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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Res 7706 2025-10-27 RESOLUTION 7706 A RESOLUTION OF THE SEAL BEACH CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE (6TH CYCLE) OF THE SEAL BEACH GENERAL PLAN TO FULFILL STATE HOUSING LAW THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND PROJECT BACKGROUND. The City of Seal Beach ("City") has initiated a General Plan Amendment to update the Housing Element for the 2021-2029 Planning Period (Sixth Cycle), and to amend the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Main Street Specific Plan (collectively the "Project") to ensure consistency with and implement the Housing Element Update, in order to fulfill State housing law. The City Council hereby finds as follows: A. The State of California requires every municipality to periodically update the Housing Element of its General Plan to review the housing needs of the community and revise its policies, programs and objectives to address those needs. Jurisdictions such as the City of Seal Beach that are within the Southern California Association of Governments region are required to update their Housing Elements for the 6th planning cycle, which covers the 2021-2029 period. B. California Government Code Section 65583 requires that the Housing Element contain: (i) an assessment of the City's housing needs and an analysis of the resources and constraints, both governmental and non-governmental, relevant to the meeting of these needs; (ii) an inventory of land suitable and available for residential development and an analysis of the development potential of such sites; (iii) a statement of the community's goals, quantified objectives, and policies relative to affirmatively furthering fair housing and to the maintenance, preservation, improvement, and development of housing; and (iv) programs that set forth a schedule of actions the local government is undertaking or intends to undertake to implement the policies and achieve the goals and objectives of the Housing Element Update. C. The City' s share of the regional housing need, or Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) was established at 1,243 units in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment Plan prepared and adopted by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) in March 2021. The allocation establishes the number of new units needed, by income category, to accommodate expected population growth over the planning period of the Housing Element; D. State law requires the Housing Element to identify adequate sites to accommodate the City's RHNA for all income categories, and the Housing Element Update identifies sites that can accommodate housing exceeding the City's RHNA; 1 E. In compliance with State law, the City initiated this General Plan Amendment to update and revise the Housing Element of the General Plan for the Sixth Cycle 2021-2029 planning period. F. On March 8, 2021 the Seal Beach City Council and Planning Commission conducted a joint meeting to consider housing issues affecting the community and State requirements regarding the Housing Element, and received public oral and written comments. G. Between March 2021 and October 2021, the City circulated a Housing Element community online survey to the public, in order to obtain input from community members. H. On April 5 and April 27, 2021 the Housing Element Ad Hoc Committee held public meetings to discuss Housing Element policy options and the sites inventory. On September 9, 2021, in accordance with Government Code Sections 65352 through 65352.5 relating to tribal notification requirements, the City mailed a project description to all local tribes identified by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). No requests for consultation or comments were received by the City during the requisite 90-day response period for this notification. J. On September 20, 2021 the Seal Beach City Council and Planning Commission conducted a second joint meeting to review the Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and received public oral and written comments. K. On September 21, 2021 the City submitted the Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element Update to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review pursuant to Section 65585(b) of the California Government Code. L. On November 19, 2021 HCD provided written comments on the Draft Seal Beach 2021-2029 Housing Element Update pursuant to Section 65585 of the Government Code. M. On January 6, 2022, the City revised the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update in response to the findings of HCD pursuant to Government Code Section 65585. N. On January 18, 2022, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing regarding the Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and adopted a resolution recommending its approval to the City Council, subject to certain minor changes. O. On January 19, 2022, and January 20, 2022, the City circulated a copy of the recommended draft Housing Element to the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission and the Joint Forces Training Base at Los Alamitos, respectively. P. On February 7, 2022, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing regarding the Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and based upon findings 2 and substantial evidence in the record, including written and oral staff reports together with public testimony and the recommendation from the Planning Commission, adopted the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update. Q. On February 9, 2022, the adopted Housing Element was transmitted to HCD pursuant to State law. R. On February 17, 2022, the Airport Land Use Commission of Orange County (ALUC) held a meeting to review the draft Housing Element and found it inconsistent with the Los Alamitos JFTB Airport Land Use Plan. S. On April 8, 2022, the City received a written letter from HCD finding that while the Housing Element addresses most statutory requirements described in HCD's November 19, 2021, letter, revisions will be necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law. T. On August 29, 2022, the City Council held a public meeting to overrule ALUC's determination of inconsistency, and at that time adopted Resolution 7324 overruling the ALUC inconsistency determination. U. On August 31, 2023, the City transmitted to HCD revised draft Housing Element for informal review in response to HCD's letter. V. On September 27, 2023, a Town Hall meeting was held in Leisure World, which included a discussion on the draft Housing Element along with a questions and answers session. W. On October 17, 2023, a community workshop was held to receive community feedback on the Zoning Code amendments and objective design standards for the new mixed use zone. X. On October 30, 2023, the City received a written letter from HCD finding that the Housing Element addresses many statutory requirements, but that revisions would be necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law. Y. On December 6, 2023, the Environmental Quality Control Board hosted a Scoping Meeting for the EIR of the Housing Element and rezone program. Z. On April 19, 2024, the City transmitted to HCD the revised draft Housing Element for informal review in response to HCD's letter. AA. On June 18, 2024, the City received a written letter from HCD finding that the Housing Element addresses many statutory requirements, but that additional revisions would be necessary to comply with State Housing Element Law. BB. On August 27, 2024, the City transmitted to HCD a revised draft Housing Element for informal review in response to HCD's letter. 3 CC. On October 17, 2024, the City received a written letter from HCD finding that the Housing Element meets most of the statutory requirements, but also finding that the Housing Element cannot be found in substantial compliance until the City has completed the rezoning and adopted the Mixed Commercial/Residential High-Density Zone and other related actions. DD. In October 2024, the draft Housing Element dated August 2024 was posted on the City's website for public review. EE. On April 30, 2025, the City received a written letter from HCD inquiring about the status of the City's Housing Element update. FF. On May 19, 2025, the City provided a response letter explaining that in addition to the series of revisions and resubmittals of the Draft Housing Element to HCD, the City has been simultaneously preparing for the rezoning efforts as required by HCD and the required evaluation of the environmental impacts under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to implement the Zoning Code update. The letter also provided an estimated timeline to complete the necessary rezoning concurrently with the adoption of the Housing Element. GG. On June 25, 2025, the Environmental Quality Control Board held a Special Meeting to solicit comments regarding the content of the Draft EIR. HH. On August 7, 2025, the ALUC held a meeting to review the draft Housing Element and Rezoning Program and found it inconsistent the Los Alamitos JFTB Airport Land Use Plan. The City Council is tentatively scheduled to hold a public hearing to consider overruling the ALUC determination. II. On September 17, 2025, the Environmental Quality Control Board met to present the Final EIR and discuss CEQA reform related to housing and the Housing Element. JJ. On October 6, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing regarding the proposed the Final EIR, Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and the proposed 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, and the proposed amendments to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Main Street Specific Plan in order to implement the 2021- 2029 Housing Element Update). Following the close of the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution 25-08, on a 3-1 vote, recommending that the City Council certify the Final EIR and adopt the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and further adopted Planning Commission Resolution 25-09, on a 3-1 vote, recommending that the City Council adopt the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and the Amendments to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Main Street Specific Plan in order to implement the 2021- 2029 Housing Element Update. KK. On October 27, 2025, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public 111 hearing regarding the proposed Final EIR, Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding 4 Considerations, and regarding the 2021 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, and the Amendments to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Main Street Specific Plan in order to implement the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update). LL. To effectuate the Housing Element, by implementing zoning revisions that will accommodate the capacity for the housing as proposed in the Housing Element Update to meet the City's RHNA obligation, City staff prepared amendments to the Zoning Code, including the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and the Main Street Specific Plan (MSSP). MM. The City revised the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update in response to the findings of HCD pursuant to Government Code Section 65585. The revisions and responses to HCD' s comments are summarized in Exhibit "B" to this Resolution, which is attached hereto and incorporated by this reference as though set forth in full. NN. Notice of this public hearing was provided as required by law. At the public hearing, all interested persons were allowed to speak. 00. The revised Draft Housing Element Update dated August 2024 has been available online at https://www.sealbeachca.gov/Departments/Community- Development/Planning-Development/Housing-Element-Update for public review beginning October 19, 2024. PP. In accordance with Section 65585 of the Government Code, the City Council has reviewed HCD' s comments and the revised Draft Housing Element and finds that the 2021- 2029 Housing Element has been revised to address each of the findings made by HCD. The City Council further finds that the 2021- 2029 Housing Element Update, as revised, will be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Seal Beach General Plan, particularly the Land Use Element, identifies adequate sites to accommodate the Regional Needs Housing Assessment on sites that have been previously identified for development, and substantially complies with the requirements of State law. QQ. The custodian of records for all documents, staff report, and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon which this resolution is the City Clerk. The administrative record is on file for public examination during normal business hours at the City of Seal Beach City Hall, Community Development Department, 211 Eighth Street, Seal Beach, California, 90740, and is posted on the City's website at: http://www.sealbeachca.gov/. Section 2. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS. On October 27, 2025, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing regarding the proposed Environmental Impact Report, Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, for the Sixth Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element, and the amendments to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Main Street Specific Plan in order to meet the City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation and requirements outlined in the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. At the public hearing, all interested persons were allowed to speak. Based on the record of the 5 proceedings, the City Council adopted Resolution 7705 certifying the Final EIR and adopted the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The City Council hereby further finds as follows: A. A Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared for the 2021- 2029 Housing Element Update and amendments to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Main Street Specific Plan (MSSP) (the Project), along with Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, pursuant to CEQA. B. Prior to taking action on this Project, the City Council has carried out its independent review of the Final EIR, Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, as certified and adopted by Resolution 7705, and further has reviewed and considered the entire record of proceedings. Section 3. PROCEDURAL FINDINGS. On October 27, 2025, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing regarding the proposed Housing Element Update for the Sixth Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element, and the amendments to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Main Street Specific Plan in order to meet the City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation and requirements outlined in the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. At the public hearing, all interested persons were allowed to speak. Based on the record of the proceedings, and the findings set forth in Sections 1 and 2, above, and in City Council Resolution 7705, the City Council hereby finds as follows: A. Housing Element Update (2021-2029 Planning Cycle). 1) The City's 2021-2029 (Sixth Cycle) Housing Element. as updated, and as modified by the Community Development Director in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.D, below, will amend the General Plan by replacing the 2021-2029 Housing Element previously adopted on February 28, 2022 with the 2021-2029 Housing Element, as set forth in Exhibit "A" to this Resolution. 2) The 2021-2029 Housing Element Update contains goals, policies, and programs aimed at addressing the City's housing development, preservation, and rehabilitation needs, including accommodating the City's RHNA of 1,243 housing units by 2029, encouraging housing to serve lower income and special needs households, increase access to affordable and special needs housing, and affirmatively furthering fair housing. The proposed project does not entitle, propose, or otherwise require the construction of new development or rehabilitation of existing development, but rather includes goals and policies to facilitate the development, preservation, and rehabilitation of housing consistent with existing and proposed uses identified in the General Plan and as mandated to be allowed under State law. 6 3) Adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment, all feasible mitigation measures have been incorporated into the Statement of Overriding Considerations and/or Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, in support adoption of the Housing Element. 4) The proposed Housing Element is in conformance with the environmental goals and policies adopted by the City. 5) The proposed Housing Element is consistent with the other Elements of the General Plan, and is necessary to carry out General Plan goals and policies that are set forth in the Land Use Element and other Elements of the General Plan, and will guide and direct orderly residential development in the City and sets forth goals, policies and programs for the preservation, improvement and development of housing for all economic segments of the community and housing for persons with special needs. 6) The proposed Housing Element will not adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare in that it will provide for the orderly residential development in the City that complies with the requirements of State law. Section 5. Findings. Based upon the foregoing findings and all other evidence in the record, and the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 4, above, the City Council find as follows: A. The above recitals set forth above in Sections 1 through 4, inclusive, are true and correct. B. Agencies and interested members of the public have been afforded ample notice and opportunity to comment on the proposed 2021-2029 Housing Element and Zoning Code, Zoning Map and MSSP Updates. C. Prior to taking action on this project, the City Council has carried out its independent review of the certified Final EIR and the approved Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program have been completed in compliance with CEQA and fully analyze and disclose the potential impacts of the proposed Project, and that those impacts have been mitigated or avoided to the extent feasible for the reasons set forth in the Findings of Fact and Statement of Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. Section 6. Adoption. Based upon the foregoing findings and substantial evidence in the record, including written and oral staff reports together with public testimony and the recommendation from the Planning Commission, the City Council hereby A. Approves the 2021-2029 Housing Element, attached to this Resolution as Exhibit "A", and 7 B. Authorizes and directs the City Manager and Community Development Director to make any technical, clerical and other non-substantive changes or clarifications to the Housing Element made by the Community Development Director as may to respond to comments received from the Department of Housing and Community Development on the adopted Sixth Cycle Housing Element in order to obtain a finding of substantial compliance with State law. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Seal Beach City Council at a regular meeting held on the 27th day of October 2025 by the following vote: AYES: Council Members: Kalmick, Wong, Senecal, Steele, Landau NOES: Council Members: ABSENT: Council Members: ABSTAIN: Council Members: Lisa Lan au, yor ATT ST: \r.�c0 ,h,F,) 1 loria D. Harper, City Clerk \�/88R2I �Ot1 N11��' STATE OF CALIFORNIA } COUNTY OF ORANGE } SS CITY OF SEAL BEACH } I, Gloria D. Harper, City Clerk of the City of Seal Beach, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is the original copy of Resolution 7706 on file in the office of the City Clerk, passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council at a meeting held on the 27th ay of October 2025. lona D. Har r, City Clerk 8 Attachments: Exhibit "A": Housing Element Update Exhibit "B": HCD Comments and Responses 9