Item 37 - General Plan Amendment No. 2021-01 - 6th Cycle Housing Element Update

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Resolution No. 2022-XXX Page 2 of 5 f. An analysis of any special housing needs g. An evaluation of the previous Housing Element h. Goals, objectives, policies, and implementation programs F. The General Plan Amendment for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update was initially circulated for public review on October 11, 2021, and submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on October 21, 2021, for its required review. The City subsequently submitted a revised element to HCD on February 24, 2022, for its required review. City staff worked closely with HCD staff assigned to review Santa Ana’s draft Housing Element to address comments and revise the element to ensure compliance with state housing law. G. Pursuant to CEQA, City staff evaluated the proposed changes in the General Plan Amendment for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update in light of the standards for subsequent environmental review outlined in State CEQA Guidelines section 15162, and concluded that the proposed changes would not result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects that were previously disclosed in the Program Environmental Impact Report. In addition, the City concluded there is no new information of substantial importance showing that the General Plan Amendment for the 6th Cycle Housing Element will have significant effects not previously identified; that previously examined significant effects will be more severe; or that mitigation measures previously found infeasible are now feasible. As such, no subsequent EIR or mitigated negative declaration is required. Nonetheless, the proposed changes would necessitate minor technical changes or additions to the Program Environmental Impact Report, and thus the City has prepared an Addendum to the Program Environmental Impact Report pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15164. H. On December 20, 2021, the Planning Commission held a duly-noticed public hearing and considered the CEQA document, staff report, recommendations by staff, and public testimony concerning GPA No. 2021- 01. The Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving GPA No. 2021-01. I. On July 19, 2022, the City Council held a duly-noticed public hearing and considered the Program Environmental Impact Report, Addendum, staff report, recommendations by staff, and public testimony concerning GPA No. 2021-01.