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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Res 25-09 - 2025-10-6 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 25-09 A RESOLUTION OF THE SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE (6TH CYCLE) OF THE SEAL BEACH GENERAL PLAN; AND ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING CODE, ZONING MAP; AND THE MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE, TO FULFILL STATE HOUSING LAW THE PLANNING COMMISSION 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 Planning Commission 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; 1 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; 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. 2 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 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 - OC 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. 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. December 6, 2023— 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. 3 BB. On August 27, 2024, the City transmitted to HCD a revised draft Housing Element for informal review in response to HCD's letter. 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. The draft Housing Element dated August 2024 has been posted on the City's website for public review, since October 2024. 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. June 25, 2025 — Special Meeting of the Environmental Quality Control Board to solicit comments Regarding the Content of the Draft EIR. HH. August 7, 2025 — OC 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 ALCU determination. II. September 17, 2025 — Environmental Quality Control Board meeting to present the Final EIR and a discussion regarding CEQA reform related to housing and the Housing Element. JJ. 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). KK. 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. LL. On October 6, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing regarding the proposed 2021-2029 Housing Element Update and Amendments to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Main Street Specific Plan (Exhibits 4 "A", "B" and "C", attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, in order to implement the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update. MM. Notice of this public hearing was provided as required by law. At the public hearing, all interested persons were allowed to speak. NN. 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. 00. In accordance with Section 65585 of the Government Code, the Planning Commission 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 Planning Commission 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. PP. 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 6, 2025, the Planning Commission 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 proceedings, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 25-08, recommending that the City Council certify the Final EIR, and adopt the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations. The Planning Commission 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 Planning Commission has carried out its independent review of the Final EIR, Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 5 and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and pursuant to the adoption of Resolution No. 25-08, and further has reviewed and considered the entire record of proceedings. Section 3. PROCEDURAL FINDINGS. On October 6, 2025, the Planning Commission 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 Planning Commission Resolution No. 25-08, the Planning Commission 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. 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 6 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. B. Zoning Code Amendment 1) The City's 2021-2029 Housing Element Update requires an amendment to the Zoning Code to establish a Mixed Commercial/Residential High Density (MC/RHD) Zone as stipulated in Program 1 b of the Housing Element which would allow the development of housing at a maximum density of 46 units to an acre and a minimum density of 40 units to an acre. 2) The Seal Beach Municipal Code (SBMC) authorizes the Planning Commission to review and make recommendations to the City Council on Zoning Code Amendments. 3) On October 6, 2025, the Planning Commission was presented with amendments to the City's Zoning Code as depicted in Exhibit "B", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, which establishes the new MC/RHD Zoning designation along with related development standards. 4) On October 6, 2025, the Planning Commission was also presented with amendments to the City's Zoning Map, as depicted on Exhibit"C", to change the zoning designation of the following properties to MC/RHD and High Density Residential (RHD -33), which amendments are required by the City's 20231-2029 Housing Element Update: • Accurate Storge Site: APN 095-791-18 at 1011, from Residential High Density (RHD -20) to MC/RHD. • The Shops at RossmoorAPNs: APNs 086-492-56, 086-492-80, 086- 492-87, 086-492-90, 086-492-92, from General Commercial (CG) to MC/RHD • Old Ranch Town Center: APNs 130-861-15, 130-861-16, 130-861-17, 130-861-18, from General Commercial (CG) to MC/RHD. • Seal Beach Plaza: APNs 095-641-44, 095-641-55, 095-641-57, from Service Commercial (SC) to MC/RHD. • Seal Beach Center: APNs: APNs 043-260-02, 043-260-05, from Service Commercial (SC) to MC/RHD • 99 Marina Drive, Seal Beach: APN 199-011-01, from Oil Extraction (OE) to Residential High Density (RHD-33). 5) The proposed amendments to the Zoning Code and Zoning Map, (as depicted in Exhibit "C", attached hereto and incorporated herein by 7 reference as though set forth in full), are consistent with and reflective of the General Plan's goals, polices, and intent to encourage orderly growth and development in a manner that preserves the public's health, safety, and welfare because it addresses changes that have occurred in the City's housing needs by implementing policies, procedures, and programs contained in the updated 6th cycle Housing Element Update (2021-2029). Specifically, the amendments are in line with Program la — to provide adequate sites for housing through updates to the Zoning Code and Program 1 b — to establish Mixed Commercial/Residential High Density (MC/RHD) Zone and change the zoning of five of the sites identified in subsection "D" above to MC/RHD. 6) Per State law, the City must approve the Zoning Code and the Zoning Map Amendments concurrently with the adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update. 1) A. Main Street Specific Plan (MSSP). The City's 2021-2029 Housing Element Update requires an amendment to the MSSP, as stipulated in Program 1 r of the Housing Element which would allow the development of housing at select location and on the second floor or above within the MSSP area. 1) In In accordance with Government Code Section 65453(a), a specific plan may be adopted by resolution or by ordinance and may be amended as often as deemed necessary by the legislative body. 2) SBMC Section 11.5.05.010.B authorizes the Planning Commission to review and make recommendations to the City Council on amendments to specific plans. 3) On October 6, 2025, the Planning Commission was presented with amendments to the MSSP as depicted in Exhibit "D", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full, which allows housing in the MSSP area, except on the first floor facing Main Street or Ocean Avenue. 4) The proposed amendments to the Main Street Specific Plan are consistent with and reflective of the General Plan's goals, polices, and intent to encourage orderly growth and development in a manner that preservesthe public's health, safety, and welfare because it addresses changes that have occurred in the City's housing needs by implementing policies,procedures, and programs contained in the updated 6th cycle Housing Element Update (2021-2029). Specifically, the amendments are in line with Program 1 r — to allow housing at select locations (second floor and above) in the Main Street Specific Plan. 8 Section 5. Recommendation. Based upon the foregoing findings and all other evidence in the record, and the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 4, above, the Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council find as follows: A. Declare that 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. Find and declare that the Final EIR, Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 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 attached as Exhibits "B" and "C" to Planning Commission Resolution No. 25-08, incorporated herein by reference. D. Approve the 2021-2029 Housing Element, attached to this Resolution as Exhibit "A", and further authorize and direct 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. E. Adopt the amendments to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map and Main Street Specific Plan, as set forth in Exhibits "B", C" and "D", attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference as though set forth in full. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Seal Beach at a meeting thereof held on the 6th day of October 2025 by the following vote: AYES: NOLTA, MINGIONE, WHEELER NOES: CAMPBELL ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 9 • • Margo Wheeler, Chairperson ATTEST: Shaun Temple, AICP Planning Commission Secretary Attachments: Exhibit "A": Housing Element Update Exhibit "B": Zoning Code Amendment Exhibit "C". Zoning Map Amendment Exhibit "D": Main Street Specific Plan Amendment Exhibit "E": HCD Comments and Responses 10