a Santa Clarita 3 $334,900.00 n/a Santa Clarita 4 $349,900.00 n/a Saugus 2 $120,000.00 $295,000.00 Saugus 3 $253,000.00 $340,000.00 Saugus 4 $333,000.00 n/a Canyon Country 1 $100,000.00 $130fOOO.00 Canyon Country 2 $109,000.00 $268fOOO.00 Canyon Country 3 $135,000.00 $334,900.00 Canyon Country 4 $349,900.00 $355,075.00 Newhall 1 $115,000.00 $125,000.00 Newhall 2 $105,000.00 $314,950.00 Newhall 3 $168,000.00 $350,000.00 Valencia 1 $109,000.00 $241,500.00 Valencia 2 $135,000.00 $490,000.00 Valencia 3 $206,000.00 $499,000.00 Source: MLSAlliance, 2008 As shown in Table 21, single family homes are significantly higher priced than condominiums and are not close to the affordable figure of $332,680 provided by CAR; especially for larger units. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 48 FY 2009-2013 S,:TTA CLARITA Table 21: Santa Clarita Valley Sin le Family Home Sales Price Range/Area City Name Bedrooms Low Hiah Santa Clarita 2 $220,000 n/a Santa Clarita 3 $319,900 495 000 Santa Clarita 4 $526,000 $870,000 Newhall 2 $155,000 n/a Newhall 3 $208,000 $420,000 Newhall 4 $335,000 $455,000 Newhall 5 $450,000 585 000 Saugus 2 $355,000 Saugus 3 $270,000 $425,000 Saugus 3 $300,000 $453,900 Saugus 4 $291,000 $680,000 Saugus 5 $325,375 1 200 000 Saugus 6 $580,000 n/a Canyon Country 2 $125,000 $300,000 Canyon Country 3 $205,000 $815,000 Canyon Country 4 $208,000 $682,990 Canyon Country 5 $270,000 $508,900 Canyon Country 7 $1,000,000 n/a Valencia 1 $190,000 n/a Valencia 2 $260,000 $395,000 Valencia 3 $280,000 $535,000 Valencia 4 $359,000 $212501,000 Valencia 5 $435,000 $1,100,000 Source: MLSAiiiance, 2008 b. Rental Housing The rental housing market in Santa Clarita has increased dramatically over the past several years, with current rents for two-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,200. Market rents are beyond the level affordable to most low- and moderate -income (<80% MFI) households. A rental survey was conducted in January 2009 to evaluate trends in the Santa Clarita apartment rental market that resulted in the following: • one -bedroom apartment rents range from $1,075 - 11339; • two-bedroom rents range from $1,248 - $1,420; and • three-bedroom rents range from $1,661 - $2,283 City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 49 FY 2009-2013 :NTI'A CLARITA The City's last Consolidated plan reported that in 2003, rent levels were much lower: one -bedroom rents located in Saugus ($675) and Santa Clarita ($760). least expensive two-bedroom rents in Newhall ($725). least expensive three-bedroom rents in Newhall ($1,285) and Canyon Country ($1,285). Valencia was consistently the highest cost community regardless of bedroom size, with top rents of $1,599 for one -bedroom units, $2,689 for two-bedroom units, and $2,809 for three-bedroom units. The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) reports that market rent levels are well above fair market rents (FMR) and the payment standards established by the Housing Authority of Los Angeles (HACoLA), making it difficult for Section 8 tenants to find available units in Santa Clarita. Rising rents and low vacancy rates are providing a disincentive to landlords to participate in the program. In addition, the absence of a local Section 8 office serves as a barrier to both landlords and prospective Section 8 tenants. The "fair market" rents in each area are designated by HUD through a process in which the local housing authority submits a survey of area rents and recommendations for maximum allowable rents, and HUD staff review and approve or change the recommendations. HUD -approved "fair market rents" are set for the entire County or metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and are often lower than median rent in many communities, making it difficult for renters with Section 8 vouchers to find apartments that the housing authority will approve. In Santa Clarita, while the majority of rents exceed the fair market rents, there are units available at a cost that the Section 8 program would approve; though renters with Section 8 vouchers may have a hard time finding them. Bedroom Size 0 Bedroom (studio) 1 Bedroom 2 Bedrooms 3 Bedrooms 4 Bedrooms 5 Bedrooms c. Housing Affordability 2009 Fair Market Rents in Los Angeles County $ 904 $1090 $1,361 $1,828 $2,199 $2,529 Federal and state guidelines state that households should not spend more than 30 percent of their gross income on housing, otherwise they are considered to be overpaying. The affordability threshold is adjusted based upon the size of the households. Table 22 estimates the maximum housing costs affordable to very low-income, low-income, and moderate -income households in Santa Clarita by income for home purchase or rent. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 50 FY 2009-2013 &:NTA Ci..ARITA w,..,"...:.. if �. Table 22: Affordable Housing Prices and Rents by Income Groups Income Category Maximum Home Maximum Home purchase Purchase Price Rental Rate Extremely Low Income (0-30% MFI) $75,521 $465/month Less than $18,630 moderate- income persons. Low Income (31%- 50% MFI) $126,031 $776/ month Less than $31,050 Moderate Income (51-%- 80% MFI) $201,715 $1,242/ month Less than $49,680 Middle Income (81%- 95%) $239,558 $1,475/ month Less than $58,995 *Based on County Median Family Income of $62,100. Calculation of affordable rent is based on 30% of gross household income. Calculation of affordable home purchase is based on an annual interest rate of 6.25%, 30 -year mortgage, and monthly payment of 30% of gross income. As shown in Table 22, comparing the affordability index with current market data on rents and mortgages indicates that: • Extremely low- and low-income households cannot afford housing of adequate size in the City of Santa Clarita whether ownership or rental. Of these new • Low-income households cannot afford housing of adequate size in the City of Santa Clarita whether ownership or rental; however smaller unit condominiums along with downpayment assistance might be able to occur. • Moderate -income households are able to rent one and two-bedroom apartments, though large moderate -income households may not be able to afford larger sized units. Homeownership does not appear to be affordable to moderate -income households in Santa Clarita. 6. Projected Housing Needs State law requires local jurisdictions to provide for their share of regional housing needs. As part of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) determines the housing growth needs by income category for cities within its jurisdiction, which includes the City of Santa Clarita. RHNA determinations also calculate the projected new construction necessary to accommodate the anticipated population through 2014. The construction need is calculated by factoring in projected population, vacancy rates, housing market removals, and existing housing stock. As illustrated in Table 23, Santa Clarita is required to provide opportunity for the construction of 9,598 new dwelling units. Of these new units 59.5 percent are to be provided to very low- to moderate- income persons. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 51 FY 2009-2013 T .TA CL.ARITA Y ri6... L... Table 23: RHNA New Housin Construction Needs by Income Group Income Category Overall Housing Unit Construction Need Percent of Need by Income Group Very Low (0-50% County MFI) 21493 26.0% Low (50-80% County MFI) 1 560 16.2% Moderate (80-120% County MFI) 11657 17.3% Above Moderate (Over 120% County MFI) 3t888 40.5% Total Need 9 598 100% Source: SCAG, 2007 7. Housing Needs and Problems of Low- and Moderate -Income Persons The following summarizes the housing assistance needs of low- and moderate -income households in the City based on information provided by the 2000 Census and CHAS data. Households with housing problems are defined by HUD and include: • Occupying units with physical defects (lacking complete kitchen or plumbing) • Living in overcrowded conditions (more than one person per room); and • Experiencing a housing cost burden, including utilities, exceeding 30 percent of gross income. Based on these criteria, in 2000, approximately 37.5 percent of all households in Santa Clarita reported some type of housing problem. In contrast, 80 percent of low- to moderate -income households reported some type of housing problem. Housing problems reported by race indicate that 56.4 of Hispanic households reported having housing problems followed by 44.4 percent of Asian households. Similar in proportion were 37.4 percent of African-American households, 37.0 percent of Pacific Islander households and 33.7 percent of White households. Native American households reported the least at 20 percent. While it appears that Hispanics and Asians are disproportionately affected by housing problems, this may be due to the lower incomes they earn or possibly their traditionally larger household sizes. Disproportionate need exists when the percentage of persons in a category of need who are members of a particular race or ethnic group is at least 10 percentage points higher that the percentage of persons in the category as a whole. Based on the 2000 CHAS data, the following disproportionate needs were indicated for African-Americans: extremely low- income owners and renters in the "other" household category; low-income elderly renter households, moderate -income large renter households, and moderate -income "other" households. For Hispanics the following categories indicated disproportionate need: Low- income elderly and large owner households and moderate -income elderly renter households. S. Overcrowding The Census defines overcrowding in a dwelling as 1.01 or more persons per room. The kitchen, living, dining and bedrooms are counted as 'rooms" but the bathroom is excluded, for purposes of this definition. A unit is considered severely overcrowded if City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 52 FY 2009-2013 SA Iii CLARITA YY 16 I...A.k If" ti there are 1.51 or more persons per room. Overcrowding can indicate a problem with housing affordability. Typically, overcrowding results when, in order to cope with high housing costs, households that need three or four bedrooms squeeze into a smaller apartment, or two families reduce expenses by sharing an apartment or single-family home. According to the 2000 Census, 1,065 or 2.8% of Santa Clarita's 37,801 owner -occupied units were overcrowded and another 808 or 2.1% were severely overcrowded. Overcrowding was more frequent among renter households than owner -occupied dwellings, with 883 or 6.9% of the 12,794 rental households reporting more than 1.01 persons per room, and another 1,179 or 9.2% severely overcrowded households reporting 1.5 or more persons per room. The amount of overcrowding (a total of 16.1% of renter households) indicates that despite an ample supply of larger units, the disparity between the low incomes of a portion of Santa Clarita households and the high median rents means that in order to afford their rent, some families have to crowd into units that are too small to adequately accommodate the number of family members. 9. Overpayment Federal standards set the amount that lower income households should pay for rent at about 30% of their income. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines for owners set the proportion of gross income paid for mortgage costs alone at 29% of income, with an allowance of 41% of gross income for all debt. Extremely low-income owners and renters in Santa Clarita, meaning those earning 30% or less of median income, have very high cost burdens. Nearly three quarters of both renters and owners in this income category are paying more than half their incomes for housing costs. Even when households earn between 30% and 50% of the median income, 65.6% of renters and 61% of owners are paying more than half their incomes for housing. Housing cost burdens are not as high among renters and owners who earn between 51% and 80% of median income. Although 72.1% of renters and 67.3% of owners in this income category are paying more than 30% of income for housing, only 17.2% of renters pay more than 50% of their incomes for rent, while 43.4% of owners still have housing cost burdens of more than 50% of income. It is clear from this data that high housing costs impose a severe burden on those with the lowest incomes. It is not possible to tell from the Census data whether costs for owners are calculated before or after taxes. If before taxes, then owners' real costs may be somewhat lowered by the mortgage interest deduction. 10. Foreclosures The subject of foreclosures on mortgage loans for homes and condominiums has been of national and statewide concern in recent years (2007 to 2009) due to the large number of families that have lost their homes during this period. In many cases, foreclosures have occurred on loans that were made subject to adjustable interest rates and/or balloon payments that seemed reasonable in an expanding housing market, but which became City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 53 FY 2009-2013 :TTA CLAR[TA excessive for homeowners in an economic downturn and contracting housing market. Foreclosures are an issue because they result in displaced households that may have trouble finding adequate, affordable replacement housing; they may result in vacant housing stock that is subject to vandalism or lack of maintenance; and the foreclosure crisis affects the economy due to loss of jobs in construction, finance, real estate, and related industries. According to the City's draft Housing Element, there were 473 foreclosures in the City of Santa Clarita in the second quarter of 2008, more than three times the number of foreclosures during the same period in 2007. This number is also an increase over the first quarter of 2008, when there were 315 foreclosures. These foreclosures pose a number of problems for the Santa Clarita community by displacing families, depressing housing prices and leaving some neighborhoods with vacant housing that is not adequately maintained. The location of Affordable Housing can be found on Figure 4 The location of Affordable Senior Housing can be found on Figure 5 The location of the City's Mobile Home Parks can be found on Figure 6 City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 54 FY 2009-2013 NTACL m7 � City ¥a* GA Consolidated @n wee FY 2009-2013 E .TTA CLALR[TA x.,,• ,"...:.w ,.k... �g a City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 56 FY 2009-2013 a City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 56 FY 2009-2013 NTACL m7 a I City ¥a* GA Consolidated @n Vie= FY 2009-2013 V. PUBLIC AND ASSISTED HOUSING NEEDS Public and assisted housing address a critical need for affordable housing in the community. This section provides an overview of public and assisted housing projects in Santa Clarita, as well as tenant - based Section 8 rental assistance. A. Public Housing The only public housing complex in Santa Clarita is Orchard Arms, which is operated by the County of Los Angeles. Orchard Arms is a 182 -unit apartment project serving low- income elderly and disabled residents. The units are in good condition, and there are no substandard units or rehabilitation needs at the facility. Apartment units are already modified to serve disabled and elderly residents. No public housing units are anticipated to be lost through demolition or conversion. 1. Resident Initiatives The City of Santa Clarita owns no public housing units and is not involved in the management of any public housing. The City has not undertaken any activities to encourage public housing residents to become owners of their public units or developed any other ownership opportunities for these residents. 2. Public Housing Improvements The Housing Authority of Los Angeles County's HACoLA's Capital Fund Program provides for a variety of improvements to the public housing stock, including the installation and/or replacement of: security lights, water heaters, evaporative coolers, exterior doors and screens, asphalt parking areas, trash enclosures, carports, and obsolete HVAC systems; and the modernization of vacant units. Many of these improvements are required to correct deficiencies identified by the HUD Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) during their annual inspections of the properties. All identified Health and Safety deficiencies are addressed and corrected within 24 hours. In addition, the modernization of vacant units provides residents with up-to-date, clean, modern housing. It is the goal of HACoLA to maintain the appearance of each neighborhood it owns and inspect all of its units to ensure a good quality appearance; however there are no public housing projects operating by the City of Santa Clarita. B. Section 8 Rental Assistance The City of Santa Clarita collaborates with the Housing Authority of Los Angeles County (HACoLA) to administer the Section 8 Program rental assistance to families whose income does not exceed 50 percent of the median income through the housing choice voucher program. Under this program, the Housing Authority makes subsidy payments to owners on behalf of the assisted family. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 58 FY 2009-2013 Iii CLARITA �. "..a,.& f", A payment standard is used to determine the maximum amount of assistance, which is usually between 30 percent and 40 percent of their adjusted gross income. 1. Patterns of Occupancy The City's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) reported that as of November 2003, 242 Santa Clarita residents were receiving Section 8 housing vouchers; however, as of March 13, 2009 there are 162 vouchers within the City. Table 24 describes the race, ethnicity, and characteristics of voucher holders, the estimated eligible population (renters earning less than 50% of median family income), and the proportion of the need group that is served. As a result of switching databases, the County is currently not able to provide updated information by bedrooms and race or ethnicity; As illustrated by Table 24, approximately 65 percent of Santa Clarita's vouchers are distributed to Whites, 17 percent to African-Americans, and 15 percent to Hispanics. Given that African-Americans make up only two (2) percent of the City's population and represent 17 percent of the vouchers, this group appears to be overrepresented; though, this is a trend consistent within the County. Table 24: Section 8 Vouchers Race/Ethnicity Santa Clarita Percent White 158 65% Black 42 17% American Indian 3 1% Hispanic 36 15% Asian 3 1% Totall 242 100% Source: City of Santa Clarita Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, 2004. The City's AI further stated that HACoLA's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (2002) reports that countywide, White and Hispanic residents are under -represented and African American residents are over -represented in the Section 8 program relative to their proportion of the total County population. The reasons for the disparity in representation are unclear. Lower-income Hispanic and Asian populations may face language barriers, may be unfamiliar with the Section 8 program, or may be reluctant to interface with government officials. To ensure that all members of the community are familiar with Section 8, HACoLA advertises program availability in both English and Spanish, Section 8 staff members are bilingual, and Section 8 applications are available in Spanish. To increase the awareness of Section 8 resources among families of races and ethnicities with disproportionate needs, as well as to the elderly and disabled, HACoLA has adopted the following strategies: • Affirmatively market to race/ethnicities shown to have disproportionate housing needs. • Counsel Section 8 tenants as to location of units outside of poverty or minority and assist them to locate those units. • Market the Section 8 program to owners outside of areas of poverty/minority concentration. • Apply for special purpose vouchers targeted to the elderly and families with disabilities, should they become available. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 59 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV :N1TA C:I..ARITA • Advertise and market the Section 8 program at Social Security offices, senior centers, and neighborhood centers. • Affirmatively market to local non-profit agencies that assist families with disabilities. 