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

Home Browse Search

The Harbor Mixed Use Transit Corridor Specific Plan encourages mixed use, transit - oriented development. Lofts on West Third St. in the Downtown area of the Transit Zoning Code. PROGRAM EVALUATION Provision of quality, affordable housing was one of the primary goals envisioned by the 2006 -2014 Housing Element and great care was taken to identify sites and financing to facilitate that effort. The following discussion highlights major successes since 2006. Table D -4 details progress for action set forth under Goal #2 of the Housing Element. Identification of Housing Sites The 2006 -2014 Housing Element, built on the Land Use Element by setting goals, policies, and actions to facilitate development in District Centers and other infill locations such as transit corridors and the downtown area. During the planning period, the City adopted the Transit Zoning Code, which covers the area formerly known as the Renaissance Specific Plan and downtown. The Transit Zoning Code facilitates a range of housing products with varying levels of affordability. The 2006 -2014 Housing Element identified several corridors to accommodate residential development to address its RHNA goals. The City was successful in securing a SCAG Compass Blueprint grant to update the specific plan for Harbor Boulevard (one of three transit corridors). When completed in 2014, the specific plan will accommodate a balance of commercial uses, mixed uses, and transit - oriented developments that can complement the City's GoLocal Systems and support economic development along the corridor. Housing Incentives Santa Ana adopted several programs to facilitate the development of affordable housing in the community. In 2011, the City adopted a Housing Opportunity Ordinance. For eligible ownership projects, at least 15% of the units must be set aside as affordable to moderate income households for at least 45 years. For eligible rental projects, at least 15% must be affordable to very low or low income households for at least 55 years. The Housing Opportunity Ordinance is a model for other jurisdictions in Orange County seeking to adopt inclusionary requirements. After four years of work, the City also adopted the Transit Zoning Code to provide a transit supportive and pedestrian- oriented environment, opportunities for the integration of new infill development, a range of affordable housing opportunities, and the reuse of existing structures. Higher densities, flexible parking provisions, private open space incentives, and other key features facilitate the project. JAA D -8 CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT