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projects would fit well into existing neighborhoods, and not create unintended impacts. Any <br />changes to the municipal code as a result of Housing Element policy would be drafted with <br />input from the public. Since many neighborhoods have unique characteristics that may not be <br />reflected in other areas, modifications to the code to allow additional units or an alternative <br />style of housing would be aligned with the objectives of the policy in addition to be customized <br />to fit in with and be aligned with the preferences of the neighborhood. <br />California Statewide Communities Develo Pment Authori (CSC DA) Workforce Hou sin <br />Program <br />Another approach is to evaluate unique financing programs. In March or April, the City Council <br />is anticipated to review and evaluate the Workforce Housing Program, run by the California <br />Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA), which supports local jurisdiction's <br />acquisition and conversion of market -rate apartment projects to deed -restricted moderate - <br />income housing units. <br />The City Council will provide direction on whether the City should join the Joint Powers <br />Authority that administers the program, which would facilitate the City participating in the <br />program should an opportunity for a specific project arise. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Based on the possible strategies outlined in this report, staff recommends the following be <br />implemented: <br />1. Define, "Workforce housing." Workforce housing has been discussed during the <br />Housing Element update at various stages, but has yet to be defined. Staff recommends <br />that the Planning Commission review the two draft definitions provided in this report and <br />provide a recommendation for a definition. <br />2. Streamline ADU production. One of the objectives after adopting the ADU ordinance <br />was to strategize on how to streamline ADU production. An approach that some <br />jurisdictions have taken is to secure the services of a local architect or design firm to <br />provide the public with preapproved plan sets for ADUs so that a property owner does <br />not bear the cost and time associated with obtaining design and construction plans. <br />After speaking with staff from other cities that have taken this approach, however, staff <br />is considering alternatives to streamline ADU production. An alternative approach would <br />be to have companies that specialize in ADUs provide plans for the City to pre -approve, <br />as opposed to the City hiring a design team to prepare the plans. In either case, or with <br />another option, the objective would be streamline ADU production, and the City could <br />pursue a strategy accordingly. <br />3. Complete Objective Design Standards. As mentioned in this report and as the Planning <br />Commission is aware, the City is undertaking completion of ODS for residential <br />development. In September 2021, the Commission reviewed draft standards for larger - <br />scale multifamily development (i.e., the remaining sites designated as part of the 2012 <br />Housing Element); these standards would incorporate the additional sites that are <br />included as part of the current Housing Element effort. Also, as the Planning <br />Commission is aware, objective standards were incorporated into the City's SB 9 <br />ordinance. As a complement to development that could occur on smaller sites (not the <br />larger Housing Element sites), staff will be working with the consultant team to draft <br />objective standards for smaller infill projects. <br />Housing Element Update, P21-0751 Planning Commission <br />9of10 <br />