Lafayette Municipal Code Art. 3 Senior Citizen Housing Development and Senior Housing Projects

This article applies to senior citizen housing developments and senior housing projects, regardless of whether the project is assisted living or independent living.

The references to "federal or state law" set forth in this section shall include but not be limited to, the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 3601 et seq.), the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), and the regulations promulgated at Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations that relate to access for persons with disabilities.

(Ord. No. 598, § 2, 10-25-2010)

Except as expressly provided in this article, the land use standards for a senior citizen housing development or a senior housing projects, such as yard areas and floor area, shall be those required by the underlying zoning district.

All senior citizen housing developments and senior housing projects shall be developed so as to comply with the requirements set forth below:

(a) Entryways, walkways, and hallways in the common areas of the development, and doorways and paths of access to and within the residential units, shall be as wide as required by laws applicable to new multifamily housing construction for provision of access to persons using a standard-width wheelchair.

(b) Walkways and hallways in the common areas of the development shall be equipped with standard height railings or grab bars to assist persons who have difficulty walking.

(c) Walkways and hallways in the common areas shall have lighting conditions which are of sufficient brightness to assist persons who have difficulty seeing.

(d) Access to all common areas and residential units within the development shall be provided without use of stairs, either by means of an elevator or sloped walking ramps.

(e) The development shall be designed to encourage social contact by providing at least one common room and outdoor common open space.

(f) Refuse collection shall be provided in a manner that requires a minimum of physical exertion by residents.

(g) The development shall comply with all other applicable requirements for access and design imposed by law, including, but not limited to, the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 3601 et seq.), the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.), and the regulations promulgated at Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations that relate to access for persons with disabilities.

(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the minimum floor area for each residential unit in shall be as follows:

(1) Studio - 450 square feet.

(2) One bedroom - 540 square feet.

(3) Two bedroom - 700 square feet.

(i) All projects shall implement, at minimum, the following universal design principles:

(Universal design is a method of design that allows aging in place by creating an environment that can be used by everyone, regardless of age or physical condition.)

(1) No-step entries.

(2) One-story living such that an eating area, bathroom, and sleeping area are available on the same floor.

(3) Front doors with a minimum width of 36 inches to accommodate the use of wheelchairs and 32-inch free-swing doors (34-inch door) on all interior doors.

(4) Hallway minimum width of 42 inches to accommodate the use of wheelchairs.

(5) Room thresholds that are flush.

(6) Adequate lighting throughout the dwelling unit.

(7) Lever door handles and rocker light switches.

(8) Additional closet rod brackets to allow potential access from a wheelchair.

(9) Adequate space for maneuverability and access to facilities to those using wheelchairs.

(Ord. No. 598, § 2, 10-25-2010)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the density of a senior citizen housing development or senior housing project shall be governed by the density established by the senior housing permit, but in no case shall the density exceed 45 units per acre (not including applicable density bonuses).

(Ord. No. 598, § 2, 10-25-2010)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a senior citizen housing development or senior housing project shall be required to provide a minimum number of parking spaces as follows:

Independent Living.

(1) One space for each studio or one-bedroom unit.

(2) 1.2 spaces for each two-bedroom unit.

(3) One guest parking space for every five dwelling units.

(4) One parking space for each employee on-site at peak staffing.

Assisted Living.

(1) 0.40 parking spaces per unit.

(2) One space for each employee on-site at peak staffing.

(3) One loading pace, sufficient to accommodate expected loading needs.

Independent Living for Extremely low, Very Low, Low Income Households.

(1) 0.50 spaces for each studio or one-bedroom units.

(2) One guest parking space for every five dwelling units.

(3) One space for each employee on-site at peak staffing.

(Ord. No. 598, § 2, 10-25-2010)

In order to approve a senior housing permit for a senior citizen housing development or a senior housing project, the planning commission shall find as follows:

(a) The impact of the use will be substantially equivalent to or less than the impacts produced by land uses otherwise allowed within the underlying classification of the zoning district, with consideration being given to the quantity and type of living units, their estimated demand on public facilities and their estimated services generated by the use;

(b) The project complies with the city's adopted design guidelines;

(c) The project design, density, lot coverage, bulk and mass are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, as determined by review of the applicable hearing authority;

(d) The number of units approved can be adequately accommodated by existing or planned infrastructure;

(e) The projected peak hour trip generation rates will be equal to or less than that of a conforming, non-age restricted, project on the same site;

(f) The location, design, and site planning provide residents with a convenient and functional living environment, and will be as attractive as the nature of the use and its location and setting allow. This includes, but is not limited to the provision of artwork, gardens, indoor and/or outdoor sculpture, and other recreation uses of an active or passive nature;

(g) The project is specifically designed for senior citizens and includes facilities generally associated with the needs and interests of senior citizens. Such facilities include common meeting and recreation areas, secure parking, safety bars and rails in units, emergency signal system, security lighting, ramps and other structural elements required for elderly persons by state and federal laws or regulations; and

(h) The project is located so as to provide qualifying residents access to community amenities such as transportation, shopping, and other daily services.

(Ord. No. 598, § 2, 10-25-2010)

In the event a senior housing permit does not comply with Sections 6-1158, 6-1160, 6-1161, 6-1164 and 6-1166 relating to development standards for senior residential care facilities, senior citizen housing developments and senior housing projects, an application for a variance to a measurable standard may be filed and reviewed concurrently with the application for a senior housing permit. The applicable hearing authority shall consider the variance application in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 6-1 of this title.

(Ord. No. 598, § 2, 10-25-2010)