Definition of a Large Site

For purposes of this requirement, “site” means that portion of the parcel designated to accommodate lower income housing needs. For example, a parcel greater than 10 acres in size could have to be split zoned, have an overlay zone with identified boundaries, or be identified in a specific plan that provides for subdivision of the parcel. If the specified boundaries of the site identified to accommodate the RHNA for lower income is less than 10 acres in size, then the large site analysis would not be required. However, the analysis must describe how the development will work on the site, including opportunities and timing for specific-plan development, further subdivision, or other methods to facilitate the development of housing affordable to lower income households on the identified site within the planning period. End definition

To demonstrate the feasibility of development on this type of site, the analysis must include at least one of the following:

• An analysis demonstrating that sites of equivalent size were successfully developed during the prior planning period with an equivalent number of lower income housing units as projected for the site.

• Evidence that the site is adequate to accommodate lower income housing. Evidence may include developer interest, proposed specific-plan development, potential for subdivision, the jurisdiction’s role or track record in facilitating lot splits, or other information that can demonstrate to HCD the feasibility of the site for development. The housing element should include programs promoting, incentivizing, and supporting lot splits and/or large lot development.

• A site may be presumed to be realistic for development to accommodate lower income housing need if, at the time of the adoption of the housing element, a development affordable to lower income households has been proposed and approved for development on the site.

Site Inventory Guidebook

Page 17

May 2020