2. Section 8 Admission Policies According to HACoLA, over 550 Santa Clarita residents in November 2003 were on the waiting list for assistance. As the County recently changed their database and tracking, there is currently not more recent data available. Since the demand for housing assistance far exceeds the limited resources available, long waiting periods are common, with over 121,000 on the County -wide wait list. The amount of time on the wait list can disproportionately impact the elderly, who may be frail and have health problems. HUD allows Housing Authorities to develop local preferences to prioritize Section 8 assistance. HACoLA has developed the following preferences, which it uses to prioritize the Section 8 waiting list: 1. Victims of Domestic Violence/Homeless: This preference includes emancipated youth aging out of foster care between the ages of 18 and 21. The homeless criteria were expanded to include single elderly and disabled people. 2. Date and time of registration on the preliminary waiting list/Veteran's and Veteran's families. 3. Jurisdictional Preference: Families who live and/or work in the jurisdiction of the HACoLA will be admitted before families outside its jurisdiction. C. Assisted Housing Units "At Risk" Santa Clarita has 602 units for families and individuals in 10 developments, and 956 low - and very low-income units in senior developments that are made affordable to low- and very low-income tenants with state or federal finance. In 2006, 66 affordable units converted to market rents. According to the City's Housing Element, an additional 112 units in two developments are at high risk of losing their subsidies and converting to market rates. These units include 76 senior units affordable at 50% of median income; and 36 family units affordable to households earning 50% or less of median income (very low-income). Conversion of these units to market -rate rents would be a significant loss of affordable housing in Santa Clarita. To the extent feasible, the City will work to preserve affordable units at risk of losing their subsidies and converting to market -rate rents. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 60 FY 2009-2013 VI. Barriers to Affordable Housing Affordable housing barriers exist in the form of market factors and governmental regulations. Barriers or impediments to affordable housing are caused when the incentive to develop such housing is removed due to excessive development costs and/or the lack of community commitment. Because of the barriers, housing development can be rendered economically infeasible, or the housing produced may not be affordable to low- and moderate -income households. Some development costs are motivated by economic conditions and issues that affect the real estate market and are outside the control of local government. This section assesses the effect of various barriers on the production and affordability of housing in Santa Clarita. Local government cannot control many factors that tend to restrict housing supply especially those that relate to regional, national, and international economy. Various factors not under the control of local government influence the cost, supply, and distribution of housing. These factors include land costs, construction costs, and financing costs. A. Market Barriers 1. Land Costs The cost of developable land has a direct impact on the cost of a new housing unit. The higher the cost of land, the higher the price or rent of a new unit will be. Developers, therefore, will normally seek to obtain local government approval for the largest number of lots or units allowable on a given parcel of land. This allows a developer to spread the costs for off-site infrastructure improvements (streets, water lines, etc.) and other construction and financing costs over the maximum number of units. Land prices contribute 10-30% to total housing costs. Land in some areas costs more than land in others, due to the availability of services, access, neighborhood quality, distance to business centers and commercial areas, and other physical characteristics. Land prices in the City vary, depending on location and developmental constraints. Vacant land within the City is generally more expensive than vacant land in the unincorporated area of the Santa Clarita Valley. 2. Construction Costs Construction costs present another significant expenditure in the production of affordable housing. For multi -family uses, multi -story structures and underground parking can add significantly to the cost of construction. In California, developer return on investment, or profit margins, based on high demand market rates can be a constraint to the production of affordable housing, particularly in a slow economy such as the present. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 61 FY 2009-2013 SA .TTA CL.ARITA Thus, the developer profit margin can be a constraint to the provision of affordable housing and cost containment for the low or moderate -income buyer or renter and may contribute to the difficulty of providing affordable housing. 3. Lack of Adequate Infrastructure Housing must be provided with public services such as roads, water services, sewage disposal, waste disposal, electricity, natural gas, telephone services, schools, parks, libraries, and fire and police protection services. The availability of services and infrastructure influences the extent of infrastructure development that developers have to pay for in order to serve their developments. Leapfrog, or piecemeal, development results in the expensive extension of services and facilities to outlying areas and the underutilization of facilities near existing development. 4. Mortgage Financing Construction loans for the development of housing have interest rates ranging from 5-9%. Rates affect market rents and purchase costs. High interest rates could slow construction activities and increase housing costs. Interest rates are presently at a low level and the cost of housing in the Santa Clarita Valley has been dropping. The combination of lower housing costs and low interest rates has lowered monthly payments and increased the number of households who qualify for home ownership. Unfortunately, this is balanced by the high unemployment rate in the Southern California region, which has lowered household income. Financing is generally available for new and existing home purchases in the Santa Clarita Valley. Redlining was not indicated when financing availability was researched through the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act or the Community Reinvestment Act sources. Under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977, banks are required to loan money in low- and moderate -income communities, have meaningful communication with members of the community regarding banking services, and market or provide special credit -related information to make residents aware of the credit services. In tandem with the CRA, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) requires lending institutions to disclose the disposition of each home purchase and improvement loan application. The following summarizes residential lending activities of conventional home purchase loans, as related to the availability/accessibility of financing. The annual HMDA data for 2007 (the most recent year available) indicates that 9,146 conventional home mortgage applications were submitted for homes in Santa Clarita. Of the applications, 51.2 percent were approved, 15.9 percent were denied, 8.2 percent were withdrawn, and 1.9 percent were closed for incompleteness. The HMDA data indicates that 51 percent of the applications were from White Non - Hispanic households, 19.5 percent from Hispanic households, 8.5 percent from Asian households, and 3 percent from Black households. These percentages are consistent with the City's ethnic composition. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 62 FY 2009-2013 :NTI'A CLARITA iw 16 1....:.L 1J.Y Approximately 1.5 percent of applications were filed by households earning less than 80 percent of the County MFI; 4.6 percent were filed by households earning between 80 and 120 percent of the County MFI; 81.6 percent were filed by households earning greater than 120 percent of the County MFI; and 12.3 percent of incomes were not available. These percentages are consistent with the City's income composition. HMDA data indicates that very few government -backed financing applications were received (55 applications). These types of loans typically help lower income applicants. The low number of applications received may indicate that these types of programs are not being adequately marketed in the area, or may be a result of the higher cost of housing that exceeds the FHA maximum loan amount of $475,000. Recent changes to the FHA maximum purchase price may impact these figures in the future. Given the higher incomes earned by residents in Santa Clarita, another explanation may be that residents prefer conventional financing and have the down payment typically required by lenders. B. Government Barriers Local government can constrain the production of affordable housing in a variety of ways, including: limiting the land designated for residential development and/or the densities at which that development can occur, imposing fees or exactions (park fees, permit processing fees, etc.), and requiring lengthy review periods prior to approval or denial of a project. However, it is important to recognize that the goal of producing a range of affordable housing may at times conflict with other City goals, such as the desire to provide sufficient open space and recreation facilities, the desire to protect unique environmental features and historic resources, and the desire to ensure the health and safety of the residents by maintaining an acceptable level of community services and infrastructure. The need to ensure adequate housing for all economic segments of the community must be balanced with these goals. 1. Land Use Controls The City of Santa Clarita's Unified Development Code (UDC) was adopted in 1992 and amended through December 2008. The residential districts and their respective maximum density as established in the City's Development code are proposed as follows (the City is currently in the process of updating its General Plan and these designations are not yet officially adopted as part of the One Valley One Vision document): • Non -Urban 1 (NU 1) (1 du/20 acres) • Non -Urban 2 (NU 2) (1 du/10 acres) • Non -Urban 3 (NU 3) (1 du/5 acres) • Non -Urban 4 (NU 4) (1 du/2 acres) • Non -Urban 5 (NU 5) (1 du/acre) • Urban Residential 1 (UR 1) (2 du/acre) • Urban Residential 2 (UR 2) (5 du/acre) • Urban Residential 3 (UR 3) (6 - 11 du/acre) • Urban Residential 4 (UR 4) (10 - 18 du/acre) • Urban Residential 5 (UR 5) (19 - 30 du/acre) • Mixed Use - Neighborhood (MXN) (6-18 du/acre) City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 63 FY 2009-2013 Iii CLARITA YY 16 I...A.k lfu4 • Mixed Use - Corridor (MXC) (11-30 du/acre) 111 Mixed Use - Urban Village (MXUV) (19-50 du/acre) • Regional Commercial (CR) (18-50 du/acre) 111 Community Commercial (CC) (11-30 du/acre) 111 Neighborhood Commercial (NC) (6-18 du/acre) According to the City's Draft Housing Element, the One Valley One Vision General Plan adopted many principles of smart growth including: transit -oriented development, walkable neighborhoods with access to services, non -motorized mobility options, promotion of balanced jobs and housing, live -work units, and mixed-use development. The new document is aimed at alleviating many of the previous documents constraints on development, specifically mid -point densities, restrictions on mixed-use developments, and overall increases in densities allowed. The City currently allows density bonuses. Existing density bonus law requires local governments to grant density bonuses of at least 25 percent, plus additional incentive(s) or equivalent concession/incentives, to developers who construct at least: 20% of their units for lower income households, 10% for very low-income households, or 50% for senior citizens18. Manufactured homes offer additional affordable housing opportunities to City residents. Manufactured housing units are permitted by right in any residential district where single- family dwellings are permitted. Table 25 illustrates the City's Development Code Standards. Table 25: Development Code Standards Maximum Minimum Max Lot Lot Width Front Yard Side Yard Rear Yard Height Lotsize coverage Setback Setback Set Back Residential Estate (RE) Reside) 5 ft. (reverse 35 ft. 2 gross acres N/A 100 ft. 20 ft. corner lot 20 15 ft. ft. Residential Very Low 5 ft. (reverse (RVL) (NU5) 35 ft. N/A N/A 100 ft. 20 ft. corner lot 20 15 ft. ft. Residential Low (RL) 5 ft. (reverse (URl) 35 ft. N/A N/A 75 ft. 20 ft. corner lot 20 15 ft. ft. Residential Suburban 5 ft. (reverse (RS) (UR2) 35 ft. N/A N/A 50 ft. 20 ft. corner lot 20 15 ft. ft. Residential Moderate 5 ft. (reverse (RM) (UR 3 & 4) 35 ft. N/A N/A 50 ft. 20 ft. corner lot 20 15 ft. ft. Residential Medium 5 ft. (reverse High (RMH) (UR5) 35 ft. N/A N/A 50 ft. 20 ft. corner lot 20 15 ft. ft. Residential High (RH) 5 ft. (reverse (UR5) 35 ft. N/A N/A 50 ft. 20 ft. corner lot 20 15 ft. ft. Source: City of Santa Clarita Draft Housing Element and Development Code Chapter 17. " California Housing Law Advocate, 2006. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 64 FY 2009-2013 NTA CLAR[TA 2. Community Care Facilities State law (Lanterman-Petris-Short Act) authorizes care facilities serving 6 or fewer disabled persons or dependent and neglected children on a 24 -hour -a -day basis to be considered residential uses and be permitted in all residential zones. The City of Santa Clarita permits Care Facilities in the residential zoned areas by right and requires a conditional use permit (CUP) in the RM, RMH, and RH districts. Thus, the City is in compliance with California State Law and does not appear to be discriminating against the disabled or imposing any unnecessary constraints to development. 3. Parking Regulations When parking requirements are high, housing development costs tend to increase, restricting the range of housing types available in a community. Typically, the concern for high parking requirements relates only to multi -family housing. The City's parking requirements are as follows: • Single-family unit: 2 enclosed spaces; • Two-family units: 2 spaces/unit; • Multi -family units: 1.5 spaces for studios; 1.75 spaces for one -bedroom; 2 spaces for two -plus bedrooms; plus 1 guest space/2 units for projects with over 3 units. All spaces to be enclosed (except guest parking). • Mobile home park: 2 spaces per unit plus one guest per 2 units (may be • uncovered); • Senior/disabled: 0.5 space/unit with plot plan review and deed restriction; • Mixed use: same as above except 1 -bedroom: 1 space/unit and allowance for shared guest spaces; • Specific plans: parking may be reduced; • Boarding house: 5 spaces per sleeping room plus 2; • Residential services/care home = 2 spaces; • Second unit: 1 space/2 bedrooms; • Residential health care: 0.5 space/unit; • Community care: 0.5 space per room; • Shared parking allowed with a CUP; • Tandem parking allowed in multi -family developments with a Minor Use Permit. Per the City's Housing Element, these standards are similar to those found throughout California and no unusual don't pose a significant constraint to the production of housing. 4. Codes and Enforcement Building and safety codes are adopted for the purposes of preserving public health and safety, and ensuring the construction of safe and decent housing. However, compliance with these codes can add to the cost of housing construction and act as a constraint to residential development. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 65 FY 2009-2013 SANTA CLAR[TA � k6 L.d:.w I.... . S. Uniform Building Code The Uniform Building Code (UBC) regulates the physical construction of dwellings and includes plumbing, electrical, and mechanical divisions. The purpose of the Building Code and its enforcement is to protect the public from unsafe buildings and unsafe conditions associated with construction. The City has adopted the State Uniform Building and Housing Code, which is considered to be the minimum necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. The City complies with all state and federal requirements for accessibility in housing, including new accessibility standards for multifamily buildings (effective July 1, 2005) per SB 1025, which require 10 percent of the total dwelling units in multistory (townhouse - type) buildings without an elevator that consist of at least four condominium dwelling units or at least three apartment dwelling units to meet accessibility requirements. According to an article in Builder's Magazine, the concept behind the new legislation is based on the concept of "visitability", which means that a house meets three basic requirements; 1) it includes at least one no -step entrance, 2) doors and hallways are wide enough to navigate through, and a bathroom on the first floor is big enough for wheelchair access19. Thus, those with disabilities are able to visit non- disabled people. 6. Americans with Disabilities Act All residential construction in Santa Clarita must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA requirements include a minimum number of accessible units for the physically disabled. 7. Planning and Development Fees Development fees and taxes charged by local governments also contribute to the cost of housing. Building, zoning, and site improvement fees can significantly add to the cost of construction and have a negative effect on the production of affordable housing. Santa Clarita charge fees to offset the costs associated with permit processing, though they are not a deterrent to housing development. S. Permit and Processing Procedures The processing time required to obtain approval of development permits is often cited as a contributing factor to the high cost of housing. For some proposed development projects, additional time is needed to complete the environmental review process before an approval can be granted. Unnecessary delays add to the cost of construction by increasing land holding costs and interest payments. The City of Santa Clarita also offers a One -Stop process through the Planning Division. A One -Stop is a preliminary development review by City staff and other related agencies to provide comments on proposed developments The associated fee for a One -Stop is applied to future entitlements required when continuing through the development process. " Gonzales, Manual, Builder and Developer Magazine, June 2005. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 66 FY 2009-2013 .TTA CI ARITA %1.HL LN hk Lv--Ys 9. Davis -Bacon Prevailing Wages A prevailing wage must be paid to laborers when federal funds are used to pay labor costs for any project over $2,000 or on any multi -family project over eight units. The prevailing wage is usually higher than competitive wages, raising the cost of housing production and rehabilitation activities. Davis -Bacon also adds to housing costs by requiring documentation of the prevailing wage compliance. These requirements often restrict participation by small, minority contractors. Conversely, many of the workers hired for these projects are better paid due to Davis -Bacon requirements. This is helpful for the low- or limited -skilled workers who are intended to be the beneficiaries of this federal law. 10. Public Opposition to Affordable Housing Not -in -My -Back -Yard (NIMBY) is a term used to describe opposition by local residents to construction, typically of affordable housing, though also in public facilities. Public opposition to affordable housing projects can cause delays in the development review process and sometimes can lead to project denial. A large amount of funds can be spent by developers of affordable housing but ultimately with a proposed project being denied during the public hearing process due to public opposition. 