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

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PLANNING CONTEXT LARGE HOUSEHOLDS Santa Ana is a family- oriented community in which the average household size is 4.4 persons — significantly higher than the county average of 3.5. The 2011 ACS reports 13,660 large owner and 14,375 large renter households in Santa Ana, representing 38 percent of all households. Generally, large households seek larger renter or ownership units with three or more bedrooms and typically experience extremely high cost burdens and overcrowding. Although there appears to be sufficient ownership opportunities, as discussed later, there is a significant shortage of rental units that are affordable and large enough to accommodate large families. As a result of this shortfall, many large families live in overcrowded units. FEMALE- HEADED HOUSEHOLDS According to the 2010 Census, 26 percent (19,737) of all Santa Ana households are single - parent households with children. Of those households, 63 percent (12,555) are female headed. The Census reports that the average single - parent household spends 12 -25 percent of annual income for childcare, leaving less income available to pay for housing. Housing opportunities can be improved through policies that call for the provision of affordable childcare and for the location of family housing sites close to transportation, recreational facilities, and supportive services. The Housing Element sets forth programs to assist large families and female - headed families. Programs will continue to be implemented that preserve affordable multiple - family housing and mobile homes through acquisition, rehabilitation, and deed restrictions. The Housing Authority will also continue to issue housing vouchers to lower income residents. Several new programs are proposed to create incentives to build or rehabilitate family housing (including multiple- bedroom units) as well as address family child care needs. Numerous programs also address the redesignation of land use along corridors and other areas in the community to facilitate new family housing. DISABLED PERSONS Santa Ana has many residents with physical, sensory, developmental, or other disabilities who require special living arrangements and services designed to meet their needs. For example, persons with physical and/or sensory disabilities often require barrier -free housing, which allows freedom of movement to and within the unit itself. Disabilities can also include visual, hearing, mobility, and other conditions. The 2010 Census reports that people with a physical or other Census - reported disability account for 6 percent or 20,248 people in the community. This number is anticipated to increase in Santa Ana and nationwide with the aging of the population. The AC S collects data on people with a disability in six categories. They include difficulty with hearing, vision, a cognitive impairment, ambulatory ability, self - care, and independent living. The ACS estimates that there are 2,159 children, 22 CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT