FULL PACKET_2017-11-7 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

AP -75 Barriers to affordable housing — 91.220(j) Introduction Through vehicles such as zoning ordinances, subdivision controls, permit systems, and housing codes and standards, the City has attempted to ensure the health, safety, and quality of life of its residents while minimizing the barriers that may impede the development of affordable housing. None of these measures is intended to restrict the affordability of housing, though these regulations may on occasion influence the pricing of housing. Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effercts of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations,. and policies affecting the % return on residential investment The City has identified several barriers to the development of affordable housing including the following: • Governmental constraints such,`s property taxes, land -use controls (e.g., density and zoning restrictions), building codes, building,permit fees, on-site/off-site improvement, prevailing wage regulations, and ADA compliance.` • Market constraints including the availability, cost, and'competition for land. Other constraints include limited'affordable housing financing sources, finance costs, and the costs of construction. • Available land in the City mostly�consists of small parcels that must be assembled for significant new construction projects. Relocation�costs and housing replacement requirements for redeveloping impiroved properties also'presents barriers to the development of affordable `housing. ~ — • TRe,region's rents have continued to.increase. Higher rents limited the ability of some low- •, e. e income households to obtain' affordable housing. Households with poor credit history are also severely'impacted. \1 '. Since governmental restrictions,mayconstrain the production of affordable housing, the City of Santa Ana continues to monitor, analyze and address, as necessary, governmental regulations, land use controls and residential development standards that affect the production and preservation of affordable housing. The Housing Needs Assessment also identified stringent criteria in the mortgage origination process that continues to this day even after the 2010 foreclosure crisis has ended, which also is outside the scope and control of City policy. In some instances, issues revolving around personal finances (lack of down payment, credit history, employment history) affect the availability of affordable housing for residents. Market factors that tend to restrict affordable housing production are: high land costs, high construction OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Annual Action Plan 41 2017 21A-54