11. Reduction of Barriers to Affordable Housing Santa Clarita works to minimize the financial impact of efforts to protect public health and safety by taking actions to reduce costs or provide off -setting financial incentives to assist in the production of safe, high quality, affordable housing. To ensure the development of affordable housing, the City will make efforts to ensure that developmental review processes are efficient, fees reasonable, and that the development industry is involved in the formulation of policies regarding development review processes and fees. Currently, the City is exploring an inclusionary housing ordinance which may include an in -lieu housing fee, to provide funds for the City's affordable housing programs. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 67 FY 2009-2013 VII. Lead-based Paint Hazards and Reduction Strategy The lead-based paint hazards and reduction strategy section provides an outline of the actions to be undertaken to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint inwMMIT hazards in the City of Santa Clarita. Congress adopted the Residential Lead -Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, which focuses on homes (rather than on response to poisoning cases), identification/reduction of paint hazards (as opposed to elimination of lead-based paint only), and adds new federal requirements, including incorporating a lead-based paint hazard response in Consolidated Plans at state and local levels. Lead poisoning is a leading environmental hazard facing American children. In 1978, LBP was banned from residential use. It is estimated that more than one-half of the total United States housing stock contain lead hazards. The presence of LBP in itself is not a hazard, it only becomes a hazard when it becomes exposed to the environment as in buildings where paint is allowed to chip or peel. A. Childhood Lead Poisoning The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) is a Division of Community Epidemiology Unit of the Los Angeles County Department of Health and Human Services. It seeks to prevent lead poisoning among children under age of six through community education and to provide case management to children identified with dangerous blood lead levels. The Center for Disease Control has determined that a child with a blood lead level of 15 to 19 mg/dL is at high risk for lead poisoning, while a child with a blood lead level above 19 mg/dL requires full medical evaluation and public health follow-up (referred to as a case). According to the Los Angeles County Department of Health and Human Services CLPPP, there were 28 elevated blood lead levels (15 + mg/dQ reported for youth under six (6) years of age in Santa Clarita between 2000 and 2008, of which seven (7) were cases. In contrast, there were 1,313 cases reported for the County, of which 135 cases were reported for the San Fernando SPA (between 2000 and 2007)20. Of the cases reported for the County as a whole, the majority were from Hispanic households (76 percent), followed by White (13 percent), and Black (six percent). The County also reported that 69 percent were from paint, 34 percent were from a take home source (adult working with lead), 32 percent were from dust, 19 percent from a home remedy, 19 percent from soil, and less than five percent each from the following categories: hobbies, other (candies, spices, mini -blinds, toys, jewelry, or other non-traditional sources of lead), pottery, or water. 20 htto://l)ublichealth.lacounty.gov/lead/reports/lead6 color 2007 2.pdf City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 68 FY 2009-2013 :NTI'A CLARITA �. "..a,.k fw. Given the relatively low number of cases reported in Santa Clarita and the City's newer housing stock (80% of the housing stock in Santa Clarita was built after 1980), lead- based paint will remain a low priority during the five year period; however the City will follow its strategy to help reduce hazards as described later in this section. B. Lead Hazard Information Sources for Lead Hazard Information include: • The HUD Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, which operates the "Healthy Homes" program to protect children and their families from lead poisoning. The program develops lead-based paint regulations and offers lead- based paint hazards information via the internet in the form of brochures and fact sheets featuring childhood lead screening guidance. htti)://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/hhi/index.cfm • The U.S Environmental Protection Agency National Lead Information Center has several free lead poisoning prevention booklets that are available by calling 1 (800) 424-5323 or going online to http://www.er)a.aov/lead/. • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Visit the CDC Web site http://www.cdc.ciov/nceh/lead/ or, call the National Lead Information Center at 1 (800) 424 -LEAD [5323]. • The Environmental Health Coalition offers publications, fact sheets and reports on lead hazards and other toxic substances. http://www.environmentalhealth-ora/LeadPoisoninci/lead poisoning.html • The Alliance to Childhood Lead Poisoning offers fact sheets and brochures. htti)://www.afhh.org/aboutus/about us main.htm • Children's Environmental Health Network offers resources fact sheets, and brochures. http://www.cehn.org/index.htmi • The State of California Department of Health Services, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch has information specific to controlling lead hazards and regulate Lead Safe work practices in California. http://ww2.cdph.ca.gov/programs/CLPPB/Pages/default.aspx • Lead -related Construction Information Line, 1(800) 597 -LEAD [5323] • The City of Santa Clarita's Building and Safety Division has literature available relative to lead-based paint hazards. Part of the City's strategy is to increase awareness of the dangers of lead-based paint. The Los Angeles County Health Department contracts services with the State for community outreach and education programs. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 69 FY 2009-2013 .TTA CL.ARITA � k6 L.d:.w I.... . C. Detection There are three ways to detect LBP; X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) using a hand held analyzer, lab testing, and "wet chemical" spot testing. Typically, XRF is used first, then lab -testing for verification. "Wet chemical" kits are available in hardware stores, but are not considered very reliable. Following are the six lead-based paint hazards known to produce lead exposures that are known to have poisoned children: (1) Deteriorated lead based paint on any exterior or interior surface. (2) Lead-based paint on any friction surface, particularly floors and windows painted with lead-based paint. (3) Lead-based paint on any impact surface, such as door frames. (4) Lead-based paint on any accessible surface, that a young child could chew or mouth, such as a window sill. (5) Lead contaminated dust -interior household surface dust that contains lead in excess of a federal standard, as established by the EPA in April 1994. (6) Lead contaminated soil. It is believed that lead in households dust is the most common vector for childhood lead poisoning. D. Risk Factors There are several factors identified in the Technical Assistance Bulletin I Lead -Based Paint Hazards and the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy: How to Respond to TITLE X produced by the National Center for Lead -Safe Housing, which put communities at high risk. These are the following: structure age, structure condition, poverty and property tenure, families with young children and known lead -poisoning cases. E. Number of Housing Units with Lead -Based Paint The age of housing stock is the key variable in estimating the number of housing units with potential lead-based paint (LBP) hazard - the use of all lead-based paint on residential property was prohibited starting in 1978. The areas of the City with the oldest housing stock, the stock most likely to contain LBP, are also the areas with the greatest incidence of substandard housing conditions. Based on the national average, 75 percent of all residential properties built prior to 1978 contain lead-based paint. Approximately 30 percent (12,513 units) of the Santa Clarita housing stock were built prior to 1979. Using the national average, approximately 9,385 housing units in Santa Clarita may contain LBP. Table 26 presents estimates of housing units with potential LBP. Table 26: Number of Housing Units with Lead Based Paint Santa Clarita Year Built Units Percent with LBP Estimated No. of Units with LBP After 1980 29,287 1960-1979 91693 62% + 10% 61010 + 969 1940-1959 21422 80% + 10% 11938 + 24 Before 1940 398 90% + 10% 358 +40 Total Units 41,800 81306 + 11033 Source: 2000 Census Tabulation City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 70 FY 2009-2013 T :TA CL.AR[TA 4b 1V1 A.L 1J.. CHAS data further indicates that approximately 1,886 low to moderate- income households in Santa Clarita occupied housing units built prior to 1970 (51 percent renters and 49 percent owners). F. Lead Safe L.A. 2010 Los Angeles County is currently involved in the implementation of a strategic plan to eliminate childhood lead poisoning by 2010 called Lead Safe L.A. 2010. Los Angeles County Public Health is the oversight agency for the plan and encourages cities to include the following recommendations and suggestions in their Consolidated Plans: • Specify actions and activities for lead hazard evaluation and/or reduction such as is recommended below in the narrative of your document: o Education and outreach, if any. (Who will provide education in your city and how will it be carried out) o Will written educational materials be distributed o Who will do the inspections, assessments, and rehabilitation work (Will it include testing and abatement) o Who is eligible and what is the contact information to apply for lead rehabilitation funds o How will your city monitor rehabilitation work and who has the oversight to ensure that the work is conducted in a safe manner • Will your City consider a partnership • If you observe an older unit being renovated where lead safe practices are not employed, would you support the County's mission and call the CLPPP or building and safety department for support • The County CLPPP will train building and safety staff or department of planning and redevelopment employees to understand lead poisoning prevention and lead safe work practices • Refer to LACLPPP any lead -poisoned children or addresses of suspected lead poisoned children to assist in tracking The City of Santa Clarita addresses the County's recommendations in its Strategy described below. G. Strategy Santa Clarita has a need for lead -hazard free housing and continues to work to reduce lead-based paint hazards to comply with 24 CFR Part 35. While the number of units considered to contain lead-based paint is relatively low, the City will address the problem of LBP hazard by establishing a program for evaluating and reducing lead hazards during repair and renovation of older housing stock. A public information campaign to warn people about the need to maintain buildings, which may contain LBP, as well as other programs to encourage home maintenance, will aid in mitigating LBP hazards in the City of Santa Clarita. The City also provides rehabilitation of housing through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Handy -worker, Residential Rehabilitation, and Property Rehabilitation programs. The programs aid in correcting substandard conditions, which contribute to LBP hazards. The City will also encourage land -owners, especially owners of units where children live, to correct substandard conditions to minimize LBP hazards. Due City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 71 FY 2009-2013 C Iii i TTA CLARITA 4b 1V1 A.L 1J.4 to the mean age of the City's housing, homes containing lead-based paint are not believed to be a significant problem. However, the City will continue to provide information and assistance to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards through the following actions and activities: • All qualified applicants for services through the Handyworker, Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program, and Property Rehabilitation Grant Program, prior to December 2008, have been provided with the HUD pamphlet, "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" outlining the dangers of lead-based paint and steps for safe mitigation. A new pamphlet from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools" is now used. When a homeowner of a home built before 1978 applies to any of the City's rehabilitation programs for work that may disturb lead-based paint, an inspection test is ordered. When containment and/or abatement are required, the homeowner is required to use a contractor certified by the state of California in lead -safe work practices. • As part of the City's contract with the Fair Housing Council of the San Fernando Valley, information is provided to landlords, renters, and various property management agencies regarding the dangers of lead-based paint and appropriate mitigation strategies. • The City's Planning Division provides the public with information on lead-based paint hazards through one-on-one contact with building inspectors, code enforcement officers, and the general public. The City's Planning Division public service counter provides the public with the written materials listed below. o Lead Paint Safety/A Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance, and o Renovation Work (Pamphlet - HUD Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control). o Attention! (Flyer - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) o Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home - (English and Spanish Pamphlet /U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). o The Lead -Based Paint Pre -Renovation Education Rule (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) o Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (EPA flyer required after December 2008) City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 72 FY 2009-2013 VIII. Fair Housing The Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley, a private fair housing group, is under contract to serve as administrator for fair housing services in Santa Clarita. A. Impediments The City is currently updating its Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) and anticipates adoption in fiscal year 2009-2010. The City will incorporate the new impediment findings and recommendations in subsequent Annual Action Plans. The following is a list of key conclusions of impediments identified in the City of Santa Clarita Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) study adopted in 2004: • The City Administrative Services Department, Fair Housing Council of the San Fernando Valley (FHC), Southland Regional Association of Realtors, and Apartment Owner's Association conduct extensive fair housing education and outreach. However, FHC case studies document continued fair housing violations among both small and large property managers/owners in Santa Clarita, indicating the need for expanded fair housing training. • Due to their specific housing needs, persons with disabilities are vulnerable to discrimination by landlords, who may not be familiar with the reasonable accommodation protections contained in the Fair Housing Act. Given the continued prevalence of discrimination complaints from disabled households, the FHC cites the need to identify accessible units in the City and to ensure landlords make reasonable accommodations. • Issues concerning familial status also comprise a significant portion of fair housing complaints and cases in Santa Clarita. Additional outreach on the rights of families with children in rental housing is needed. • The Santa Clarita Unified Development Code currently requires a conditional use permit for community care facilities with fewer than six persons in multi -family zoning districts, providing a disincentive for the provision of such uses. • While the City has utilized the density bonus ordinance to facilitate affordable housing, current ordinance requirements for preliminary project approvals, fiscal impact statements, and project proximities appear to conflict with state density bonus law. • The City's recently adopted second unit ordinance establishes reasonable standards to facilitate the creation of second units, while ensuring neighborhood compatibility. However, requirements that the combined residential density maintain General Plan thresholds will significantly limit the number of parcels eligible to add a second unit. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 73 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV SA NTA CLARITA • The continued rise in subprime lending activity in Santa Clarita is a concern given the higher rates associated with these loans. This is also an area of concern since predatory lending is considered a subset of the subprime market. • The higher level of subprime lending activity among both African Americans and Hispanics is a concern, particularly if these households would normally be eligible for loans from prime lending institutions. • The high level of withdrawn or incomplete applications among some major prime lenders active in Santa Clarita suggests a lack of education or confusion about the lending process. This may indicate a need for greater outreach and education, especially in minority and other underserved communities that may not be familiar with the lending process. • Analysis of the reasons for denial of home purchase loans among Hispanics and African Americans indicates that unlike Whites and Asians, debt -to -income ratio is not a major factor in loan denial among these groups, further indicating the need for targeted homebuyer education. B. Recommendations for Addressing Impediments Recommendations are organized by activity type as outlined in HUD's 1998 Fair Housing Planning Guide. The recommendations listed below are directed to the City, its Fair Housing Service Provider, lending institutions, and other service agencies that assist Santa Clarita residents. Education and Outreach Activities Action i.i: In partnership with the FHC, continue multi -faceted fair housing outreach to Santa Clarita residents, real estate professionals, apartment owners/managers, bankers and advocacy groups. Expand media outreach to include the Santa Clarita Signal and the City's quarterly newsletter. Action 1.2: Conduct focused fair housing outreach to both larger property management companies active in the City, as well as to small property owners/landlords. Send fair housing literature to Section 8 landlords and managers of County bond -financed projects, and other property managers/owners utilizing FHC's database. Invite these entities to attend a free apartment manager training to be offered through FHC in the City, and advertise additional training available through the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA). Action 1.3: Conduct training at the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) to educate staff involved with Section 8 and County bond -financed projects regarding fair housing issues and requirements. Action 1.4: Initiate discussions with HACoLA about the need for establishing monthly office hours in Santa Clarita to improve tenant and landlord access to Section 8. Coordinate with HACoLA in conducting focus groups with property owners and managers to discuss the benefits of participating in the Section 8 program. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 74 FY 2009-2013 IV .TA CLARITA �. "�n.. J ,w Action 1.5: Coordinate with the Southland Regional Association of Realtors on fair housing education and outreach to the local real estate community. Make periodic presentations to the Association to discuss current fair housing issues and trends in the community, as well as available City housing programs. Action 1.6: Collaborate with the Southland Regional Association of Realtors in sponsoring a "home buyer's workshop" to educate prospective purchasers on favorable home purchase tools. Action 1.7: In conjunction with lenders, the FHC, and other local consumer service agencies, provide education and outreach to Santa Clarita residents about the lending process. Educate residents about the lending market, including both prime and subprime markets. Use these workshops to raise awareness about the lending process, the dangers of predatory lending, and the resources available to residents. Action 1.8: Conduct targeted outreach to minority groups and the elderly in Santa Clarita to educate them about the lending process, especially about the risks of subprime lending. Solicit assistance from the County Community Service Center and the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging. Action 1.9: Continue open representation on Santa Clarita's Commissions and Committees which address housing and related community development issues for residents to voice their concerns. These bodies include: Newhall Redevelopment Committee — Housing Subcommittee; Planning Commission; and the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission. Enforcement Activities Action 2.1: Continue to provide investigation and response to allegations of illegal housing discrimination through the FHC. For cases which can not be conciliated, refer to the Department of Fair Housing and Employment (DFEH), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), small claims court, or to a private attorney, as warranted. Action 2.2: Continue to review FHC quarterly discrimination reports to assess Santa Clarita trends and patterns over time, and tailor fair housing education and outreach accordingly. Action 2.3: Continue to provide general counseling and referrals over the phone regarding tenant -landlord issues through the Santa Clarita Administrative Services Department and the FHC. Action 2.4: Coordinate review of hate crime data on an annual basis between the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the FHC to evaluate as a potential fair housing issue. Continue to promote appreciation of cultural diversity through activities of the Human Relations Forum, and provide coordinated response to victims of hate crimes. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 75 FY 2009-2013 :�TI'A CLARITA �. "..a,.k fw. Monitoring Lending, Housing Providers, and Local Real Estate Practices Action 3.1: Contract with the FHC to conduct quarterly monitoring meetings at banks with Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) commitments. Meetings will focus on review of home mortgage lending activity, loan programs/products for underserved areas and populations, subprime lending, branching/acquisition issues, first time homebuyers and fair lending policies. Action 3.2: Continue to monitor the reasons for denial of home purchase loans among Hispanics and African Americans. As income is not currently the primary factor in loan denial among these groups, work through the FHC and California Reinvestment Committee (CRC) to urge lending institutions to provide additional education and outreach on the loan approval process, how to improve credit ratings, and available favorable home purchase tools. Action 3.3: Monitor the marketing and advertising efforts of subprime lenders to ensure they are not targeting minority or other underserved groups. Monitor advertising and outreach to ensure that it is balanced and informative. Action 3.4: Urge lending institutions to adopt fair housing guidelines that ensure, among other items, that those who are eligible to receive a prime loan based on their credit rating do so. Action 3.5: Continue to monitor real estate advertisements in the local newspapers for content and compliance with HUD fair housing guidelines. Action 3.6: Include non-discriminatory and fair housing language in all City and Redevelopment Agency affordable housing contracts and agreements. Investigative Testing and Auditing Local Real Estate Markets Action 4.1: Support the FHC in conducting an accessibility audit of post -March 1991 rental housing, and, as necessary, develop recommendations to bring buildings into Fair Housing Act and California Title 24 compliance. Work with the FHC in developing a comprehensive inventory of accessible housing in Santa Clarita for use as a resource by interested parties. Action 4.2: As appropriate, conduct audits to evaluate apparent patterns of discrimination in Santa Clarita, such as issues related to familial status. To the extent such audits reveal significant discrimination, widely publicize the results to serve as a deterrent to other property owners and landlords. Land Use Policies to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing Action 5.1: Amend the Unified Development Code to permit community care facilities with six or fewer occupants by right in multi -family zoning districts (RM, RMH, RH). Action 5.2: Ensure that CUP (or MUP) conditions placed on community care facilities with seven or more occupants, transitional housing and emergency shelters are focused on City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 76 FY 2009-2013 Iii A CLARITA 4b 1V1 A.L 1J.. neighborhood compatibility and ensuring proper management and licensing, and do not act to constrain the provision of such facilities. Action 5.3: Amend the City's density bonus ordinance to allow affordable housing density bonuses "by right", eliminating current requirements for preliminary approvals, fiscal impact statements, and project proximities to specified services. Promote among the development community through creation of an Affordable Hosing Brochure, and through advertisement with the Building Industry Association (BIA). Action 5.4: In conjunction with advertisement of the revised density bonus ordinance, highlight opportunities for developers to take advantage of available fee reductions/waivers in exchange for provision of affordable units. Action 5.5: Review the current requirement that second units not exceed the allowable density of the parcel in conjunction with the City's General Plan update, and revise as appropriate to facilitate the creation of second units while ensuring neighborhood compatibility. Increasing Geographic Choice in Housing Action 6.1: Facilitate the provision of affordable housing throughout the community through the following Housing Element programs: • Newhall Infill Sites Program • Re -designation of Key Sites to Multi -family Development • Mixed Use Overlay Along Designated Commercial Corridors Action 6.2: Provide Redevelopment Agency support of affordable housing through site assembly and financial assistance. Action 6.3: Continue to offer homebuyer assistance to low- and moderate income households on a citywide basis, and participate in programs offered through outside agencies which can also assist middle income households. Coordinate with the Southland Regional Association of Realtors in conducting a home buyer's workshop in Santa Clarita. Action 6.4: Continue to implement a residential rehabilitation program as a key tool to sustaining neighborhoods. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 77 FY 2009-2013 IX. Community Development Needs Based on various community meetings, surveys and phone interviews, the following section describes the City's eligible non -housing community development needs, which include, but are not limited to: • Infrastructure Improvements • Public Facilities Improvements • Public/Community Services • Accessibility Needs • Economic Development • Strategic Planning Areas A. Infrastructure Improvements Infrastructure projects using CDBG funds must be conducted in eligible low- and moderate -income census tracts or block groups. Over the next five years the City will consider these types of projects on an as -needed basis: • Drainage Improvements • Disabled Accessibility • Curb and Sidewalk Installation/Rehabilitation • Street Improvements B. Public Facilities Improvements Public facilities serving the low- and moderate income community may be considered by the City for CDBG funding over the next five years: • Community Centers • Neighborhood Parks/Playgrounds C. Public/Community Services Providing community services is an essential part of the City's community development strategy. CDBG and non-CDBG funds will continue to be budgeted for programs addressing community services, which may include: • Health Services • Housing Services • Senior Services • Abused and Neglected Children Services • Crime Awareness Services • Disabled Services City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 78 FY 2009-2013 S,:N ,I'A CLARITA • Transportation Services • Youth Services • Victims of Domestic Violence Services D. Accessibility Needs Persons with physical disabilities, including blindness, deafness, difficulty communicating, and persons who suffer from brain impairments due to disease, accidents, or resulting from birth, often have accessibility needs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) went into effect in January 1992 and provided comprehensive civil rights protection to persons with disabilities in the areas of public accommodation, employment, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The design, implementation, and maintenance of all park facilities must comply with ADA. Persons of all abilities must have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities. The City will continue to work toward compliance with ADA. CDBG funds will continue to be budgeted for pedestrian ramps and toward upgrading of playground equipment, parks facilities, community parks, and other areas where accessibility improvements are identified. E. Economic Development Currently, there are many commercial centers in the City. More commercial opportunities are needed to guide the City to a diversified economy. A considerable challenge to the City is maintaining sales tax dollars within the community. One of the key benefits of the expansion of commercial opportunities in Santa Clarita is the creation and enhancement of job opportunities for area residents, particularly if they're high paying jobs. The City's most recent accomplishments include the creation of an Enterprise Zone. With the creation of jobs, the need for job training resources arises. The City currently coordinates with the Chamber of Commerce, the County of Los Angeles, the California Employment Development Department, educational institutions, the California Trade Commission for referral to various employment training programs. It is the City's goal to provide a variety of economic development activities that create and retain jobs for low - and moderate -income households. Activities that may receive funding during Consolidated Plan period may include: micro -enterprise assistance; job training services; exterior facade improvements to buildings in need of improvement; and technical assistance. F. Strategic Planning Areas The City seeks to disburse funds strategically within the low- and moderate -income target areas. Figure 7 shows the proposed disbursement of CDBG funded projects during the first program year (2009-2010) of the Consolidated Plan only. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 79 FY 2009-2013 SANTACLm7 |6 S \ƒ... . - | \� � | » ] | /� City ¥a* GA Consolidated @n PageE Rz as a, :# ! w mb) \] !)\ +�) !2 i; ! \ ® �fi|! \ ;� ` City ¥a* GA Consolidated @n PageE Rz as X. HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN The five-year Housing and Community Development Strategy describes: 1) Resources available for housing and community development activities; 2) Priorities for assisting households; 3) and activities to assist those households in need; 4) Specific objectives proposed accomplishments. A. Resources Available Strategies identifying A number of housing and community development resources are currently available in the City of Santa Clarita. They include: • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) • State HOME funds • General funds • Redevelopment Tax Increment funds • HUD Section 108 Loan funds • HUD Section 8 Rental Assistance Program (through the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles) • State transportation funds • California Housing Finance Agency funds (CalHFA) In addition, a number of new resources are anticipated to become available from the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). These resources will be included in future Annual Action Plans as they become available. B. Housing and Community Development Priorities In establishing five-year priorities, the City has considered input from various sources including: the Community Development Needs Assessment Survey, demographic and empirical data analysis, interviews with staff and service providers, and direct input by residents and stakeholders during public meetings. The following priority levels were established during the Consolidated Plan process: • High Priority: Activities to address this need will be funded during the five-year period. • Medium Priority: If funds are available, activities to address this need may be funded during the five-year period. • Low Priority: The City will not directly fund activities to address this need during the five-year period, but other entities' applications for federal assistance might be supported if found to be consistent with the Consolidated Plan. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 81 FY 2009-2013 :TTA CLAR[TA • No Such Need: There is no need or that this need is already substantially addressed. The City will not support other entities' applications for federal assistance for activities where no such need has been identified. Priority needs that form the basis for establishing objectives and outcomes in the Strategic Plan and subsequent Annual Action Plans are as follows (though not listed in a specific order of priority): • Affordable Housing • Infrastructure • Supportive Human Services • Economic Development • Administration The City of Santa Clarita has incorporated performance measure objectives/outcomes for activities in accordance with the Federal Register Notice dated March 7, 2006: General Objective Categories Activities will meet one of the following: • Decent Housing (DH) • A Suitable Living Environment (SL) • Economic Opportunity (EO) The City of Santa Clarita will consider during the 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan and general priority for funding. General Outcome Categories Activities will meet one of the following: • Availability/Accessibility (1) • Affordability (2) • Sustainability (3) a variety of community development activities HUD Table 2B summarizes the community needs City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 82 FY 2009-2013 I'A CI,ARITA HUD Table 2B Priority Community Development Needs* Priority Need Priority Need Level Unmet Priority Need Dollars to Address Need 5 Yr Goal Plan/Act Annual Goal Plan/Act Percent Goal Complete Acquisition of Real Property M Parents. 0 Disposition L 0 Clearance and Demolition M 0 Clearance of Contaminated Sites L 0 Code Enforcement H 500 000 1000 1 200 Public Facility General M 200 000 2 N/A Senior Centers M 0 Handicapped Centers M 0 Homeless Facilities M 0 Youth Centers M 0 Neighborhood Facilities M $0 Child Care Centers L 0 Health Facilities M 0 Mental Health Facilities L 0 Parks and/or Recreation Facilities M 0 Parking Facilities L 0 Tree Planting L 0 Fire Stations/Equipment M 0 Abused/Neglected Children Facilities L 0 Asbestos Removal L 0 Non -Residential Historic Preservation L 0 Other Public Facility Needs L $0 Infrastructure General H 200 000 2 N/A Water Sewer Improvements M 0 Street Improvements M 0 Sidewalks M 0 Solid Waste Disposal Improvements L 0 Flood Drainage Improvements M 0 Other Infrastructure H $0 Public Services General M $0 Senior Services M $200,000 2,000 400 Handicapped Services M $150,000 1,625 325 Legal Services L $0 Youth Services L 0 Child Care Services L 0 Transportation Services M 0 Substance Abuse Services L 0 Em to ment/Trainin Services M 0 Health Services M 50 000 125 25 Lead Hazard Screening L 0 Crime Awareness L $0 Fair Housing Activities H $100,000 875 175 Tenant Landlord Counseling M Other Services** M $0 Economic Development ED General M 0 C I Land Acquisition/Disposition L 0 C I Infrastructure Development L 0 C I Building Ac uisition Const Rehab L 0 Other C I L 0 ED Assistance to For -Profit M 12 ED Technical Assistance M 0 Micro -enterprise Assistance M $0 Other L $0 *"Priority Need Level" is based on the Housing and Community Development Needs survey and Assessment. "Dollars to Address Need" are estimates, which may vary from actual funding amounts during the planning period. C/I is an abbreviation for Commercial/Industrial. **Includes services for Abused and Neglected Children, the Homeless, and Single Parents. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 83 FY 2009-2013 T :TA CLARITA �f 16r�,.. �. 1. Housing Needs (Provision of Affordable Housing) The quality and affordability of housing has been identified as a high priority need. As the Needs Assessment indicated, a significant number of households are overpaying for housing. This is a significant problem being most severe for lower income renter - households. HUD Table 2A summarizes the housing needs for Santa Clarita as reported by the 2000 CHAS data. HUD Table 2A Prioritv Needs Summary Table — Santa Clarita* PRIORITY HOUSING NEEDS (households) Priority Need Level High, Medium, Low Unmet Need Goals Renter Small Related 0-30% High 434 10 31-50% Medium 375 16 51-80% High 748 16 Large Related 0-30% Medium 193 5 31-50% Medium 212 9 51-80% Medium 332 9 Elderly 0-30% Medium 554 5 31-50% Medium 535 10 51-80% Medium 433 5 All Other 0-30% Medium 376 0 31-50% Medium 223 0 51-80% Medium 316 0 Owner 0-30% High 989 218 31-50% High 11152 172 51-80% High 21530 184 Special Needs 0-80% High - 100 Total Goals Total 215 Goals 445 Total 215 Renter Goals 55 Total 215 Owner Goals 390 *Households with housing assistance needs in HUD Table 2A above are derived from 2000 CHAS data and are based on the number of households experiencing "any housing problem". Program goals included in this table are for: Housing Rehabilitation Programs; First -Time Homebuyer Programs; and New Construction. Section 215 Goals are affordable housing units that fulfill the criteria of Section 215 of the National Affordable Housing Act. For rental housing: a Section 215 unit occupied by a low- to moderate -income household and bears a rent that is less than the Fair Market Rent or 30 percent of the adjusted income of a family whose income does not exceed 65 percent of the area median income. For ownership housing: a Section 215 for - sale unit is one to be purchased by a low- to moderate -income household and the sale price does not exceed HUD mortgage limit. A Section 215 rehabilitated unit is one occupied by a low- to moderate -income household and has a value after rehabilitation does not exceed the HUD mortgage limit. Five -Year Priority: Housing activities that benefit low- and moderate -income households will receive a high priority during the 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan period. The intended outcomes are improved Availability/Accessibility (1), Affordability (2), and Sustainability (3) of Decent Housing (DH). City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 84 FY 2009-2013 F rr.V SANTA CL ARITA ..,,, ,,. a ...:.� �...... Implementing Programs: The following are programs implemented by the City to assist low- and moderate- income renter- and owner- households in the City of Santa Clarita: Advocacy and Rehabilitation Proarams and Services 1. Fair Housing Services (SL -1): Administered through contract with Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley (FHCSV), fair housing services are provided to all residents who request counseling, resource referral, complaint investigation, and public education on all forms of housing discrimination and landlord/tenant mediation services. 2. Senior Access Services (DH -2): Address the need for affordable decent housing by offering various free housing services to the senior population. 3. Handyworker Program (1314-3): Provides sustainability of decent housing by offering minor home repairs for low- and moderate -income homeowners. 4. Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program (1314-3): Provides sustainability of decent housing for low- and moderate -income home owners by providing grants for home repairs. 5. Property Rehabilitation Grant Program (1311-3): Provides sustainability of a suitable living environment by offering grants for up to $1,000 for property repairs to low- and moderate -income homeowners. 6. Community Preservation Program (SL -3): Provides sustainability of a suitable living environment by funding one (1) Community Preservation Officer to provide code enforcement activities in the City's Redevelopment Project Area. 7, Lutheran Social Services Eviction Prevention Program (DH -1): Provides case -management, direct cash rent assistance, as well as rent deposit and first month's rent assistance to residents who are at risk of homelessness due to eviction proceedings. Case -management and referrals are also provided to reduce the risk of future evictions. 8. Lutheran Social Services Homeless Case Management (SL -1): Provides case management for homeless individuals, including referrals to emergency shelter, jobs search services, mental and physical health care, and legal services. Homeownership Proarams 1, FirstHOME Program (DH -2): The City offers homeownership assistance through the FirstHOME Program. FirstHOME provides low- and moderate -income first-time homebuyers with a low-interest, second mortgage to be used as a down payment on an owner -occupied primary residence. Repayment is deferred until the home is sold, changes title, or ceases to be the borrower's primary residence. The primary funding source for this program is HOME funds which are obtained through a competitive application process through the State. While the City intends to apply for HOME funds as often as they become available, it cannot predict the outcome of those application efforts. 2. The California Housing Finance Agency (CaIHFA) (DH -2): Provides primary and junior mortgage loans to first-time homebuyers at below-market interest rates. The City will continue to coordinate the FirstHOME Program with CalHFA programs in order to increase the low- and moderate -income homebuyer's opportunity for homeownership. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 85 FY 2009-2013 y SAN�T`1 CLARITA 3, Southern California Home Finance Authority (SCHFA) (DH -2): Provides moderate -income, first-time homebuyers with assistance towards purchasing a home. They offers 30 -year fixed, 40 -year fixed, and 40 -year fixed with a 10 -year Interest -Only 1st mortgage below-market interest rates. Forgivable loans of up to 4% of the purchase price are provided for downpayment and/or closing costs. 4. Mortgage Credit Certificate Program (DH -2): The Mortgage Credit Certification (MCC) Program, operated by the County of Los Angeles, offers first-time homebuyers with a federal income tax credit. This credit reduces the amount of federal taxes the holder of the certificate would pay. It can also help first-time homebuyers qualify for a loan by allowing a lender to reduce the housing expense ratio by the amount of tax savings. The qualified homebuyer who is awarded an MCC may take an annual credit against their federal income taxes paid on the homebuyer's mortgage. The credit is subtracted dollar -for -dollar from the federal income taxes. The qualified buyer is awarded a tax credit of up to 15%, and the remaining 85% is deducted accordingly. The City will continue to be a participating jurisdiction in this program so that homebuyers in Santa Clarita can benefit from the federal Mortgage Credit Certification Program (MCC Program). 5, Southland Regional Association of REALTORS (DH -2): Provides a home ownership grant to low- and moderate -income individuals and families who purchase a home in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley. The amount of the grant will be $4,000 and the funds are paid after the close of escrow with no repayment requirements. Rental Programs 1, Section 8 Voucher Program (DH -2): Administered by the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA), the Section 8 Voucher Program extends rental subsidies to low-income (50 percent MFI) families and elderly who spend more than 50 percent of their income on rent, live in substandard housing, or have been displaced. The subsidy represents the difference between 30 percent of the monthly income and the allowable rent determined by the Section 8 program. Most Section 8 subsidies are issued in the form of vouchers which permit tenants to locate their own housing. Development Financing Assistance Programs (New Construction) 1, Tax Exempt Multifamily Bond Program (DH -2): This program helps finance below-market interest rate loans for construction and permanent financing to developers of multi -family housing with at least 20 percent of the units for rent by households at or below 50 percent of Median Family Income. 2. Affordable Housing Density Bonus (DH -2): Provides a by -right density bonus of 25% to developers of new housing who make 5% of new units affordable to households earning 50% or less of area median income or 10% of units affordable to households earning 80% of area median income. The density bonus can reach 35% if the project provides 11% of the units affordable to very low households (earning 50% of less of median income), 20% of units affordable to households City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 86 FY 2009-2013 SA Iii CLAR[TA � f 1 1... 1:.41. .ti earning 80% or less of median income or 40% affordable to households earning between 80% and 120% of the median income. 3. Land Banking/Write-Downs (DH -2): The City is considering establishing a proactive City land banking strategy to facilitate the development of housing affordable to low and very -low income households. Under this program the City would acquire properties as they become available and offer the properties to qualified developers through a Request for Proposal/Notice of Funding Availability process. 4. Expedited Processing for Affordable Housing Projects (DH -2): The City will continue an existing program to expedite processing for affordable housing projects, including one-stop preliminary review, concurrent application review, designation of a primary contact, construction and grading plan review, permitting, and inspection. Worst Case Needs Worst case needs is defined by HUD as low-income renters with severe cost burden, in substandard housing, or involuntarily displaced. According to the 2000 CHAS data, presented in Table 2A, there are 2,902 low-income renters in Santa Clarita. Efforts to address these worst case needs include: collaborating with the Housing Authority to provide rental subsidies to low-income renters through the Section 8 Voucher Program; assisting those in substandard housing with housing rehabilitation through the Handyworker, Residential Rehabilitation and Property Rehabilitation programs; and following the adopted relocation plan as needed for involuntary displacement. ➢ See HUD Table 2C for specific 5 -Year quantifiable objectives and outcomes. 2. Homeless Needs Homelessness is a regional issue. The City participates in regional efforts to address the needs for homeless services and facilities. The most immediate needs of the homeless population are emergency food, clothing, and shelter. The more long-term needs are transitional housing, permanent housing and supportive services in mental health, health, employment, and transportation. The housing -related needs of homeless families, while smaller in number, are more complex than those for homeless individuals. Larger shelter units, child care, pediatric care, and education are needed services. According to Los Angeles County's Homeless 2007 Count, there are approximately 68,608 homeless people in Los Angeles County, of which, 6,411 were located in SPA 2 (Santa Clarita belongs to this area). Table lA below summarizes the homeless needs in the County as a whole, while Table 1C illustrates the homeless objectives specific for the City of Santa Clarita. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 87 FY 2009-2013 s, :�TTh CLALRIT ,.,.., . HUD Table 1A Continuum of Care: Housing Gap Analysis Chart (Based on Los Angeles County Estimates )21 Current UnderI Unmet 89 Relative Inventory I Development Need/ 3 110 I Priority Individuals Example Emergency Shelter 115 89 26 M Emergency Shelter 3 110 0 2 087 Medium Beds Transitional 20 Medium Housing 51106 281 10,203 Permanent 51314 Medium Supportive 41950 820 30,359 583 Housin Medium Continuum of Care: Homeless Population and Sub o ulations Chart Total 13,166 1,101 42,649 1 Medium Persons in Families with Children 2' http://www.lahsa.org/docs/policyandplanning/2007 coc %20cxhibit 1 rcport.pdf City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 88 FY 2009-2013 Emergency Shelter 11290 52 2,819 Medium Beds Transitional Housing 2 960 20 3 677 Medium Permanent Supportive Housing 11920 511 51314 Medium Total 61170 583 11,810 Medium Continuum of Care: Homeless Population and Sub o ulations Chart Part 1: Homeless Population Sheltered Unsheltered Total Emergency Transitional Example: 75 A 125 A 105 N 305 1. Homeless Individuals 41492 31925 43,548 51,965 2. Homeless Families with Children 297 612 51329 61238 2a. Persons in Homeless Families with Children 11033 11992 13,618 16,643 Total lines 1 + 2a 51525 51917 57,166 68,608 Part 2: Homeless Subpopulations Sheltered Unsheltered Total 1. Chronically Homeless 11604 20,772 22,376 2. Seriously Mentally III 4,382 3. Chronic Substance Abuse 2,567 4. Veterans 11712 5. Persons with HIV/AIDS 263 6. Victims of Domestic Violence 1,190 7. Youth 218 2' http://www.lahsa.org/docs/policyandplanning/2007 coc %20cxhibit 1 rcport.pdf City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 88 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV F�&LNTA CLARITA HUD Table 1C Summary of Specific Homeless/Special Needs Objectives (Table 1A/1B Continuation Sheet)* Objective Performance Expected Outcome/ # Specific Objectives Measure Units Objective Homeless Objectives 1 Winter Shelter Program # of people 200 unduplicated SL -1 served people 40 annual) 2 Creative Homeless Services # of people 500 unduplicated SL -1 served people 100 annual) Lutheran Social Services- # of people 60 unduplicated 3 Eviction Prevention served people 12 annually)DH-2 Special Needs Objectives 4 Single Mothers Outreach # of people 2,000 unduplicated SL -1 served people 400 annual) Other Objectives *"Expected Units" Goals are based on previous accomplishments reported by these agencies. These agencies may or may not be funded in any given year; therefore the expected units/goals may or may not be applicable in future reports. Five -Year Priority: The 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan establishes a Medium priority level for human services needs in Santa Clarita, of which homeless needs is a sub -category. The City will continue its efforts in the prevention of homelessness by collaborating with various agencies to provide services to the homeless population. The intended outcomes are the provision of a Suitable Living Environment (SL) and expansion of Availability/Accessibility (1) and are addressed through the human services priority need category. Implementing Programs: 1, Winter Shelter Program (SL -1): Santa Clarita Community Development Corporation operates a Winter Shelter program, which provides emergency shelter to the homeless during the cold winter months. While the program is primarily funded by LAHSA, the City of Santa Clarita provides a site for the facility at no charge. 2, Creative Homeless Services (SL -1): Provides availability of a suitable living environment by offering an array of services to homeless persons, and those at -risk of becoming homeless. 3, Lutheran Social Services- Eviction Prevention Program (SL -1): Provides case -management, direct cash rent assistance, as well as rent deposit and first month's rent assistance to residents who are at risk of homelessness. Case - management and referrals are also provided to reduce the risk of future evictions. 4, Single Mothers Outreach (SMO) (SL -1): Provides emergency services, including housing, to lower-income single mothers and fathers. SMO is seeking to buy or rent a home in Santa Clarita for transitional housing for female head -of -household families. This transitional housing will minimize family disruption by allowing children to remain in their schools and mothers to remain in their jobs while they move towards permanent housing. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 89 FY 2009-2013 Iii CLARITA In addition the City will continue participating in the Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) efforts to address homelessness. While not specifically funded by the City, the Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley provides emergency shelter and related support services for victims of domestic violence, which addresses that particular special needs group. ➢ See HUD Table 2C for specific 5 -Year quantifiable objectives and outcomes. 3. Public Facility and Infrastructure Improvement Needs Five -Year Objective: The 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan establishes a High priority for public facility and infrastructure needs. The intended outcomes are the provision of a Suitable Living Environment (SL) and Availability/Accessibility (1). Implementing Programs: 1, HUD Section 108 Loan Repayment - East Newhall Project (SL -1): These funds provide debt service on a Section 108 loan of $2,000,000 utilized to improve infrastructure in the east Newhall area of Santa Clarita, census tract 920335. Work completed in fiscal year 2000-2001 with CDBG funds included curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and drainage improvements. Principle balance after the FY 2009-10 payments are made will be $700,000. The implementing agency is the City of Santa Clarita, Community Development Department. 2, HUD Section 108 Loan Repayment - Lower Scherzinger Lane (SL -1): These funds provide debt service on a Section 108 loan in the amount of $1,150,000 to improve infrastructure in the Canyon Country area of Santa Clarita, census tract 920038. Work began in fiscal year 2003-2004 and included curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and drainage improvements. Principle balance after the FY 2009-10 payments are made will be $611,000. The implementing agency is the City of Santa Clarita, Community Development Department. 3, HUD Section 108 Loan Repayment - Boys and Girls Club (SL -1): These funds provide debt service on a Section 108 loan taken to provide partial funding for a youth center in one of the lowest -income neighborhoods in Santa Clarita - census block 920036. The project was leveraged with funds from the William S. Hart School District, City General Funds and CDBG Entitlement funds. The Center provides computer labs, meeting rooms, and after-school activity space for low - and moderate -income youth. Actual CDBG costs of $350,000 were incurred in fiscal year 2003-2004. Principle balance after the 2009-10 payments are made will be $189,000. The implementing agency is the City of Santa Clarita, Community Development Department. 4, Canyon Country Community Center (SL -1): If funding is available, the City may consider providing for a community center in the Canyon Country area. 5. ADA Sidewalk Improvements (Curb and Gutter) (SL -1): If funding is available, the City may consider providing funds for ADA curb and gutter sidewalk improvements. ➢ See HUD Table 2C for specific 5 -Year quantifiable objectives and outcomes. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 90 FY 2009-2013 .TTA CL.ARITA � k6 L.d:.w I.... . 4. Public Services Needs Five -Year Priority: The 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan identifies Human Services as a Medium priority. Priority need levels for individual categories for those with special needs are listed below in HUD Table 1B. The intended outcomes are the provision of a Suitable Living Environment (SL) and Availability/Accessibility (1). HUD Table 1B Special Needs (Non -Homeless) Populations — Santa Clarita *Unmet Priority Need HUD Table 1B above are derived from the Level "Dollars Dollars to Multi- Annual SPECIAL NEEDS High, Medium, Unmet Address Year Goals SUBPOPULATIONS Low, Need Unmet Need Goals No Such Need Elderly High 12,989 people $180,000 1,500 300 people eo le Frail Elderly Medium 4,968 people $60,000 100 people eo01e Severe Mental Illness Low 4,603 people $0 n/a n/a Developmentally Disabled High 3,187 people $150,000 1 625 325 people Physically Disabled High 7,135 people people Persons w/ Alcohol/Other Low 1,012 people $0 n/a n/a Drug Addictions Persons w/HIV/AIDS Low 93 people $0 n/a n/a Victims of Domestic Violence Medium 100 people $0 n/a n/a Single Parents (Female) Medium 3,101 people $50,000 21000 400 people Single Parents Male Medium 1,292 people people Large HH Medium 7,435 people $0 n/a n/a Other Low n/a n/a n/a n/a TOTAL 54,926 $440,000 5,625 11125 people people people *Unmet Need" figures in HUD Table 1B above are derived from the Needs Assessment of this Consolidated Plan. "Dollars to Address Need" are estimates, which may vary from actual funding amounts during the planning period. Implementing Programs: Public services eligible for use of CDBG funds (capped at 15% of the annual grant) provided by the City of Santa Clarita include: 1. Health Services: Provides health services for low- to moderate -income people. Various public service agencies will be funded annually under this program on a competitive basis through application review and approval. 2. Homeless Services: Provides services for low- to moderate -income homeless and those at -risk of homelessness. Various public service agencies will be funded annually under this program on a competitive basis through application review and approval. 3. Handicapped/ Disabled Services: Provides services for low- to moderate -income persons with disabilities. Various public service agencies will be funded annually under this program on a competitive basis through application review and approval. 4. General Public Services: Provides general public services to low- and moderate - income residents, including but not limited to legal assistance, literacy programs, substance abuse services, and employment training and placement, among others. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 91 FY 2009-2013 F rr,V SANTA CLAL Various public service agencies will be funded annually under this program on a competitive basis through application review and approval. The City's Community Services (CS) Division provides grants using general funds to support a variety of programs that serve residents. See HUD Table 2C for specific 5 -Year quantifiable objectives and outcomes, 5. Economic Development Needs Economic Development activities are designed to attract consumers and business, eliminate slum and blight characteristics, and rehabilitate existing commercial buildings. Five -Year Priority: The 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan identifies a Medium priority level for economic development needs and job creation received the highest ranking in the Community Development Needs Survey. The intended outcomes are the provision of Economic Opportunity (EO) and Availability/Accessibility (1). Implementing Programs: The City of Santa Clarita does not currently use CDBG funds for economic development activities; however the following are a list of projects/programs funded through redevelopment and general funds: • Facade and Screening Program: This program provides 50 percent subsidies, up to $25,000 per project, for approved restoration expenditures to upgrade aesthetic, design, functional, or accessibility features of buildings in Downtown Newhall. Since 2002-03, the Agency has completed five fagade improvements and one screening project, all of which occurred on properties along San Fernando Road. Expenditure on the fagade program total $79,000 to date, while the Agency expended $25,000 on the screening project. • Downtown Newhall Specific Plan: In fiscal year 2005-06, the City Council adopted the Downtown Newhall Specific Plan as a means to develop a strategy for revitalization for the downtown core of the Project Area. The Specific Plan identified a series of implementation initiatives, many of which have already been undertaken by the Agency, as well as five "critical sites" where redevelopment initiatives would be explored. Staff later initiated a request for development proposals and owner participation invitation on the North Civic Block (generally one block along San Fernando Road, north of Lyons Avenue), as well as the North Parking Site. Agency staff is currently in discussions with several parties regarding possible projects for these areas. • Mixed Use Overlay Zone: In 2006, a Mixed Use Overlay Zone was adopted to encourage a mix of residential, commercial, employment, and institutional uses along the San Fernando Road and Lyons Avenue corridors. The Mixed Use Overlay Zone provides a mechanism to revitalize older commercial corridors, increase opportunities for infill housing, and encourage development that creates pedestrian - oriented neighborhoods. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 92 FY 2009-2013 Iii CL.ARITA • Santa Clarita Enterprise Zone: In 2007, the City of Santa Clarita received a 15 - year designation as a California Enterprise Zone. The Enterprise Zone provides tax credits to assist with business growth and job creation. As the qualifying area for Enterprise Zone eligibility, the Newhall area is a primary focus of development to attract quality jobs in proximity to area residents. The integration of Enterprise Zone benefits along with land use designations in the Downtown and North Newhall Specific Plans provides incentives for developers and businesses to invest in the downtown Newhall area. • Farmers Market: The Agency has been instrumental in bringing the Farmers Market into Downtown Newhall to attract residents and patrons to the Project Area. • Moore's Reuse: The Agency acquired the Moore's Sandwich Shop property on Railroad Avenue, and is planning to reuse the property for an alternate use consistent with the Specific Plan. • North Newhall Specific Plan: In fiscal year 2006-07, the City and Agency initiated preparation of the North Newhall Specific Plan to stimulate development and redevelopment activities along San Fernando Road, north of Downtown Newhall. The Plan is currently being developed through a comprehensive stakeholder review process. ➢ See HUD Table 2C for specific 5 -Year quantifiable objectives and outcomes. 6. Administration and Planning Needs CDBG program funds are used to cover costs for salaries, services, supplies, and general overhead. The CDBG program for Santa Clarita is delivered by the Community Development Department. ➢ See HUD Table 2C for specific 5 -Year quantifiable objectives and outcomes. C. Summary of Five -Year Objectives HUD Table 2C below summarizes the specific objectives for homeless/special needs populations, and the specific housing and community development objectives in this Consolidated Plan. These objectives are established on the assumption that a steady stream of funding is available from HUD. Should funding levels be reduced in the future, the ability of the City to achieve these objectives may be significantly compromised. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 93 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV F�:N- TA CLARITA HUD Table 2C Summary of Specific Housing/Community Development Objectives (Table 2A/213 Continuation Sheet) - Santa Clarita* Objective Performance Expected Actual Outcome/ # Specific Objectives Measure Units Units Objective Rental Housing Objectives 1 Section 8 Vouchers # of people assisted 810 DH -2 2 Senior Access Services # of people assisted 21000 DH -2 65 family 3 New Construction # housing units built DH -1 20 senior Owner Housing Objectives 4 Fair Housing Counseling and Advocacy # of people assisted 875 SL -1 Residential Rehabilitation Grant # of households 5 175 DH -3 Program assisted # of households 6 Handyworker Program 375 DH -3 assisted # of households 7 Property Rehabilitation Program 25 SL -3 assisted # of households 8 First-time Homebuyer Program 10 DH -2 assisted Community Development Objectives # of housing units 9 Community Preservation Program 11000 SL -3 inspected Infrastructure Objectives 10 Debt service # of facilities 3 SL -1 # of facilities/people 11 ADA Street Improvements TBD SL -1 a assisted Public Facilities Objectives 12 Canyon Country Community Center # of facilities 1 SL -1 Public Services Objectives 13 Health Services # of people assisted 125 SL -1 14 Homeless Services # of people assisted 560 SL -1 15 Handicapped/Disabled Services # of people assisted 1,625 SL -1 16 General Public Services # of people assisted 21000 SL -1 Economic Development Objectives # of businesses 5 17 Private funds and development assisted businesses EO -1 * Goals in HUD Table 2C above are five-year goals based on past performance of these agencies City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 94 FY 2009-2013 C Iii IV SA NTA CLARITA D. Anti -Poverty Strategy and Coordination The 2000 U.S. Census reported that 6.4% or 9,669 of the population in Santa Clarita lived at or below the poverty level. Of these people, 6.38% or 616 were under 18 years old and 5.94 % or 574 were over the age of 65. The number of families below the poverty line in 2000 was 4.7% or 7,101 families. Although the number of persons at the poverty level has increased nearly 3% since 1989, the number of persons living below the poverty line is significantly lower than the County of Los Angeles and State of California. The percent of families living in poverty within LA County and the State are 14.5% and 10.6% respectively. In 2000 the poverty level for single persons in Santa Clarita was $8,501 and $17,029 for a family of four. While the City has no control over the majority of factors affecting poverty, it may be able to assist those living below the poverty line. The City does provide referrals to appropriate agencies. The City has pursued affordable housing policies to encourage private developers to make housing available to people of all income levels. The City supports other government, private, and non-profit agencies involved in providing services to lower-income residents and participates in several regional and local social service planning groups to help coordinate services. This includes; the Los Angeles County Services Planning Area 2, Santa Clarita Health Providers Round Table, and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) SPA 1. The City also uses CDBG public service funds to provide grants to non-profit organizations who assist persons living at the poverty level. The City will consider changes to their Uniform Development Code (UDC) in light of their impact upon affordable housing. These policies have a direct impact upon the opportunities for housing, employment, recreation, and other services serving the poor. Mixed-use development, integration of social services in development, such as child care, and higher density development by transit centers are methods to use development policies to increase opportunities for the poor. Increased childcare resources, education and coordination provided to this population group need to be reviewed and expanded as a means to increase their ability to succeed in this community and receive the support needed to ensure success. E. Lead-based Paint Reduction Strategy The City continues to work to reduce lead-based paint hazards in compliance with 24 CFR Part 35. Due to the mean age of the City's housing, homes containing lead-based paint are not believed to be a significant problem. However, in the coming year, the City will continue to provide information and assistance to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards through the following actions and activities: City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 95 FY 2009-2013 T :TA CLARITA 4b 1V1 A.L 1J.4 • All qualified applicants for services through the Handyworker, Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program, and Property Rehabilitation Grant Program, prior to December 2008, have been provided with the HUD pamphlet, "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" outlining the dangers of lead-based paint and steps for safe mitigation. A new pamphlet from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools" is now used. When a homeowner of a home built before 1978 applies to any of the City's rehabilitation programs for work that may disturb lead-based paint, an inspection test is ordered. When containment and/or abatement are required, the homeowner is required to use a contractor certified by the state of California in lead -safe work practices. • As part of the City's contract with the Fair Housing Council of the San Fernando Valley, information is provided to landlords, renters, and various property management agencies regarding the dangers of lead-based paint and appropriate mitigation strategies. • The City's Planning Division provides the public with information on lead-based paint hazards through one-on-one contact with building inspectors, code enforcement officers, and general public. The City's Planning Division public service counter provides the public with the written materials listed below. o Lead Paint Safety/A Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance, and o Renovation Work (Pamphlet - HUD Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control). o Attention! (Flyer - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) o Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home - (English and Spanish Pamphlet /U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). o The Lead -Based Paint Pre -Renovation Education Rule (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) o Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (EPA flyer required after December 2008) F. Institutional Structure The City of Santa Clarita works with a wide range of public and community social service agencies to meet and address the various needs of the community. During the Consolidated Plan period, City staff will continue to function in a coordinating role between local non-profit advocacy groups and other County, State, and Federal organizations. Committee participation includes Los Angeles County Service Planning Area (SPA) 2 and Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency (LAHSA). The City facilitates the services of the Santa Clarita Valley Resource Center (SCVRC), a local non-profit agency. SCVRC provides training and resources to build the capacity of other non-profit social service organizations to better serve the needs of the community. Services to local non -profits include a community facilitator program, workshops, grant research, and non-profit leader lunches. The City supports the SCVRC by providing rent- free space in the Santa Clarita Activity Center and administrative support from City staff. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 96 FY 2009-2013 Iii CLARITA In addition, the City of Santa Clarita, Community Services Division has twenty (21) fulltime staff to administer and support social service related programs and funding in response to the needs of the community. The Community Services Division is dedicated to the development and implementation of quality, value -based programs that address the needs of at -risk youth, promote volunteerism, encourage healthy lifestyles, and celebrate the community's cultural and family identity. Many of the Community Services Programs serve a significant percentage of low- and moderate -income residents. Grants provided to local non -profits using City general funds by the Community Services Division address teen issues, delinquency prevention and intervention, job training and employment, cultural arts, and family violence intervention. G. Strategy to Overcome Service Delivery Gaps The City restructured its departments to bring all housing related projects and programs under the purview of the Community Development Department. This restructure allows for better communication between Departments and Divisions, and a more coordinated effort to address the housing issues affecting the low- and moderate -income residents of the City. The City will continue to investigate ways to leverage internal resources and obtain federal, state, and local funding to develop additional affordable housing projects. H. Public Housing Resident Initiatives The City does not own or operate any public housing; thus there have not been any efforts to encourage public housing residents to become owners of their public units or developed any other ownership opportunities for these residents. Orchard Arms, with 182 affordable units, is the only facility owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles that is within the City limits. I. Reducing Barriers to Affordable Housing The City of Santa Clarita has implemented several programs and services to remove barriers to affordable housing as discussed previously in the document. Specifically, a Request for Qualifications was released in May 2006 with the intent of developing a pool of potential affordable housing developers. All submissions were evaluated by a team of City staff. Evaluation included breadth and depth experience, development capacity, experience in similar cities, and financing capability. The City chose two developers to work together an 80-90 unit affordable housing project; Southern California Housing Development Corporation, and the Related Companies. Ideally, this future affordable housing project will contain units which are affordable to low- and very -low-income households. City and developer staff will identify potential locations and financing structures. It is anticipated that Newhall Redevelopment Agency (RDA) low- and moderate -income housing funds, tax credits, and possibly MHP funds or HELP funds will be used to finance the project. While actual construction may not occur until after fiscal year 2009-2010, significant City staff time will continue to be invested in the development of this project. City staff is also working with several other affordable housing developers. In 2008-2009, Meta Housing, a developer of senior housing projects, began the entitlement process for a City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 97 FY 2009-2013 :NTTh CLALRITA "' f1 L.../M1. 1'.I Sl mixed-use, mixed -income project that will provide 24 affordable senior apartments inside the RDA project area. That project will be funded with RDA set-aside funds, state tax credits, bond funds, as well as local City funds. In addition, the City is negotiating with several other non-profit affordable housing developers on several projects which will rehabilitate existing multi -family rental projects and convert them to 100% affordable family apartments. A number of programs which provide residential rehabilitation services designed to maintain the supply of affordable housing will be funded by CDBG in fiscal year 2009- 2010. The Handyworker Program and the Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program target low- and moderate -income home owners and provide repairs to condominiums, mobile homes, and single-family homes, thus preserving the affordable housing stock. In addition, the Property Rehabilitation Grant Program (formerly named Neighborhood Revitalization) will continue to serve low- and moderate -income home owners and maintain neighborhoods by providing tree trimming, brush removal, and repairs to fences, walls, and outbuildings. In fiscal year 2009-2010 the Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program and the Property Rehabilitation Grant Program will continue to be managed directly by City staff, while the Handyworker program is operated through the Senior Center. In addition, manufactured homes represent a large percentage of the City's affordable housing stock. The following Ordinances and Policies will be in effect in fiscal year 2009- 2010 to foster and maintain this critical resource for affordable housing. • Manufactured Home Rent Adjustment Ordinance - This City Ordinance protects manufactured home park residents from unreasonable rent increases. • Manufactured Home Parks - Change in Use Ordinance - This City ordinance establishes specific requirements for compensation to mobile home park residents in the event of mobile home park closures. Furthermore, the City has a number of housing policies (listed below) which encourage the development of new affordable housing. • General City of Santa Clarita Affordable Housing Policies - Based upon the City's General Plan goals and organized into four parts/issue areas: o Encouragement of affordable housing o Maintenance of affordable housing o Meeting the needs for affordable housing o Provision of equal housing opportunities City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 98 FY 2009-2013 SANTA CLAR[TA �. "..d,.& fw. J. Monitoring Standards and Procedures CDBG staff participates in an internal planning process to ensure that activities carried out by the City comply with HUD regulations and are consistent with the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan. All City staff working on CDBG-funded projects and programs receives on-going training and supervision by staff experienced in CDBG regulations and program administration. The City places strong emphasis in establishing frequent contact with the various sub - recipients that provide CDBG-funded public services within the Santa Clarita Valley. Each sub -recipient enters into a City contract which clearly defines City and HUD requirements. Reports are required from each sub -recipient quarterly at a minimum and invoices are not paid without submission of reports. Sub -recipients are also subject to at least one on-site monitoring visit per year, in which source documents and back-up documents are examined for thoroughness, accuracy and compliance with HUD regulations. Should any significant problems be discovered, additional technical assistance is offered and additional monitoring visits are scheduled. This more intensive monitoring is continued until all problems are resolved to the City's satisfaction. For CDBG funded sub -recipient contracts, internal auditing, program monitoring, and project reviews are conducted by City staff to ensure consistency with the City's Housing policies, General Plan, Zoning Code, and other policy and regulatory documents. Finally, the City fully complies with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations through the submittal of all required audits, including the Single Audit. This audit requires the incorporation of the Federal Financial Assistance Schedule, which identifies amounts and sources of all Federal funds. This report is reviewed for completeness, accuracy and compliance with applicable policies and regulations. Any necessary reconciliation of municipal financial records is undertaken by the City's Finance Division and auditors, to ensure that the financial information transmitted to HUD is correct and complete. Any errors or deficiencies in the financial management system are corrected and resolved by the City's CDBG program staff, Finance Division, and Budget Officer. K. Specific Annual Objectives The following HUD tables will be utilized in each of the City's Annual Action Plans; however the expected outcomes may change in relation to the projects and activities funded in each subsequent plan: City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 99 FY 2009-2013 F s,,INTA CL%RIT� Table 3A Summary of Specific Annual Objectives Obi Sources Performance Expected Actual Outcome/ Specific Objectives of Funds Indicators Number Number Objective* Rental Housing Objectives 1 Section 8 Vouchers County # of people 162 DH -2 assisted # of people 2 Senior Access Services CDBG assisted 400 DH -2 RDA Set- # housing units 65 family 3 New Construction Aside built 20 senior DH -1 Owner Housing Objectives 4 Fair Housing Counseling and Advocacy CDBG # of people 175 SL -1 assisted of households 5# Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program CDBG assisted 35 DH -3 # of households 6 Handyworker Program CDBG assisted 75 DH -3 7 Property Rehabilitation Program CDBG # of households 5 SL -3 assisted 8 First-time Homebuyer Program State # of households 2 DH -2 HOME assisted Community Development Objectives # of housing 9 Community Preservation Program CDBG 200 SL -3 units assisted Infrastructure Objectives 10 Debt service CDBG # of facilities 3 SL -1 # of facilities/ 11 ADA Street Improvements CDBG people assisted TBD SL -1 Public Facilities Objectives 12 Canyon Country Community Center CDBG # of facilities 1 SL -1 Public Services Objectives 13 Health Services General # of people 25 SL -1 Funds assisted 14 Homeless Services General # of people 112 SL -1 Funds assisted 15 Handicapped/Disabled Services General # of people 325 SL -1 Funds assisted 16 General Public Services General # of people 400 SL -1 Funds assisted Economic Development Objectives General # of businesses 17 Private funds and development 1 EO -1 funds assisted City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 100 FY 2009-2013 Iii A CLALR[TA 4b 16 L.../A 1..r'-Sl *These numbers reflect annual goals and objectives for fiscal year 2009-2010; therefore, subsequent annual action plans may reflect different numbers. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 101 FY 2009-2013 %N TA � ��"fA t ++{*Lv'1R€Tr1 Table 3B ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLETION GOALS Grantee Name: Santa Clarita Program Year: 2009-2010 Expected Annual Number of Units To Be Completed Actual Annual Number of Units Completed Resources used during the period CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA BENEFICIARY GOALS (Sec. 215 Only) Homeless households ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Non -homeless households 262 ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Special needs households 20 ® ❑ ❑ ❑ Total Sec. 215 Beneficiaries* 282 ® ❑ ❑ ❑ RENTAL GOALS (Sec. 215 Only) Acquisition of existing units ❑ ❑ ❑ Production of new units ❑ ❑ ❑ Rehabilitation of existing units ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Rental Assistance 162 ❑ ❑ ❑ Total Sec. 215 Affordable Rental 162 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ HOME OWNER GOALS Sec. 215 Only) Acquisition of existing units ❑ ❑ Production of new units ❑ ❑ Rehabilitation of existing units 115 ® ❑ Homebuyer Assistance 5 ❑ ® ❑ Total Sec. 215 Affordable Owner 120 z z❑ ❑ COMBINED RENTAL AND OWNER GOALS Sec. 215 Only) Acquisition of existing units ❑ ❑ ❑ Production of new units ❑ ❑ ❑ Rehabilitation of existing units 115 ❑ ❑ ❑ Rental Assistance 162 ❑ ❑ ❑ Homebuyer Assistance 5 ❑ ® ❑ Combined Total Sec. 215 Goals* 282 ❑ ❑ OVERALL HOUSING GOALS (Sec. 215 + Other Affordable Housing) Annual Rental Housing Goal 162 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Annual Owner Housing Goal 120 ® ® ❑ ❑ Total Overall Housing Goal 282 ❑ ❑ * The total amounts for "Combined Total Sec. 215 Goals" and "Total Sec. 215 Beneficiary Goals" should be the same number. City of Santa Clarita Consolidated Plan Page 102 FY 2009-2013 • • • Appendix A Citizen Participation Plan • is CITY OF SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN iD 6nett.� INTRODUCTION The City of Santa Clarita is required by law to have a detailed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) (24 CFR 95.105) and ensure that it is made available for viewing by the community. This plan must contain the City's policies and procedures for community involvement in the Consolidated Plan process, as well as the planned use of CDBG and HOME funds. Encouraging Community Participation The law requires that our CDBG Citizen Participation Plan not only provide for, but also encourage community participation, while emphasizing the involvement of low and moderate - income people, especially those living in low and moderate -income neighborhoods. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) expects the City of Santa Clarita to take whatever actions are appropriate to encourage the participation of minorities, people who do not speak English, and those with disabilities (24 CFR 91.105 (2)(ii). The Role of Low and Moderate Income People The law declares that the primary purpose of the programs covered by the CDBG Citizen Participation Plan is to improve communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and growing economic opportunities - all principally for low and moderate income people (24 CFR 570.2). The amount of federal CDBG and HOME funds that the City of Santa Clarita receives each year is based primarily on the severity of both poverty and substandard. housing conditions within the City. Because of this, it is important that community participation genuinely involve the low-income residents who experience these conditions. It is imperative that the community's involvement take place during all stages of the process. This includes: 1. Identifying needs, and setting priorities among those needs. 2. Deciding how much money should be allocated to each high-priority need. 3. Choosing types of programs to meet the identified high-priority needs, as well as overseeing the way in which the programs are carried out. The Various Staaes of the Consolidated Plan Process The policies and procedures in this CDBG Citizen Participation Plan relate to several stages of •action and federally required reports mentioned in law or regulation. In general, these stages and reports include: 1. Consolidated Plan (CP) - Development of a Proposed and Final Consolidated Plan covering three to five years. The Consolidated Plan contains a housing and homeless needs assessment, a housing market analysis, and a Strategic Plan and an Annual . Action Plan. 2. Annual Action Plan (AAP) - Development of a Proposed and Final Annual Action Plan covering one program year. The Annual Action Plan is a part of. the Consolidated Plan and reflects the needs identified therein. It contains a description of the planned use of funds for the upcoming year, including types of activities, location, and numbers of persons served. 3. Substantial Amendment (SA) - During the year, it may become necessary to change the priorities established in the Consolidated Plan, or to change the use of .the money already budgeted in an Annual Action Plan. In that case, a formal Substantial Amendment will be proposed, considered, and acted upon. 4. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) - After the program year is complete, a proposed and final Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report is developed. The Annual Performance Report contains documentation of the funds spent and the number of people assisted with those funds. The Program Year The "program year" chosen by the City of Santa Clarita is July 1 through June 30. • PUBLIC NOTICE Items Covered by the Public Notice Requirement Advanced public notice will be given once a federally required standard document is available or when a public meeting is scheduled. For example, the Proposed Annual Action Plan or Consolidated Plan, any proposed Substantial Amendment to the Action Plan or Consolidated Plan, the Annual Performance Report, and all public meetings related to the use of CDBG and HOME funds. In addition, there will be advanced public notice of all public meetings relating to the funds or the planning process covered by this Citizen Participation Plan. Adequate Public Notice Adequate public notice will be given with enough lead-time for the community to take informed action. The amount of assigned lead-time can vary depending on the event but will be a minimum of 14 days before the event. Public notices will be worded in such a way that residents will have a clear understanding of the event that is being announced (24 CFR 91.105 (e)(2). Public notices may take any or all of the forms listed below. 0 Forms of Public Notice • 1. The community will find public notices printed in the Signal, which is the adjudicated local newspaper and a newspaper of local circulation. Depending on the type of event, notice may be in the form of legal notices in the legal section of the newspaper, or as display advertisements in a non -legal section of the newspaper. 2. Notice will be given to neighborhood organizations, public housing resident groups and religious organizations in neighborhoods, and agencies providing services to low and moderate income residents. 3. Notice will be sent to any person or organization requesting to be on a related mailing list. 4. Depending on the type of event, public service announcements and press releases may be released to local radio and television stations. COMMUNITY ACCESS TO INFORMATION As required by law, the City of Santa Clarita will provide the community with reasonable and timely access to information and records relating to the data or content of any of the documents in the Consolidated Plan process. This includes the proposed, actual, and past use of funds covered by this Citizen Participation Plan. Regarding the past use of funds, the law requires reasonable community access to records about any uses of these funds during the • previous five years (24 CFR 91.105 (h). In addition, as required by law, the City of Santa Clarita will provide the community with reasonable and timely information on local meetings that relate to the proposed or actual use of funds. Examples of such. meetings are Public Input meetings, Community Advisory Committee meetings, Planning Commission meetings, City Council meetings, etc. Standard Documents Standard documents include the Proposed and Final Consolidated Plan, the Proposed and Final Annual Action Plan, Proposed and Final Substantial Amendments, and the Proposed and Final Annual Performance Report. Availability of Standard Documents In the spirit of encouraging the community's participation, copies of standard documents will be provided free of cost within two working days of a request. When requested these materials will be available in a form accessible to persons with disabilities (24 CFR 91.105(8). Documents will also be available at City Hall or on the City's web site at www.santa- clarita.com. Supporting documents related to the standard documents will be available at a nominal cost within two days of request. PUBLIC MEETINGS REGARDING CDBG AND HOME FUNDING •Public meetings are required by law in order to convey the City's responses to community proposals and questions, as well as obtain the communities' views in regards to the use of funds and the development of standard documents. The law requires public meetings during at least two different stages of the process. They must include at least one meeting about the community's needs during the development of the Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan (24 CFR 91.105(e)(1). More information about these specific meetings are in the sections of this Citizen Participation Plan relating to each of the "Stages." Access to Public Meetings Public meetings will be held only after there has been adequate notice, as described in the Public Notice part of this CDBG Citizen Participation Plan. This includes either a legal notice in the legal section of the newspaper, and/or a display advertisement in the non -legal section of the newspaper. Notices will be at least 14 days before the public meeting. Meetings will be held at a time that is convenient to most people who might benefit from the use of funds, and in a place accessible by bus or otherwise convenient in access (24 CFR 91.105 (e)(3). Public Meetings and Populations with Unique Needs • All public meetings will be held at locations accessible to persons with disabilities. Special provisions will be made for people with disabilities when requests are made at least five working days before a meeting. Translators will be provided to people who do not speak English, when requests are made at least five working days before a hearing (24 CFR 91.105(e)(4). , The Conduct of Public Meetings To ensure that public meetings are beneficial to the community, each resident choosing to speak will be allowed a minimum of three minutes to make a verbal presentation. THE STAGES IN THE PROCESS The law providing the funds covered by this Citizen Participation Plan calls for improved accountability of jurisdictions to the community. In that spirit, and in compliance with the terms of the law, the City of Santa Clarita will use the following procedures: The Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan The Consolidated Plan is a three to five year document that outlines the needs of the •community as they relate to CDBG and HOME funds. The Annual Action Plan is part of the Consolidated Plan. The Annual Action Plan is a one-year document that explains how CDBG, HOME and other related funds will be spent to meet the community needs outlined in the Consolidated Plan. A new Annual Action Plan is'developed each year. Both the Consolidated • Plan and the Annual Action Plan follow the same steps in the public participation process. Each must be submitted to HUD at least 45 days before the start of the program year (24 - CFR 91.115). Identifying Needs Due to the diverse needs of low and moderate income people, priorities must be set in order to decide which of the identified needs require more attention and resources than others. This is the fundamental reason the Consolidated Plan process exists. The laws and regulations require a public meeting each year, in order to obtain the communities opinions about needs and what priority those needs should have. In order to encourage the community's involvement, public meetings will be held in different neighborhoods to determine the specific needs and priorities identified by low/mod income people. The public will be provided with an estimate of expected CDBG and HOME funding for the upcoming year and a description of the range of activities that can be funded with these resources (24 CFR 91.105(b)(1). Notice will be made according to the procedures described in the Public Notice section of this Citizen Participation Plan. The Proposed Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan The Proposed Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan will be made available for comment no earlier than 30 days after the last public meeting, to allow sufficient time for the comments • from the public meetings to be integrated into the Plan. Notice of the availability of the Proposed Plans will be made according to the procedures described in the Public Notice section of this Citizen Participation Plan. The community is invited to comment on the Proposed Plans and their comments are included as part of the Final Consolidated Plan or Final Annual Action Plan. The Proposed Plans will be available to the public for at least 30 days prior to adoption by the Mayor and City Council so that low and moderate income people will have a reasonable opportunity to examine them and submit comments (24 CFR (b)(4). The Final Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan In preparing a Final Consolidated Plan or Final Annual Action Plan, careful consideration will be given to all comments 'and views expressed by the community. This is whether the comments are given as verbal testimony at a public meeting, or submitted in writing during the review and comment period. The Final Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan will each have a section that presents a summary of all comments and explanations as to why any comments were not accepted (24 CFR 91.105). Technical Assistance • Based on the strategic plan identified in the Consolidated Plan, funds may be used for projects managed by the City, or managed by designated subrecipients. In some instances a Request for Proposals may be released for a portion of funds to provide services to low and moderate income residents. When a Request for Proposals is released, City staff will hold at least one technical assistance meeting to assist potential applicants in completing their proposals. City staff will also be available by telephone and appointment to provide technical • assistance for the application process (24 CFR 91.105 (i). Substantial Amendments Because the needs of the community are not static, and in order for the City to be responsive to emerging needs, the Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan may need to be amended on occasion. The Consolidated Plan regulations consider certain amendments to be 'Substantial Amendments" requiring a public comment period and additional community participation. The City of Santa Clarita defines Substantial Amendment as: • Changes in the use of CDBG or HOME funds from one eligible activity to another. • Budget increases or decreases in excess of 15% of the original plan, or over $25,000. • Changes in the allocation priorities or a change in the method of distribution of funds. • Any new activity not previously included in the Annual Action Plan. • Any change in the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of a program or project that will result in significant change in services available to the people that the program or project is intended to serve. Proposed Substantial Amendment The public will be 'informed of a Proposed Substantial Amendment, according to the 40 procedures described in the Public Notice section of this Citizen Participation Plan. Copies of the Proposed Substantial Amendment will be made available to the Public, and input will be received during a 30 -day comment period. Final Substantial Amendment In finalizing the Substantial Amendment, the City will consider any written or verbal comments received during the comment period (24 CFR 91.105 (c)(2). The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report Every year the City of Santa Clarita must send HUD a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) within 90 days of the close of the program year. In general, the CAPER must describe how funds were used and the extent to which these funds were used for activities that benefited low and moderate -income people. The CAPER will contain at least as much detail as was required by HUD for Grantee Performance Reports. The CAPER will have an accounting for each activity in any Action Plan, until an activity is officially closed out with HUD by the City. The community will be notified of the release of the Proposed CAPER, using the methods described in the Public Notice section of this Citizen Participation Plan. The CAPER is available for community comments for 15 days before it is submitted to HUD. A summary of all public comments will be included with the CAPER submission to HUD. This is whether the comments are given as verbal testimony at a public meeting, or submitted in writing during the review and comment period (24 CFR 91.105 (d)(2). Anti -Displacement •The City of Santa Clarita intends to minimize displacement of persons in the implementation of CDBG and HOME Programs (24 CFR 91.105 (b)(1). If displacement becomes necessary in order to accomplish program objectives, persons displaced will be assisted, according to the HUD regulations at 24 CFR 92.353, and HUD Handbook 1378, Tenant Assistance, Relocation and Real Property Acquisition. Complaints Complaints should be submitted in writing to the City of Santa Clarita, Community Development Department, 23920 Valencia Blvd., 300, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. A timely, substantive, written response will be provided to every written complaint within 15 working days (24 CFR 91.105 (j). Changing the Citizen Participation Plan This Citizen Participation Plan can be changed only after the community has been notified of an intent to modify it and only after the community has had a reasonable chance to review and comment on proposed substantial changes to it. • 40 • r Appendix B Summary of Public Comments Meeting Notes from the public meetings held on December 9, 2008 include: • Senior Center Workshop • Reverse Mortgages won't work in this market, seniors need an alternative to lower payments ■ Would like to see the use of HOME funds for Acquisition • Space rent increases in some of the mobile parks are too expensive for seniors on fixed incomes ■ Affordability is a major issue in the City • Senior Center needs more funding to expand and meet needs ■ Highest priority should be affordable housing and it should be targeted to 40-50% M FI Services should be second highest priority ■ Infrastructure should be the third highest priority • Practical homeless shelters are needed ■ Transitional housing is needed; especially for youth that are abused or neglected ■ Emergency response services