REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve Budget Modification No. 18 in the Amount of $360,000 for Consulting Services for Residential and Mixed-Use Projects
Report
BACKGROUND
Residential and mixed-use projects pose unique challenges and complexities for City evaluation of proposed development plans in the context of state housing law, sometimes raising technical issues necessitating outside consulting services.
EXISTING POLICY
Pursuant to Sunnyvale Charter Section 1305, at any meeting after the adoption of the budget, the City Council may amend or supplement the budget by motion adopted by affirmative votes of at least four members so as to authorize the transfer of unused balances appropriated for one purpose to another, or to appropriate available revenue not included in the budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity is exempt from the California Environmental Act (CEQA) because it involves fiscal and administrative activities that will not result in direct or indirect changes to the environment, and which do not commit the City to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant impact on the environment. (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b)(4) and (b)(5).)
DISCUSSION
Developers of residential and mixed-use residential projects in Sunnyvale have increasingly relied on state housing laws to deviate from the City's zoning and design standards. State laws restrict the City's ability to require developers to provide evidence justifying the deviations they seek. The proposed budget modification will make funds available for the City Attorney's Office and the Community Development Department to retain outside specialized technical experts needed to evaluate how the housing law applies to specific projects.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff proposes an appropriation of $360,000 from the Development Enterprise Fund to a New Project - Consulting Services for Residential and Mixed-Use Projects to fund outside consultant services as needs arise.
FY 2023/2...
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