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

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HOUSING RESOURCES Environmental and Infrastructure Analysis The area of Santa Ana covered under the TZC is in one of the oldest parts of the community. Various infrastructure systems, such as the sewer system, date back to the early 1920s. As part of the technical studies for the TZC, significant infrastructure improvements were identified for the 20 -year buildout horizon. As part of the project, the EIR for the Transit Zoning Code (2010) detailed the potential environmental and infrastructure impacts of the project and implementation measures to address the presence of any impacts. The TZC EIR indicates that future development of the code: ■ would not be constrained by any significant biological, seismic, geological, or hazard constraints (TZC EIR, Sections 4.3 and 4.5). ■ could alter the existing drainage pattern and potentially result in increased downstream flooding through the addition of impervious surfaces, or exceeding the capacity of existing or planed stormwater drainage systems, additional mitigation will be necessary (TZC EIR, Sections 4.6) ■ would not require or result in the construction of new water treatment facilities, the expansion of existing water treatment facilities, or the expansion ofthe existing network of water lines (TZC EIR Sections 4.12.1- 4.12.4). ■ would not increase wastewater generation such that treatment facilities would be inadequate to serve the projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments (TZC EIR Sections 4.12.5 - 4.12.9). To address the needed improvements to and/or replacement of infrastructure, the City's practice is to require all developers to pay a pro rata share of the costs to improve or replace the infrastructure. This is in addition to the on and offsite improvements that are required under the Municipal Code (Article III) to serve individual projects. These included rehabilitation of existing asphalt pavement; installation of new water, sewer, and storm drain lines; installation of a fixed -rail system (trolley); and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian routes. Capacity Analysis A fundamental goal of the code is to facilitate a variety of form -based housing choices that may include lofts, live -work buildings, courtyard housing, rowhouses, and other types of multiple - family housing. This diverse mix of rental and ownership housing can provide opportunities for housing affordable to all income levels. Some sites are anticipated to be multiple- family projects at 25 -45 units per acre, with other sites building townhouses and single - family detached products at 7 -15 units per acre. Overall, the density mix will likely average between 20 and 30 units per acre. Financial Feasibility Analysis The City has a variety of policies and programs to facilitate affordable housing. City ownership of land can greatly facilitate the production of affordable housing by eliminating the cost of land acquisition and reducing the time needed to obtain CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT C -37