Housing Element Initial Study and Negative Declaration
Comments Deadline: 5 PM, 12.17.2020
Initial Study and Negative Declaration
5th CYCLE (2013-2021) HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
09.21.2020
The City of Rolling Hills is preparing to adopt an updated “Housing Element.” The Housing Element is a State-required plan showing how the City will meet the housing needs of all of its residents, including seniors, persons with disabilities, and lower income households. Once the Element is adopted, it must be formally certified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Having a certified Housing Element is important, as it qualifies the City for grants and allows for creative new programs that are tailored to Rolling Hills residents.
One of the objectives of the Housing Element is to show that Rolling Hills can meet its “fair share” of the region’s housing needs. The best way to do this is by encouraging the development of accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”, also known as in-law units or granny flats). ADUs provide a “win-win” for our community by providing a source of extra income for homeowners and an affordable place to live for a tenant, without changing the character of the community. ADUs can benefit senior homeowners who may need accommodation for a caretaker or who wish to “age in place” in a smaller unit on their properties. They can also provide housing for teachers, childcare workers, nurses, fire fighters and others who serve our community. Staff is proposing to use ADUs to meet the City’s obligation to provide affordable housing units in the City. However, if HCD does not accept the City’s proposal, the City will be required to rezone parcel(s) to comply with the State’s requirements.
The City will be conducting a community-wide survey this Fall to see what you think of ADUs and other ideas for meeting Rolling Hills’ housing needs. We will also be holding meetings with the Planning Commission and City Council in the coming months to talk over potential strategies. Check the City’s website for upcoming meeting dates and additional information on the Housing Element. For more information, please contact Meredith T. Elguira at 310.377.1521 or
melguira@CityofRH.net.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
City public meeting is held pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom on March 17, 2020. All Councilmembers will participate by teleconference.
Public Participation: City Hall will be closed to the public until further notice. A live audio of the City Council meeting will available on the City’s website (http://www.rolling-hills.org/).The meeting agenda is on the City’s website (http://www.rolling-hills.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=70). Members of the public may observe and orally participate in the meeting via Zoom and or submit written comments in real time by emailing the City Clerk’s office at cityclerk@cityofrh.net. Access to the Zoom meeting room: Join Meeting
