Malibu Municipal Code § 7.1 Introduction

State law requires the preparation of a Housing Element ("Element") as part of a jurisdiction's General Plan (California Government Code § 65302(c)). The Element is to consist of an identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs, and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives and scheduled programs for the preservation, improvement and development of housing in the City of Malibu ("City"). The Element shall also identify adequate sites for housing and to make adequate provision for the existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community (§ 65583).

Guidelines adopted by the California Department of Housing and Community Development ("HCD") are also to be considered in the preparation of the Element (§ 65585). Periodic review of the Element is required to evaluate: (1) the appropriateness of its goals, objectives and policies in contributing to the attainment of the state housing goal; (2) the effectiveness in attaining the community's housing goals and objectives; and (3) the progress of the City in implementation of the Element (§ 65588).

(Resolution Nos. 14-04, 1/13/14; 13-34, 8/26/13)

State law recognizes the vital role that local governments play in the supply and affordability of housing. Each local government in California is required to adopt a comprehensive, long-term General Plan for the physical development of the city or county. The Housing Element is one of the seven mandated elements of the General Plan. Housing Element law, first enacted in 1969, mandates that local governments plan to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. The law recognizes that, in order for the private market to adequately address housing needs, local governments must adopt land use plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for, and do not unduly constrain, housing development. As a result, housing policy in California rests largely upon the effective implementation of local General Plans and, in particular, local Housing Elements. Housing Element law also requires that HCD review local housing elements for compliance with state law and to report its written findings to the local government.

As mandated by state law, the planning period for this Housing Element extends from 2013 to 2021[1]. This Element identifies strategies and programs that focus on: 1) providing diversity in housing opportunities; and 2) maintenance and preservation of the City's housing stock.

The Housing Element consists of the following major components:

(Resolution Nos. 14-04, 1/13/14; 13-34, 8/26/13)

[1]

The planning time frame for the Regional Housing Needs Assessment process is from January 2014 through October 2021.

Section 65583(c)(5) of the California Government Code states that "[t]he local government shall make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element, and the program shall describe this effort." Public participation played an important role in the formulation and refinement of the City's housing goals and policies, and in the development of a Land Use Plan that determines the extent and density of future residential development in the community.

Residents and other stakeholders had many opportunities to review and provide comments on the Housing Element and related implementation actions. Please refer to Appendix C for additional information regarding the City's efforts to encourage public involvement and how comments and concerns have been addressed.

(Resolution Nos. 14-04, 1/13/14; 13-34, 8/26/13)

The City's General Plan sets forth broad policy guidance in the areas of land use, housing, transportation, conservation, open space and recreation, noise, and public safety. The various General Plan elements provide a consistent set of policies and programs intended to preserve and enhance the quality of life, while accommodating growth and change in a proactive manner. For example, residential development capacities established in the Land Use Element, and constraints to development identified in the Conservation, Public Safety, and Noise Elements, are reflected in the Housing Element. This Housing Element builds upon the other General Plan elements and is consistent with the policies and proposals set forth by the General Plan. As the General Plan is occasionally amended, the City will review the Housing Element for internal consistency, and make any necessary revisions.

Senate Bill (SB) 1087 of 2005[1] requires cities to provide a copy of their Housing Element to local water and sewer providers, and also requires that these agencies provide priority to affordable housing developers. SB 1087 further prohibits local water and sewer providers from denying services to affordable housing developers, unless they find that the capacity is unavailable to all applicants. The Housing Element will be provided to these agencies immediately upon adoption.

(Resolution Nos. 14-04, 1/13/14; 13-34, 8/26/13)

[1]

SB 1087 (Florez) [Stats. 2005, ch. 727].