are needed for seniors/disabled • Transportation for special needs • Transitional care- hospital closure void ■ Assisted living -affordability ■ Shared housing Activity Center Workshop • Inclusionary housing - not like hideaway project 100% subsidized want mixed income levels so there is no concentration of low income • No high density developments ■ Newhall senior units ■ Removing existing low -moderate housing is a problem Recreation Center Workshop ■ Code enforcement • Crime Awareness ■ Focus on Canyon Country Newhall ■ Apartments Canyon Country ■ Mercy housing ■ Youth services and gang prevention'programs Email comment December 2008 Dear Ms. Sullivan, Per our telephone conversation of this morning, here is my question for the meeting. I will try to make it to one of them. "I want to ask the City of Santa Clarita why: (1) there is no rent control for senior apartments? and (2) why are the rates for a senior apartment so high in this valley? Most • seniors are on a fixed income and are relegated to living in not so nice places. As everyone is aware, there will be more "baby boomers" retiring in the next year or two and many have family and relatives in this area and will move here. I need to know what the city is planning in regards to this concern." • City Response: "Thank you for your email. I understand your concerns regarding the availability of affordable housing in Santa Clarita. This is an on-going problem in many parts of the country. There is no rent control for apartments in the City, senior or otherwise. We do have a rent control ordinance for mobile home park spaces. There are currently no plans to create or implement additional rent controls. Any new rent control ordinance for apartments would need to be voted into law by the City Council. I encourage you to contact your City Council to express your concerns. There is a significant amount of very upscale senior housing in Santa Clarita which is not rent controlled in any way. There are also over 900 units of affordable senior apartments which are kept at lower -than -market rates for seniors in certain lower income categories. -However, even with the subsidies on these affordable units, they can still be out of the reach of seniors on very limited incomes. The allowable annual rent increases on these senior affordable apartments can be very hard on the tenants as well. Unfortunately, the rent increases are allowable based on the financing agreements for the original construction. The City has no authority to further limit the rent increases which the building owners are allowed. The City is working with a number of affordable housing developers to create additional senior and family affordable housing. The projects are very difficult to finance, and the City's funds are limited. The volatility in the financial markets has made it much more difficult to • create affordable housing as well. However, we have had some recent successes. In September, the City Council approved a loan of over 2.7 million dollars to create 66 units of affordable family housing. Staff is also working with another developer to develop an additional 30 units of affordable senior housing." • LJ 0 Appendix C Community Development Needs Survey • dem% FY 2009-2013 CONSOLIDATED PLAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY July 22, 2008 ['°uAt I10uslltiv OPPORTUNFTY Your opinion is needed! The City of Santa Clarita is starting the planning process for the future use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. An important part of this process is to ask residents and other stakeholders what you think are the most important needs in your neighborhood. Please check the appropriate box below for each category showing what you think is the greatest unmet needs in your community and return the survey NO LATER THAN October 31, 2008. u, µ',ar' :�a'R..:ry �y�,=_wNO'"S r UCH k� --PRIORITY NEE) LEVEL MEDIUM I, . . s?a,. e �� 5 . ., s . IG ,� x: Na X -.NEED Acquisition of Real Property for a new public use Disposition (disposal or transfer of property for a new public use Public Facilities and Improvements General Senior Centers Handicapped Centers Homeless Facilities not operating costs Youth Centers ami Neighborhood Facilities Parks, Recreational Facilities n Parking Facilities E Solid Waste Disposal Improvements trash/refuse facilities Flood Drain Improvements Water/Sewer Improvements Street Improvements Sidewalks LT Child Care Centers 73 Tree Planting CL Fire Stations/E ui ment Health Facilities Abused and Neglected Children Facilities Asbestos Removal Facilities for AIDS Patients(not operating costs Operating Costs of Homeless/AIDS Patients Programs Clearance and Demolition Clean-up of Contaminated Sites Public Services General Senior Services Handicapped Services Legal Services Youth Services Transportation Services Substance Abuse Services Battered and Abused Spouses Employment Training Crime Awareness Fair Housing Activities Tenant/Landlord Counseling Child Care Services Health Services Abused and Neglected Children Mental Health Services Screening for Lead -Based Paint/Lead Hazards Poison Subsistence Payments (short-term emergency assistance for rent or utility bills to prevent homeless Homeownership Assistance not direct Rental Housing Subsidies Security Deposits Interim Assistance Urban Renewal Completion (close out of land re -development projects funded with the now obsolete urban renewal rant • U • Please circle the category(s) you represent: Resident Business Community Group Church Other I To allow the City to evaluate needs by geographical area, please identify the nearest cross streets to your residence/place of business: Please return this survey to the address listed below, NO LATER THAN: October 31, 2008 City of Santa Clarita ATTN: Terasa Sullivan Community Development Department 23920 Valencia Blvd. Suite 300 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 HIGH MEDIUIVIi, °LOW 4n NO SUCH-', k v_7YO 'i •- .b.. ....NEEDw e ; Relocation (payments for those displaced through rehabilitation and revitalization efforts Loss of Rental Income Removal of Architectural Barriers Privately Owned Utilities Construction of Housing Direct Homeownership Assistance Rehabilitation; Single -Unit Residential 1p � c Rehabilitation; Multi -Unit Residential a Public Housing Modernization Z° Rehabilitation; Other Publicly -Owned Residential Buildings Rehabilitation; Publicly or Privately -Owned Commercial/industrial Energy Efficiency Improvements Ac uisition - for Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Administration Lead-Based/Lead Hazard Test/Abate Code Enforcement Residential Historic Preservation Non -Residential Historic Preservation Cl Land Acquisition/Disposition(purchase / disposal of land Cl Infrastructure Development Cl Building Acquisition, Construction, Rehabilitation Other Commercial/Industrial Improvements (0 O ED Direct Financial Assistance to For -Profits i V ED Technical Assistance w ..c Q Micro -Enterprise Assistance (businesses with 5 or less employees) CDBG Non-profit Organization Capacity Building Ei Q) CDBG Assistance to Institutes of Higher Education m CDBG Operation and Repair of Foreclosed Property o Planned Repayment of Section 108 Loan Principal Unplanned Repayment of Section 108 Loan Principal U° W State CDBG Technical Assistance to Grantees Planning General Program Administration Indirect Costs cost allocation Ian Fair Housing Activities subject to'20% Admin ca Submissions or A lications for Federal Programs Acquisition of existing rental units °1 3 Production of new rental units a, Rehabilitation of existing rental units .�5 Rental assistance m o = Acquisition of existing owner units c z Production of new owner units Rehabilitation of existing owner units Homeownership assistance Job Creation y Job Retention Other (write-in): Please circle the category(s) you represent: Resident Business Community Group Church Other I To allow the City to evaluate needs by geographical area, please identify the nearest cross streets to your residence/place of business: Please return this survey to the address listed below, NO LATER THAN: October 31, 2008 City of Santa Clarita ATTN: Terasa Sullivan Community Development Department 23920 Valencia Blvd. Suite 300 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 • • 0 Appendix D Proof of Publications and Outreach Efforts THE SIGNAL NEWSPAP,, 24000 Creekside Rd Valencia CA 91.355 Proof of Publication (2015.5 C.C.P) STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES I am a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the county aforesaid; I am over the age of eighteen years; and I am not a party to or interested in the notice published. I am the chief legal advertising clerk of the publisher of the SIGNAL. NEWSPAPER . a newspaper of general circulation, printed and published Daily in the City of Santa Clai•ita County of Los Angeles, and which newspaper has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, under the date of March 25, 1988 Case Number NVC15880, that the notice, of which the annexed is a printed copy, has been •published in each regular and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following dates, to -wit: H -a ) All in the year 20 I certify (or declare) under penalty of pedury'that the foregoing is true and correct Dated at Valencia, California, this day of 20 !fig • ..� � SANTA X 18 DECEN�F' Notice of City ' Council Meeting Draft 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan i forthe City of Santa Clanta Notice is hereby giveh that the Draft 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan for the City of Santa Cladta that was previously no- ticed to be brought be-'; fore the City Council will not be heard on April 28, 2009, as previously noticed. Said item isle being Pe -noticed to be brought before the City'". Council on May 12, 2009, at or about 6:00 p.m. You may comment.:! on this item by attending the City Council. meet -1 ing. Thefive-year Consoli date -d Plan, required. by HUD, outlines the goals. and pnortties the City' will follow over the next five years for the use of; Community Develop: ment Block Grant'• I (CDBG) funds. The re- I quired 30 -day review and comment period was held from March 1, I 2007 to March 30, 2009! and no verbal, written; or emailed comments; were received. Copies of the City's' Draft 2009-2013 Con:: solidated Plan will be' available' at the City; Clerk's Office at City• Hall, located at 23920: Valencia Blvd., Suite! 304, Santa 'Clanta, CA; 91355 or on-line at. www.santa- clanta.com/hbusing/CD .. BG. Further Information; may also be obtained byl contacting Erin Moore - Lay, Housing Program Administrator at. (661) 255.4972 or by email at, emoore-lay ®santa-clar-• i ita.com. The Signal 4121/09 THE SIGNAL NEWSPA' "R 24000 Creekside Rd Valencia CA 91355 Proof of Publication (2015.5 C.C.P) STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES I am a citizen of the United States, and a resident of. the county aforesaid; I am over the .age of eighteen years; and 1 am not a parry to or interested in the notice published. I am the chief legal advertising clerk of the publisher of the SIGNAL NEWSPAPER a newspaper of general circulation, printed and published Daily in the City of Santa Clarita County of Los Angeles, and which newspaper has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, under the date of March 25, 1988 Case Number NVC15880, that the notice, of which the annexed is a printed copy, has been published in each regular and entire issue of said •newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following dates; to -wit: All in the year 201 -la I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct Dated at Valencia, California, this day of `� : 20 ignature 0� a Ohio oee f� 150ECE08� Notice for Public Comment and. Review of the City of Santa Clarita Draft 2009.2013 Consolidated Plan and the Draft 2009-2010 Annual Action Plan Notice is hereby given that the City of Santa Clarita .will be inviting public comment and re- view of the City's draft Five -Year Consolidated Plan for fiscal years 2009-2013 and the draft 2009-2010 Annual Ac- tion Plan, documents. The 30 -day review and comment' period will be from March 1, 2009' to March 30, 2009. The Five -Year Consoli- dated Plan,. required by HUD, Identifies and pn- oritizes the greatest needs of lower income residents inO-our com- munity, and outlines how to best use 'grant funds to help meet those needs. The Annual Action Plan, required by HUD, de- scribes the actions the City will take in Fiscal Year draft 2009-2010 to benefit persons with In- comes at or below 80% of L.A. County's median Income level. R.ECEIVEC) FEB 1 9 2009 FINANCE DIVISION CITY OF SANTA CLARITA Copies of the City's Draft. 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan and the 2009-2010 Annual Action Plan will i be available at the City Glerk's Office at City I Hall• located at 23920 I Valencia Blvd., Suite 304; Santa Clarita, CA i 91355, or on-line at www.santa- clarita.com/housing/CDB G. Citizens wishing to comment on the Consoli- dated Plan and/or. Annu- al Action Plan are re- quested to put, corn- . mens in writing to the attentiort of Teresa Sulll- van, Project Technician, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Comments may be taken via e-mail as well. E-mail Teresa Sullivan at tsullivan®santa- clarita:com. •. Para los qua hablan as - panel, con commentar- ios sobre at Plan de Ac - cion, por favor didga su correspondencia a Mag-, gi Sanchez, Secretada, en la'direccion indicada previamene en esta no- . ticia. Para correspon- dencia .electronica envie su e-mail a masan- 'chez @ sana-clahta.com. The Signal 2/13/09 S. . ::vr L. L, t3 Y. IRGANIZATION CODE: ACCOUNT CODE: • )ATE: ` ?0. # 1�,/ 9 i 0 0 O w 0 .O 0 w Dc Nj w z H ci a CIP V � V � 5 _ y • r� 0 0 0 0 i_ 0 10,11 C ?,1 a w z 0 x � a z 0 F N C�7 a O F F W d' z O O N • c 0 N u U 2 4 �1 W w z O x s a d 0 h w � s 771 0 • 0 u ct N p It .0 All IME s, O e sv . s� � v E� O � W a- H h c w r�� M1; f Iveu�`5zcu� on Tllege campus A herd of goats will be visit - Glendale Community Col - ,lege soon, to help clear brush ;from the slopes above campus. ,The company Environmental ;Land Management has been hired to bring about 150 goats :for brush abatement starting ;Dec. 10. The work is expected :to take about 10 days. Using goats is considered a more economic and environ- mentally -friendly method to clear brush. :SANTA CLARI'TA Five-year plan on :meeting's agenda The city of Santa Clarita is drafting a new five-year plan to .address the needs of low -and - moderate income residents. The city will host three pub- lic meetings Tuesday for resi- dents to voice their opinions on the plans. The meetings will be held at 10 am., Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, 22900 Market St; 2 p.in., Activities • Center, Room A, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway; and 7 p.m., Newhall Community. Center, 22421 Market St. SANTA C LdARITA . Homeowners. may. iget building advice Officials with the Federal. ;Emergency Management. Agency plan to be on hand at local building -supply stores :this week to advise homeown- • ers about rebuilding after a disaster in a way that protects them in the future. The mitigation specialists :will offer safety checklists and answer questions from home- owners. They will visit the Lowe's in Santa Clarita, 19001 Golden Valley Road; -this week from Thursday through • Sun- day, 9 am. to 6 p.m. SYLMAR Motorcycle officer gets hurt in crash A San Fernando Police _..., the d"ereri5e'also vriii pro= U.J.Wmpsbr, is nanKeq Dy anonjuiy`selectiion:' sentencing in Las Vegas on Frid test the judge allowing comments about Simpson's 1994 Los Angeles murder case he was acquitted of killing his confrontation with two sports in which ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her bilia dealers over collectibles t son insisted were stolen from friend Ron Goldman. .On Saturday, Simpson remained at "Prison will be very taxing Galanter said. At 61, Simpson the Clark County jail where he has been housed since his conviction on Oct. 3, great health, he said. along with co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart The two men were found guilty "He'll be treated like ev inmate," said Howard Skolnil of 12 criminal charges, including kidnap- of the Nevada Department "The only issue might Y ping, armed robbery and assault with a tions. we have to provide a little m( deadly weapon. Simpson was sentenced Friday to 9 to tive custody because of his ni 33 years in prison. Stewart got 7Y2 to 27 least at the start." Gabriel Grasso, another Sir. years. Michael Shapiro, a New York defense has followed the Las Vegas yer, anticipated that Simpson a friends in prison, adding th, lawyer who case, said Simpson's case may get extra from Nevada Supreme Court, had been buying snacks inmates at the Clark County attention the state's only appellate court. "Superimposed over all of it is that "I think when he does me( jail, they're going to treat he's O.J. He's not Joe Schmo," Shapiro because he treats them w( said. The justices also could be influ- by Simpson's murder trial, he said, said. Simpson could be move enced calling it "the 800 -pound gorilla in the week to High Desert State P: 45 miles northwest of Las Ve; room." Before any appeal winds its way to the 2004 inmate brawl killed wounded 18 others. Ski Nevada Supreme Court, Simpson faces years in prison for a September 2007 and was unlikely he would go 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec., 3. . (661) 25979444, ext. 125..._. Holiday boutique Offers gifts A gift boutique featur- ing handmade gifts and. home decor by local art ists.will be held 4 p.m. 3y to 9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m, to 9 p..m. Fri- . day Dec. Dec. 5 and 9 a.m. to 4 p:. Saturday, Dec. 6, scat- 19601. Chadway St.; Can;. • 'resh:ally Gro��A .7s Available Daily - RetPwholesale . riyon Rd., Caswic, CA 91384 561.701.11.96. . in gets YOU into any -car )0 or Less. Call for details. D Irl -House financing D Bad Credit, Repossession . No Credit, No Problem Flexible Short Term Financing A Deterred Maintenance Program Every Car Under Warranty . Hwy., Canyon Country, CA 91351 661-250--913.1 KE OFFICES w6RK BETTER, NEW and USED :REE, OFFICE LAYOUT s • Files • Tables • Reception • Panels - Bookcases IenTriangle CA 91350 AF G City ofUps �p' SANTA A O G /G OIGIMu FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 5, 2008 Contact: Gail Ortiz 661-255-4314 CONSOLIDATED PLAN MEETING PROGRAM City Seeks Residents Input in Preparation of 5 Year Plan The City of Santa Clarita is currently in the process of formulating a five-year Consolidated Plan meant to identify and rank the needs of the low and moderate income residents of the City. To ensure the greatest benefit for Santa Clarita, the City is asking for residents input. Three meetings will be held on Tuesday, December 9. The first will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center located at 22900 Market Street, the second will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Activities Center, Room A located at 20880 • Centre Pointe Parkway and the last meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Newhall Community Center 22421 Market Street. "We encourage residents of all socio-economic backgrounds to attend these meetings and share their thoughts in regards to our City's economic future." said Paul Brotzman, City Director of Community Development. The meetings are meant to look at the funds from. the Community Development Block Grants which are intended to benefit lower income residents and families in a variety of ways including funding affordable housing, expanding economic opportunities, . funding non-profit service providers, or creating more parks and recreation opportunities. For more information, or any questions regarding the five-year Consolidated Flan or the community meetings, please contact City Project Technician Terasa Sullivan at (661) 255-4368 or email to tsullivan@santa-clarita.com. Consolidated :Plan For reasonable accommodations to participate, more information, or questions, please contact Project Technician; Te rasa Sullivan at (661) 255-4368 or by email attsullivan@santa-clarita.com. • • Appendix E HUD Tables CPMP Version