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

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HOUSING PLAN the lead advocate for seniors throughout the county. The City works with various agencies to address the housing needs of seniors. HOUSING FOR FAMILIES 52. Family Housing The City has a multifaceted program for increasing and maintaining the supply of family housing. The Housing Authority allocates approximately 900 housing choice vouchers to lower income families in Santa Ana, and the City's homeownership programs are targeted to low income households. The City continues to acquire, rehabilitate, and reconfigure apartment projects to create affordable housing. Over the past five years, the City and Agency have funded projects with nonprofit organizations that reconfigured smaller studio and one - bedroom apartments into two -, three -, and four - bedroom units. The City will continue seeking opportunities to rehabilitate, reconfigure, and build family housing and alleviate overcrowding. This program will work in tandem with the Variety in Household Sizes Program. 53. Child Care Options The availability of affordable, conveniently located, quality childcare is one ofthe most pressing concerns of contemporary family life, particularly for families with single parents or two working parents. Santa Ana complies with state regulations allowing childcare facilities and offers density bonuses for qualified childcare facilities per state law. Recognizing the shortage of quality and affordable childcare facilities, the City will: 1) review the Zoning Code to ensure that day care and childcare provisions are consistent with state law; 2) consider incentives for co- locating childcare facilities in affordable housing; 3) give funding priority for projects that include family support and childcare facilities; and 4) continue funding organizations that serve Santa Ana's children. 54. Multi- Generational Housing According to Generations United, one in six Americans lives in a multigenerational household, defined as those consisting of more than two generations living under the same roof or a household with a grandparent and at least one other generation. This topic is particularly relevant in recent years given the increasing number of seniors, individuals leaving home at a later age, cost of health care, and lifestyle preferences. Whereas the granny flat or room addition concept has been around for decades, builders are beginning to respond with innovative products. This includes housing models from shared living spaces to housing that caters to different lifestyles all situated in the same or adjacent buildings. As part of the Zoning Ordinance update, City staff will explore and review residential development concepts that offer appropriate opportunities for multi - generational housing that fits neighborhoods in Santa Ana. J�A 68 CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT