REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Approving the Application for Senate Bill (SB) 2 Planning Grant Funds from the California Department of Housing and Community Development and Find that the Action is Exempt from CEQA.
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2017, Governor Brown signed a 15-bill housing package aimed at addressing the state's housing shortage and high housing costs. Specifically, it included the Building Homes and Jobs Act (SB 2), which establishes a $75 recording fee on real estate documents to increase the supply of affordable homes in California. All funds are being administered through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
SB 2 Planning Grants provide funding to all local governments in California to help cities and counties prepare, adopt, and implement plans and process improvements that streamline housing approvals and accelerate housing production.
Funding will help cities and counties accelerate housing production, streamline the approval of housing development, and facilitate housing affordability, particularly for lower- and moderate-income households.
EXISTING POLICY
GENERAL PLAN - Housing Element
Goal HE-3: Minimized Governmental Constraints on Housing
Minimizes the impact of governmental constraints on the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing.
Policy HE-3.1 Monitor all regulations, ordinances, departmental processing procedures and fees related to the rehabilitation and construction of housing units to assess the impact on housing costs and/or future supply.
COUNCIL POLICY 7.1.5, "Grants, Donations, Contributions and Sponsorships"
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adopting a resolution authorizing staff to submit a grant application does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) and (b)(5) in that it relates to fiscal and administrative activities that do not involve any commitment to...
Click here for full text