2014-006 - Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates

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HOUSING CONSTRAINTS SB 520 also references the need for an analysis of local occupancy standards that apply specifically to unrelated adults and not to families. The Zoning Code does not have occupancy standards that treat families differently than unrelated adults. Furthermore, there is no definition of family in the Zoning Code that defines the number or type of members that can constitute a family. Although Section 41 -192 of the Municipal Code prohibits residential overcrowding, the courts ruled in Briseno v. City of Santa Ana (6 Cal. App. 4th 1378 [1992] ), that the ordinance was invalid pursuant to Uniform Housing Code (UHC). The City affirms that the ordinance remains nonoperative. Permitting Process Currently, the City of Santa Ana processes a request to retrofit homes for accessibility modifications over the counter in an administrative fashion. The City permits licensed residential care homes with six or fewer persons as a by -right use in all single - family zones. The City does not have a set ofparticular conditions or use restrictions for residential care homes with more than six persons, except for a conditional use permit. Care homes that require a conditional use permit follow the same noticing and public hearing requirements as other uses. The Housing Element continues three housing programs (Programs 43 -45) to clarify implementation of the Zoning Code and further fair housing for residents with special needs. In these programs, the City will continue to monitor changes in state law and will update the Zoning Ordinance as necessary with respect to care facilities, the rehabilitation of housing, and maintenance of the reasonable accommodation ordinance. Reasonable Accommodation In 2010, Santa Ana formally adopted a process for disabled persons to request reasonable accommodation from zoning, permitting procedures, or building requirements. The City recognizes the importance of reducing barriers to adequate housing for disabled persons and will continue to implement the reasonable accommodation ordinance to allow a process for requesting relief from land use, zoning, building laws, rules, or administrative practices of the City (Programs 45 and 50 in the Housing Plan implement the ordinance to assist persons with disabilities and seniors with housing). The City's reasonable accommodation information is available at City Hall and on the City's website. J�A B -32 CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT