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(2.6) 2035 LQ General Plan (1) - Chapter II (11.19.13) - HOUSING - Superseded   HOUSING   II-­‐195       HOUSING       PURPOSE   The   Housing   Element   of   the   La   Quinta   General   Plan   establishes   the   City’s  policy  relative  to  the  maintenance  and  development  of  housing   to  meet  the  needs  of  existing  and  future  residents.  Jurisdictions  within   the   Southern   California   Association   of   Governments   (SCAG)   region   must  complete  the  statutory  housing  element  update  for  a  planning   period  that  extends  from  2014  to  2021.       The  2014  Regional  Housing  Needs  Assessment  (RHNA)  proposes  that   La   Quinta   provide   the   regulatory   framework   to   facilitate   the   development  of  new  housing  units  potentially  affordable  to  a  range  of   income  levels.  The  City’s  RHNA  is  364  units  for  the  2014–2021  planning   period.  The  RHNA  includes  housing  planning  goals  for  very  low,  low,   moderate,  and  above  moderate  income  households.       The  City’s  RHNA  by  affordability  level  is  91  units  of  housing  affordable   to   very   low   income   households,  61  affordable   for   low   income   households,  66  affordable  for  moderate  income  households,  and  146   above  moderate  income  units.  The  housing  element  demonstrates  the   land  resources,  financial  resources,  market  trends,  and  governmental   efforts   that   have   the   potential   to   facilitate   and   encourage   housing   development  and  rehabilitation  to  meet  the  RHNA.     Setting   The  City  of  La  Quinta  is  one  of  nine  cities  in  the  Coachella   Valley.  A  world-­‐renowned  vacation  destination,  La  Quinta’s   population   varies   by   season.   La   Quinta’s   permanent   population   is   estimated   at  37,467  persons   in   2010.   The   seasonal   population   exceeds   10,000,   increasing  the  City’s  population  by  27%  during   winter  months.       HOUSING   II-­‐196     La   Quinta   households   are   generally   wealthier   than   other   areas   of   Riverside  County.  The  median  household  income  of  La  Quinta  for  2007-­‐ 2011  was  $67,444,  significantly   higher   than   the   Riverside   County   median  household  income  of  $65,000.       This  income  trend  is  related  to  the  types  of  new  housing  available  in  La   Quinta.   La   Quinta   is   home   to   many   master   planned   communities.   Although   the   number   of   multifamily   units   in   the   City   more   than   doubled  from  2000  to  2010,  multifamily  units  continue  to  represent   less  than  8  percent  of  the  total  housing  stock.     The   downturn   of   the   housing   market   has   resulted   in   greater   affordability  in  La  Quinta.  Much  like  other  communities  in  the  Coachella   Valley,  since  2006  the  City’s  housing  stock  has  provided  a  wide  range   of  pricing  options  due  to  an  oversupply  of  housing  and  foreclosures.       Housing  Resources   California   housing   element   law   allows   local   governments   to   obtain   credit  toward  its  RHNA  housing  goals  in  three  ways:  constructed  and   approved  units,  vacant  and  underutilized  land,  and  the  preservation  of   existing  affordable  housing.       With   the   economic   downturn,   moderate   income   households   have   access  to  affordable  rental  and  for  sale  units.  The  Very  Low  and  Low   income   household,   however,   will   continue   to   require   subsidized   affordable  housing.       Housing  Plan   The   housing   element   sets   forth   a   comprehensive   housing   plan   consisting   of   goals,   policies,   and   programs   to   address   existing   and   projected   housing   needs.   The   detailed   programs   provided   are   designed  to  identify  sites  to  exceed  the  RHNA,  assist  the  development   of  affordable  housing,  remove  governmental  constraints  to  housing,   preserve   the   existing   housing   stock,   provide   equal   housing   opportunities,   and   promote  energy   and   water   conservation   in   residential  uses.       Quantified  Objectives   The  goals,  policies,  and  programs  will  guide  housing-­‐related  decision   making   and   facilitate   attainment   of   the   2014–2021  RHNA   housing   targets.  As  shown  in  Table  II-­‐19,  constructed  units  and  approved  units   make  up  the  bulk  of  new  construction  counted  toward  the  RHNA.         HOUSING   II-­‐197   Each   jurisdiction   must   establish   quantified   objectives   by   income   category  to  prepare  to  meet  or  exceed  the  RHNA  for  the  2014-­‐2021   planning  period.  The  City  of  La  Quinta’s  quantified  objectives  are  based   on  constructed   and   approved   units   and  land   resources  for   new   housing  and  programs  created  to  address  other  existing  and  projected   housing  needs.       Achieving  the  City  of  La  Quinta’s  quantified  objectives  will  rely  on  third   party  financing,  since  the  elimination  of  redevelopment  by  the  State   has   removed   the   City’s   single   most   important   funding   source.   However,   as   evidenced   by   the   approved   projects   planned   for   construction   in   2014,   the   City   and   developers   of   affordable   housing   projects  have  secured  funding  sufficient  to  exceed  the  City’s  very  low   and  low  income  RHNA  allocation.  Please  see  the  Housing  Resources   section.     Table  II-­‐19   Quantified  Objectives  2014–2021   Type  of  Housing  Very  Low  Low  Moderate   Above   Moderate  Total   New  Construction   New  Units  91  61  66  146  364   Rehabilitation/Conservation       Residential  Rehabilitation     10     10     0     0     20   Conservation  (Seasons   Senior  Apartments,  at  risk   2024)   45  46      91       HOUSING   II-­‐198   INTRODUCTION   Purpose   The  Housing  Element  of  the  La  Quinta  Plan  establishes  the  City’s  policy   relative  to  the  maintenance  and  development  of  housing  to  meet  the   needs  of  existing  and  future  residents.  These  policies  will  guide  City   decision  making  and  set  forth  a  housing  action  program  through  2021.   These  commitments  are  an  expression  of  the  desire  of  the  City  of  La   Quinta  to  facilitate  adequate  housing  for  every  La  Quinta  resident.  The   City’s   housing   policy   is   in   line   with   the   statewide   housing   goal   of   “attainment  of  decent  housing  and  a  suitable  living  environment  for   every  California  Family.”     The  purpose  of  the  Element  is  to  establish  official  policy  which:     v Identifies   existing   and   projected   housing   needs,   and   inventories   resources   and   constraints   that   are   relevant   to   meeting   these   needs.  The  assessment  and  inventory  include:      Community  Profile    Housing  Profile    Land  Resource  Inventory    Governmental  and  Nongovernmental  Constraints  Analysis    Analysis  of  Special  Needs  Housing    Identification  of  Assisted  Units  “At  Risk”  of  Conversion     v Identifies  the  community’s  goals,  objectives,  and  policies  relative  to   the  preservation,  improvement,  and  development  of  housing.     v Sets  forth  a  schedule  of  actions  (programs)  the  City  is  undertaking   or  intends  to  undertake  to  implement  the  policies  and  achieve  the   goals  and  objectives  of  the  Housing.     The  Housing  Element  has  been  designed  to  address  key  housing  issues   in  the  City.  These  issues  include  appropriate  housing  types  to  meet  the   needs   of   all   segments   of   the   community   while   maintaining   a   low   density   character,   provision   of   affordable   housing   for   special  needs   groups  in  the  community,  and  the  maintenance  of  the  existing  housing   stock.     Consistency  with  State  Planning  Law   California   Government   Code   requires   that   every   City   and   County   prepare   a   Housing   Element   as   part   of   its   General   Plan.   In   addition,   State  law   contains   specific   requirements   for   the   preparation   and     HOUSING   II-­‐199   content   of   Housing   Elements.  Sections   65580   to   65589.8   of   the   California  Government  Code  contain  the  legislative  mandate  for  the   housing  element.  State  law  requires  that  the  City’s  Housing  Element   consist  of  “identification  and  analysis  of  existing  and  projected  housing   needs  and  a  statement  of  goals,  policies,  quantified  objectives,  financial   resources,  and  scheduled  programs  for  the  preservation,  improvement   and  development  of  housing.”       Since  the  last  planning  period,  Government  Code  Section  65583  was   amended  by  Senate  Bill  812,  requiring  the  Housing  Element  to  include   identification  and  analysis  of  special  housing  needs  for  individuals  with   developmental  disabilities  within  the  City.     State   law   also   requires   that   the   City   evaluate   its   housing   element   approximately   every   eight   years   to   determine   its   effectiveness   in   achieving   City   and   statewide   housing   goals   and   objectives,   and   to   adopt  an  updated  Element  that  reflects  the  results  of  this  evaluation.       State  law  is  very  specific  on  the  content  of  the  Housing  Element  and   makes   it   clear   that   the   provision   of   affordable   housing   is   the   responsibility   of   all   local   governments.   The   City   is   expected   to   contribute   toward   regional   housing   needs   and   to   contribute   to   the   attainment  of  state  housing  goals.     General  Plan  Consistency   The  goals,  policies,  standards  and  proposals  within  this  element  relate   directly   to   and  are  consistent   with   all   other   elements.   The   City’s   Housing  Element  identifies  programs  and  resources  required  for  the   preservation,  improvement,  and  development  of  housing  to  meet  the   existing  and  projected  needs  of  its  population.       The  Housing  Element  is  affected  by  development  policies  contained  in   the  Land  Use  Element,  which  establishes  the  locations,  types,  intensity,   and   distribution   of   land   uses   throughout   the   City   and   defines   the   buildout   land   use   scenario.   In   designating   total   acreage   density   of   residential  development,  the  Land  Use  Element  places  an  upper  limit   on  the  number  and  types  of  housing  units  constructed  in  the  City.  The   acreage  designated  for  a  range  of  commercial  and  office  uses  creates   employment  opportunities  for  various  income  groups.  The  presence   and   potential   for   jobs   affects   the   current   and   future   demand   for   housing   at   the   various   income   levels   in   the   City.  In  addition,   the   General  Plan  Land  Use  Element  has  been  updated  in  accordance  with   Senate   Bill   244.   There   are   no   disadvantaged   unincorporated   communities  in  the  City’s  Sphere  of  Influence.     HOUSING   II-­‐200   The   Circulation   Element   also   affects   the   implementation   of   the   Housing   Element.   The   Circulation   Element   establishes   policies   for   providing   essential   streets   and   roadways   to   all   housing   that   is   developed.  The  policies  that  are  contained  in  the  other  elements  of  the   General  Plan  affect  the  quality  of  life  of  the  citizens  of  the  City  through   the  control  of  the  amount  and  variety  of  open  space  and  recreation   areas,   acceptable   noise   levels   in   residential   areas,   and   programs   to   provide  for  the  safety  of  the  residents.     The   Housing   Element   utilizes   the   most   current   data   available.   It   includes   1990,  2000  and   2010  Census   data,  American   Community   Survey  data,  2013  California  Department  of  Finance  (DOF)  data,  2009   Comprehensive  Housing  Affordability  Strategy  data,  field  surveys  for   housing   conditions,   data   generated   from   the  2013  General   Plan   Update,   and  2012  SCAG   Housing   needs   data,   and   is   consistent   with   existing  and  projected  population,  employment,  and  housing  figures   presented  by  county,  state,  and  national  agencies.       Scope  and  Content   This  Housing  Element  updates  the  Housing  Element  adopted  by  the   City   in  August   of   2011.   The   Housing   Element   is   organized   in   the   following  manner:     v Introduction:  A  statement  of  the  purpose  of  the  Housing  Element   and   statutory   requirements,   a   statement   of   the   relationship   between  the  Housing  Element  and  other  General  Plan  elements,   the   scope,   content   and   organization   of   the   Element,   and   a   summary  of  the  public  participation  process.     v Evaluation  of  Past  Element:  A  summary  of  the  achievements  and  an   evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  past  Housing  Element.     v Housing  Vision  Statement:  A  statement  describing  the  future  vision   of  housing  in  La  Quinta  as  developed  by  the  citizens  and  elected   officials   of   the   City.   The   policies   in   the   Housing   Element   are   designed  to  bring  this  vision  to  fruition.     v Community   Profile   and   Housing   Profile:   A   discussion   of   the   characteristics  of  the  population,  households,  and  housing  stock  in   La  Quinta,  including  growth  and  affordability  trends.       v Housing   Needs:   An   analysis   of   groups   in   the   City   that   may   have   special   housing   needs,   the   implications   of   the   affordability   of     HOUSING   II-­‐201   housing   stock   in   relation   to   household   income,   and   projected   housing  needs.     v Housing   Constraints:   A   discussion   of   governmental   and   nongovernmental  constraints  to  the  development  of  housing  and   opportunities   for   energy   conservation   in   residential   planning,   design,  construction,  and  rehabilitation.     v Housing   Resources:   An   inventory   of   constructed   and   approved   units,  land  available  for  residential  development,  and  underutilized   sites  available  for  residential  redevelopment,  and  an  analysis  of  the   ability  of  these  projects  and  sites  to  meet  the  Regional  Housing   Needs  Assessment  (RHNA).       v Preservation   of  At   Risk   Units:   A   description   of   any   assisted,   affordable  multifamily  units  that  are  eligible  to  convert  to  market   rate  within  10  years  of  the  planning  period.     v Goals,   Policies,   and   Programs:   A   description   of   housing   goals,   policies,   and   programs   responsive   to   the   City’s   current   and   projected  housing  needs.  Also  included  is  a  summary  of  the  City’s   quantified   objectives   for   new   residential   construction,   rehabilitation,  and  financial  assistance  during  the  planning  period.     EFFECTIVENESS  OF  THE  2006-­‐2013  HOUSING  ELEMENT       To   develop   appropriate   programs   to   address   the   housing   issues   identified  in  this  Housing  Element  Update,  the  City  of  La  Quinta  has   reviewed  the  effectiveness  of  the  housing  programs  adopted  in  the   2006-­‐2013  Housing  Element.       The  State  of  California  requires  an  assessment  of  the  previous  housing   program  to  identify  areas  of  accomplishment  as  well  as  areas  in  which   improvement   could   occur   following   the   implementation   of   new   or   modified  programs.       The  following  section  reviews  the  progress  in  implementation  of  the   programs,   the   effectiveness   of   the   Element,   and   the   continued   appropriateness   of   the   identified   programs.   Analysis   of   the   past   element  is  quantified  where  such  information  is  available.     The   results   of   the   analysis   provided   the   basis   for   developing   the   comprehensive  housing  strategy  for  the  planning  period  in  progress.         HOUSING   II-­‐202   Program  Evaluation     Adequate  Sites  for  Housing     v Policy  H-­‐1.1     Identify   adequate   sites   to   accommodate   a   range   of   product   types,   densities,  and  prices  to  address  the  housing  needs  of  all  household   types,  lifestyles,  and  income  levels.      Program  H-­‐1.1.a:  General  Plan  Update.       The  City’s  General  Plan  is  proposed  to  be  updated  during  the   planning   period,   beginning   in   late   2009.   The   update   process   provides  an  ideal  opportunity  to  investigate  potential  land  and   policy  resources  for  new  housing  construction.     § Objective:  Explore  new  opportunities  for  housing  affordable   to  a  range  of  incomes  through  modified  or  new  land  uses   and  overlay  districts.   § Timing:  Anticipated  adoption  Fall  2011   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  City’s  General  Plan  was  adopted  in  February  of  2013.  It   includes  a  Livable  Community  Element,  which  details  principles  such  as   mixed  use  development,  redevelopment  of  existing  projects  to  connect   residential  and  commercial  projects  for  pedestrians  and  bicyclists,  and   improving   energy   efficiency   through   design.   This   program   was   successfully   completed   and   will   not   be   extended   into   the   2014-­‐2021   planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐1.2   Focus   housing   growth   within  existing   City   boundaries   until   it   is   necessary  to  pursue  annexation  or  development  in  planning  areas  for   affordable  housing.      Program  H-­‐1.2.a:  Available  Land  for  Housing.        While  the  development  capacity  of  land  identified  in  the  vacant   and   underutilized   land   inventory   has   the   potential   to   meet   RHNA   under   current   zoning   designations,   upzoning   key   sites   will   increase   capacity   and   may   facilitate   the   development   of   housing  affordable  to  a  range  of  incomes.         HOUSING   II-­‐203   § Objective:  Increase  the  capacity  for  housing  on  vacant  and   underutilized  sites  by  rezoning  particular  sites  as  discussed   in  Section  7.0.   § Timing:  July  1,  2012   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:   The   City   has   completed   the   rezoning   of   several   sites   and   applied   an  Affordable   Housing   Overlay   (AHO)   to   commercial   lands   to   increase  capacity  and  facilitate  to  the  development  of  affordable  housing   (Ordinance  Nos.  512,  513  and  514,  adopted  June  4,  2013).  The  following   table   provides   a   list   of   rezoned   APN’s,   the   previous   designation,   and   current  designation.  It  should  be  noted  that  all  commercial  lands  and   several   residential   sites   have   an   AHO   designation.   This   program   was   successfully   completed   and   will   not   be   extended   into   the   2014-­‐2021   planning  period.     City  of  La  Quinta   Rezoning  of  Vacant/Underutilized  Sites   APN  Previous  Zoning  Current  Zoning   VACANT  LAND  INVENTORY   766-­‐070-­‐004  LDR/RL  MDR/RM   646-­‐070-­‐016  MHDR/RMH  MHDR/RMH,  AHO   777-­‐030-­‐017  NC/CN  NC/CN,  AHO   643-­‐200-­‐007  CC/CC  CC/CC,  AHO   600-­‐390-­‐024  RC&CP/CR&CP  RC&CP/CR&CP,  AHO   643-­‐080-­‐049  RC/CR  RC/CR,  AHO   643-­‐020-­‐032  RC/CR  RC/CR,  AHO   643-­‐020-­‐025  RC/CR  RC/CR,  AHO   600-­‐340-­‐048  RC/CR  RC/CR,  AHO   UNDERUTILIZED  LAND  INVENTORY   609-­‐051-­‐002  LDR/RL  MDR/RM,  AHO   609-­‐052-­‐002  LDR/RL  MDR/RM,  AHO   770-­‐040-­‐012  MDR/RM  MDR/RM,  AHO   777-­‐030-­‐007  VLDR/RL  MDR/RM   600-­‐030-­‐001   through   600-­‐030-­‐010     MDR/RM     MHDR/RMH,  AHO   777-­‐010-­‐001  NC/CN  NC/CN,  AHO   773-­‐370-­‐027  VC/VC  VC/VC,  AHO   Source:    City  of  La  Quinta  Community  Development  Department   Table  C-­‐1:  Draft  Vacant  Land  Inventory,  City  of  La  Quinta  Housing   Element     Table   C-­‐2:   Draft   Underutilized   Land   Inventory,   City   of   La   Quinta   Housing  Element         HOUSING   II-­‐204    Program  H-­‐1.2.b:  Small  Lot  Subdivision  Ordinance.       Smaller   homes   on   smaller   lots   create  potential   for   market-­‐ driven  affordable  housing  to  be  developed  in  La  Quinta,  and  is   an  appropriate  form  of  housing  for  first-­‐time  homebuyers,  small   households,  and  seniors.  The  ordinance  would  create  additional   housing  potential  on  small  infill  sites.  Such  an  ordinance  would   include  consideration  for  incentivizing  small  lot  developments   such   as   fee   reductions,   flexible   development   standards,   allowances  for  small-­‐lot,  market-­‐rate  projects  to  utilize  parking   and  other  development-­‐related  density  bonus  incentives  usually   reserved   for   affordable   projects,   and   expediting   review   of   small-­‐lot  subdivision  maps.     § smaller   lots   than   currently   permitted   to   facilitate   the   creation   of   small   single-­‐family   detached   and   attached   homes.   § Timing:  July  1,  2012   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  City  considered  the  inclusion  of  a  small  lot  subdivision   ordinance  as  part  of  the  zoning  update  undertaken  for  program  H-­‐1.2.a.   The  evaluation  considered  the  historical  development  pattern  in  the  City,   and   the   tools   already   available   to   the   development   community   to   facilitate  smaller  lots.  It  was  determined  that  existing  small  lots  in  the   Village  and  Cove  have  not  developed  because  of  their  size,  and  have  on   the   contrary   been   consolidated   to   create   larger,   more   useable   lots.   Further,  the  development  community  has  very  effectively  used  Specific   Plans  to  achieve  the  same  results  as  a  small  lot  ordinance.  Therefore,  the   City  did  not  include  such  an  ordinance  in  the  update  completed  in  2013.   The  program  will  not  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐1.3   Direct  new  housing  development  to  viable  areas  where  essential  public   facilities  can  be  provided  and  employment  opportunities,  educational   facilities,  and  commercial  support  are  available.     Evaluation:  The  City  continued  to  look  at  projects  for  affordable  housing   on  infill  sites  and  in  areas  where  transit  and  employment  were  readily   available.  The  Vista  Dunes  project,  built  during  the  2006-­‐2013  planning   period,   is   located   on   a   major   arterial,   close   to   schools,   transit   and   employment,   and   provides   80   affordable   housing   units.   Both   the   Washington   Street   Apartments   and   Coral   Mountain   Apartments   are     HOUSING   II-­‐205   planned  for  such  sites.  This  policy  was  successful  and  will  be  extended   into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐1.4     Support   the   construction   of   new   affordable   housing   by   rezoning,   where  appropriate  and  desirable,  to  permit  higher  density  residential   development.     Evaluation:  See  evaluation  of  Program  H-­‐1.2.a.  This  policy  was  successfully   completed  and  will  not  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐1.5   Pursue  land  banking  opportunities  for  housing  that  exceeds  the  2006– 2014  RHNA.      Program  H-­‐1.5.a:  Land  Banking.         The   recent   downturn   in   the   market   reduces   competition   for   purchasing  vacant  and  underutilized  residential  sites.  Land  costs   are  a  critical  concern  for  the  affordable  housing  development   community.   By   purchasing   land   as   it   becomes   available,   the   Redevelopment  Agency  will  be  able  to  provide  sites  at  low  or   no   cost   to   the   developer   for   the   purpose   of   subsidizing   development  to  meet  the  RHNA.  For  example,  the  Agency  sold   a   15-­‐acre   site   to   Coachella   Valley   Housing   Coalition   for   $1   to   develop  Wolff  Waters  Place,  a  project  providing  218  affordable   units  completed  in  2009.  The  City  will  continue  to  acquire  and   consolidate  parcels  associated  with  Site  U8,  in  particular  related   to  continuing  discussions  with  the  owners  of  the  existing  10.3   acre  trailer  park.     § Objective:  Utilize  Agency  funds  for  the  purchase  of  sites  to   meet  the  RHNA.   § Timing:  2006–2014  as  determined  by  land  availability  and  the   Redevelopment  Agency  Implementation  Plan.   § Funding  Source:  LMIHF   § Responsible  Agency:  Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:   Prior   to   the   elimination   of   redevelopment   in   California,   during  the  2006-­‐2013  planning  period,  the  City’s  Redevelopment  Agency   purchased  a  number  of  lots  in  the  Village,  as  well  as  properties  in  North   La   Quinta.     In   total,   the   Agency   purchased   33   acres   of   land   with   a   development  potential  of  approximately  400  units.  With  the  elimination   of   redevelopment,   however,   the   Agency   no   longer   exists,   and   those     HOUSING   II-­‐206   properties   are   unlikely   to   be   developed   for   affordable   housing.   This   program  cannot  be  continued,  and  will  be  eliminated.      Program  H-­‐1.5.b:  Affordable  Housing  Overlay.       While  affordable  housing  has  been  produced  at  relatively  low   densities   in   the   City,   additional   density   options   could   further   expand  the  opportunity  for  affordable  housing  projects.  Certain   areas   of   the   City   could   accommodate   additional   residential   density  without  creating  inconsistent  land  use  patterns  within   the  existing  fabric.     Additionally,   most   large-­‐scale   commercial   development   in   La   Quinta   is   one-­‐story   and   does   not   approach   the   maximum   allowable   height   limit.   Permitting   residential   uses   over   commercial  and  office  uses  will  increase  the  City’s  capacity  for   housing   and   encourage   vibrant,   mixed-­‐use   nodes   throughout   the  City  without  increasing  existing  building  heights.  Residential   uses  from  0  to  16  units  per  acre  are  currently  permitted  in  the   VC  zone  with  a  Village  Use  Permit  and  in  the  CR  and  CP  zones   with   a   conditional   use   permit.  Higher   density   residential   development   would   provide   new   attached   housing   opportunities  for  singles,  couples,  and  small  families  that  wish   to  enjoy  La  Quinta  without  the  high  cost  associated  with  resort-­‐ style  living.       An   Affordable   Housing   Overlay   (AHO)   would   permit   higher   density   development   to   occur   in   specific   parts   of   the   City   provided  the  residential  project  dedicate  at  least  25  percent  of   the   housing   for   lower   income   households.   Property   owners   would  not  be  required  to  develop  affordable  housing  on  their   sites;   however,   projects   that   do   so   would   be   permitted   to   develop  housing  at  densities  of  20–24  units  per  acre.  Moreover,   the  24  unit  per  acre  density  would  serve  as  the  base  level  for   the   application   of   a   density   bonus   under   State   law.   Projects   with  an  affordability  component  under  25%  could  be  granted   specific   density   bonus   incentives   they   may   not   otherwise   qualify   for.   Under   existing   provisions,   affordable   housing   projects  would  be  eligible  for  an  additional  35  percent  density   bonus   and   could   reach   a   maximum   of   just   over   32   units   per   acre.   Projects   developed   under   the   AHO   would   require   a   density  of  at  least  20  units  per  acre.  The  AHO  would  also  set   forth   financial   and   other   incentives   that   could   be   made   available,  such  as  land  write-­‐downs,  fee  deferrals  or  reductions,   prioritization   of   available   public   funding   to   AHO   sites.   In     HOUSING   II-­‐207   addition,  the  City  will  process  affordable  projects  on  AHO  sites   at   a   priority   or   ‘fast   track’   level,   and   will   consider   flexible   development   standards   that   exceed   the   allowances   under   density  bonus  provisions,  given  the  appropriate  project.       The  overlay  would  be  applied  to  properties  zoned  CC,  CN,  CP,   RC,   and   VC,   as   well   as   certain   residentially-­‐zoned   sites   (see   Exhibit   II-­‐14).     Projects   would   also   need   to   have   a   minimum   project  size  of  1  acre,  which  would  encourage  lot  consolidation   and  maximize  the  housing  potential  of  vacant  and  underutilized   sites.  Housing  built  under  the  provisions  of  the  overlay  would   also  be  subject  to  the  development  standards  of  the  City’s  RH   (High  Density  Residential)  zone,  which  will  be  modified  to  be   consistent   with   the   AHO   and   create   adequate   development   standards   to   facilitate   densities   established   under   the   AHO   (refer  to  Program  1.7).  Projects  that  meet  these  standards  and   requirements   would   be  permitted   without   a   CUP   or   other   additional   discretionary   review,   consistent   with   GC   Section   65583.2  (h)  and  (i).       § Objective:   Amend   the   Municipal   Code   to   create   an   Affordable  Housing  Overlay  that  permits  affordable  housing   (stand  alone,  next  to,  and/or  above  nonresidential  uses)  at   densities   of   20   to   24   units   per   acre   for   sites   one   acre   or   larger   in   size   in   the   Community   Commercial,   Commercial   Park,  Neighborhood  Commercial,  Regional  Commercial,  and   Village   Commercial   zones.   The   Overlay   shall   also   apply   specifically  to  residentially-­‐zoned  sites  U1,  U2,  U3,  U8,  and  15   as  identified  in  Tables  C-­‐1  and  C-­‐2.  to  accommodate  at  least   50%  of  the  remaining  regional  housing  need  of  1,213  units  for   lower-­‐income   households.   The   City   will   apply   RH   (High   Density   Residential)   zone   standards   to   residential   uses   in   those  commercial  zones.  City  staff  will  propose  increasing   the  maximum  height  limit  from  35  to  40  feet  to  facilitate   three-­‐story   mixed-­‐use   development.   Evaluate   reducing   or   eliminating  600-­‐foot  buffer  for  affordable  housing  from  the   Highway   111   corridor.   Evaluate   financial   and   performance-­‐ based   incentives   and   incorporate   into   the   AHO   where   appropriate.   § Timing:  July  1,  2012   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department       HOUSING   II-­‐208   Evaluation:  The  City  completed  the  update  of  the  zoning  ordinance  to   include  an  Affordable  Housing  Overlay  for  designated  sites,  and  to  all   commercially  zoned  lands.  Because  of  the  elimination  of  Redevelopment,   no  financial  incentives  were  included  in  the  AHO.    The  following  9  sites   (“U”   sites   are   underutilized   and   “#”   sites   are   vacant)   are   specifically   called  out  here  to  demonstrate  that  the  City’s  site  inventory,  along  with   other  commercial  lands  to  be  subject  to  the  AHO,  will  meet  compliance   requirements   of   state   housing   law   and   provide   for   significant   excess   capacity  with  respect  to  the  City’s  RHNA.  This  program  was  successfully   completed,  and  will  not  be  extended  to  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     SITE  CURRENT  ZONING   (allowable  density)   SIZE   (Acres)   UNIT   CAPACITY   UI  RL  (4  units/ac)  4.9  98   U2  RL  (4  units/ac)  4.8  96   U3  RL  (4  units/ac)  7.5  150   U8  RM    (8  units/ac)  19.6  392   15  RMH    (12  units/ac)  14  280   5*  CP  (20  units/ac  w/program)  15.7  157   6*  CR  (20  units/ac  w/program)  11  110   A*  CR  (20  units/ac  w/program)  15.8  158   B*  CR  (20  units/ac  w/program)  17.6  176              Program  H-­‐1.5.c:  Affordable  and  Mixed-­‐Use  Housing  Development   Standards.       Residential  uses  at  20  to  24  units  per  acre  will  be  permitted  in   several   commercial   zones   (Program   1.5)   and   on   specific   residential  sites  following  standards  similar  to  those  established   for  the  High  Density  Residential  zone.  Higher  density  housing   and   vertically   mixed-­‐use   development,   including   affordable   housing  projects,  may  benefit  from  regulations  tailored  to  this   use,  especially  with  regard  to  parking  standards.       § Objective:   Create   development   standards   specific   to   affordable  and  mixed-­‐use  housing  development.  Coordinate   with   nonprofit   and   for   profit   developers   to   assist   in   identifying   appropriate   standards   for   multifamily   and   affordable  housing.   § Timing:  July  1,  2012   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department       HOUSING   II-­‐209   Evaluation:  The  zoning  ordinance  update  included  an  increase  in  density   to  20-­‐24  units  per  acre  on  all  commercial  sites  and  identified  high  density     residential   sites.   Development   standards   were   included   for   these   densities   as   part   of   the   affordable   housing   overlay.   The   Mixed   Use   overlay  is  being  undertaken  in  the  second  phase  of  the  zoning  ordinance   update,  and  will  be  complete  in  the  fall  of  2013.  As  mixed  use  sites  are  not   necessary  for  the  City  to  meet  its  RHNA  requirements,  this  portion  of  the   zoning  ordinance  update  is  in  response  to  the  General  Plan  requirements,   not  the  Housing  Element  RHNA  needs.  This  program  will  be  completed  in   the  planning  period,  and  will  not  be  extended.      Program  H-­‐1.5.d:  High  Density  Residential.   Encourage   future   development   or   redevelopment  of   High   Density  Residential  sites  for  multifamily  housing  by  increasing   the   maximum   density   from   16   to   24   units   per   acre.   Higher   density   housing   may   provide   additional   opportunities   for   housing   types   affordable   to   moderate   and   lower   income   households.  This  would  be  a  land  use  action  associated  with  the   City’s  2011  General  Plan  Update  process.     § Objective:  Amend  the  Municipal  Code  to  permit  densities  up   to  24  units  per  acre  in  the  High  Density  Residential  zone.   § Timing:  February  1,  2012   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:   The   City’s   zoning   ordinance   has   been   amended   to   include   densities   of   20-­‐24   units   on   high   density   residential   properties.   This   program  was  successfully  completed  and  will  not  be  extended  into  the   2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐1.5.e:  Adequate  Sites  Monitoring.     To  ensure  sufficient  residential  capacity  for  units  affordable  to   lower-­‐income  households,  the  City  will  develop  and  implement   an   ongoing   site   monitoring   procedure   consistent   with   State   Housing   Law.  The   procedure   shall   provide   that   where   development   approvals   on   identified   AHO   sites   result   in   a   reduction   of   potential   affordable   units   below   the   total   residential  capacity  assumed  in  Tables  C-­‐1  and  C-­‐2  (e.g.  Site  15  in   Table  C-­‐1  is  developed  below  its  projected  density),  the  City  will   identify  and  analyze  additional  AHO  sites  to  accommodate  the   shortfall  of  capacity  remaining  within  the  AHO.    As  the  AHO  will   apply  to  all  commercially  zoned  sites  within  the  CC,  CN,  CP,  RC,   VC   zones,   the   City  may   need   to   incorporate   additional     HOUSING   II-­‐210   commercially   zoned   sites   as   part   of   the   housing   element   inventory  if  any  of  the  previously  identified  and  analyzed  AHO   sites  develop  below  their  identified  capacity.       The  City  will  report  on  the  status  and  implementation  of  the   AHO   including   development   occurring   on   identified   sites   to   determine   whether   Program   incentives   are   providing   the   necessary   catalyst   to   ensure   that   development   is   occurring   consistent  with  the  buildout  projections  described  in  Tables  C-­‐1   and   C-­‐2.    As   necessary,   the   City   will   revise   this   program   to   ensure   the   AHO   remains   a   realistic   and   viable   development   strategy  to  accommodate  the  City’s  remaining  regional  need  for   lower-­‐income  households  throughout  the  planning  period.     § Objective:   Develop   and   implement   an   Affordable   Housing   Overlay  site  monitoring  procedure.   § Timing:  July  1,  2011   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  elimination  of  redevelopment  and  economic  conditions   resulted  in  only  limited  development  in  the  City  after  the  adoption  of  the   AHO.  The  affordable  housing  projects  currently  under  development  for   the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period  did  not  require  the  use  of  the  AHO.  Further,   the  AHO  is  only  applicable  to  one  site  in  the  land  inventory  for  the  2014-­‐ 2021  planning  period,  and  that  site  is  not  necessary  for  the  City  to  meet   its   RHNA.   This   program   will  therefore  be  eliminated  for  the  2014-­‐2021   planning  period.     Assist  in  the  Development  of  Affordable  Housing     v Policy  H-­‐2.1   Increase  housing  choices  for  lower  and  moderate  income  households.     v Policy  H-­‐2.2   Support  public,  private,  and  nonprofit  efforts  in  the  development  of   affordable  housing.   v Policy  H-­‐2.3   Pursue  a  variety  of  forms  of  private,  local,  state,  and  federal  assistance   to  support  development  of  affordable  housing.     HOUSING   II-­‐211    Program  H-­‐2.3.a:    Housing  Acquisition   State  law  permits  jurisdictions  “buy  down”  existing  residential   projects  by  restricting  previously  above  moderate  income  units   for  lower  income  households.  The  City  may  meet  a  portion  of  its   RHNA  by  restricting  existing  projects  or  purchasing  and  deed -­‐ restricting  foreclosed  homes.   § Objective:  Purchase  a  portion  or  all  of  a  project  and  restrict   above  moderate  income  units  for  lower  income  households   § Timing:  Complete  purchase  by  June  2014   § Funding  Source:  LMIHF   § Responsible  Agency:  Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  The  City  has  partnered  with  a  number  of  organizations  to   develop  affordable  housing.  The  Vista  Dunes  project  was  completed  with   Core  Housing  and  Southern  California  Housing  Development  Corp.  The   Wolff  Waters  project  was  completed  with  the  Coachella  Valley  Housing   Coalition.   Coral   Mountain   Apartments   will   be   completed   with   Desert   Cities   Development.   The   City   had   an   agreement   with   Habitat   for   Humanity  for  7  homes.  To  date,  the  7  homes  have  not  been  built.  This   program  was  successful  and  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning   period.      Program  H-­‐2.3.b:    Second  Units  and  Guest/Employee  Housing   Encourage  the  development  of  second  units,  guest  houses,  and   employee  quarters  through  a  promotional  brochure  designed   to   define   a   second   unit,   explain   local   development   requirements,  and  describe  the  local  entitlement  process.  This   information   will   be   provided   at   City   Hall   and   on   the   City’s   website.  Press  releases  and  other  free  forms  of  media  may  also   be  used  to  inform  the  public  of  its  availability.  Second  units  and   guest/employee  quarters  (referred  to  in  La  Quinta  as  “casitas”)   provide   housing   opportunities   for   lower   income   households.   Employee  quarters,  per  the  City’s  Municipal  Code,  are  rent-­‐free   and  therefore  affordable  to  extremely  low  income  households.   § Objective:   Produce   and   distribute   second   unit   brochure;   facilitate  the  development  of  200  second  units  and  guest   houses/employee  quarters   § Timing:  Produce  brochure  by  March  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  City  did  not  have  the  financial  resources  to  produce  a   brochure  to  promote  second  units.  In  addition,  second  units  and  guest     HOUSING   II-­‐212   houses    have  been  a  popular  feature  of  single  family  development  both  in   planned  communities  and  standard  subdivisions.  Finally,  the  City  does   not   need   second   units   in   the   2014—2021   planning   period   to   meet   its   RHNA.  The  need  for  a  brochure  to  promote  such  units  is  unclear.  This   program  will  not  be  extended  in  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐2.3.c:  Guest/Employee  Housing   Facilitate   the   development   of   rent-­‐free   guest   and   employee   housing  by  permitting  as  an  accessory  use  without  a  Minor  Use   Permit,   and   expanding   the   definition   of   guest   and   employee   housing  units  to  allow  full  bathroom  and  kitchen  facilities.  Full   bathroom  and  kitchen  facilities  will  improve  the  quality  of  life   for  lower  and  extremely  low  income  employees  in  La  Quinta.       § Objective:  Amend  the  Municipal  Code  to  permit  guest  and   employee  housing  without  a  Minor  Use  Permit  and  allow  full   plumbing  facilities.   § Timing:  March  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:   The  zoning   ordinance   amendment   completed   in   2013   now   allows   bathrooms   and   kitchens   in   guest   houses.   This   program   was   successfully   completed   and   will   not   be   extended   into   the   2014-­‐2021   planning  period.      Program  H-­‐2.3.d:  Density  Bonus   The  City  updated  its  density  bonus  law  in  2008,  but  will  need  to   reflect   additional   changes   brought   through   AB   2280.   Density   bonuses   allow   the   development   community   to   construct   densities  higher  than  the  maximum  allowed,  and  receive  other   incentives  for  providing  affordable  housing.         § Objective:  Update  the  Zoning  Code  to  include  amendments   to  density  bonus  law  under  Assembly  Bill  2280  and  provide  a   summary  of  the  changes  on  the  affordable  housing  page  of   the  City’s  website.     § Timing:  Adopt  by  March  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  zoning  ordinance  amendment  completed  in  June  of  2013   updated  the  density  bonus  provisions  to  bring  them  into  conformance     HOUSING   II-­‐213   with  AB  2280.  This  program  was  successfully  completed  and  will  not  be   extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐2.3.e:  Collaborative  Partnerships   The  City  shall  meet  with  parties  interested  in  affordable  housing   development  to  discuss  types  of  land  and  financial  incentives   available   and   requirements   for   obtaining   assistance,   discuss   appropriate   sites   for   affordable   housing,   and   foster   professional   collaboration   between   the   City   and   affordable   housing  stakeholders.  By  supporting  projects  that  maximize  the   leveraging  of  private,  state,  and  federal  financial  resources  the   Agency’s  funds  will  assist  in  the  development  of  more  units.       § Objective:  Continue  to  collaborate  with  nonprofits  and  the   development  community  to  finance  and  develop  affordable   housing.   § Timing:  Project-­‐by-­‐project  basis,  by  request,  or  on  an  annual   basis  in  tandem  with  meetings  associated  with  Program  2.8.   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   Planning   Department   and   Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  Prior  to  the  elimination  of  redevelopment  by  the  State,  the   Agency  worked  with  a  number  of  organizations  (please  see  evaluation  of   Program   H-­‐2.3.a,   above)   in   generating   affordable   housing.   With   the   elimination  of  redevelopment,  the  Agency  no  longer  exists,  and  the  City   has  no  funds  to  assist  developers  in  funding  projects.  However,  the  City   has  actively  supported  Tax  Credit  applications  for  the  Washington  Street   and   Coral   Mountain   apartment   projects,   and   will   continue   to   assist   affordable   housing   developers   in   securing   third   party   financing.   This   program  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐2.3.f:  Affordable  Housing  Renter-­‐to-­‐Owner  Transition   Low  Income  Housing  Tax  Credit  (LIHTC)  provides  federal  tax   credits  for  private  developers  and  investors  that  agree  to  set   aside  all  or  a  portion  of  their  units  for  low  income  households.   LIHTC  projects  can  transition  from  rental  to  ownership  units.   The  units  must  remain  rentals  for  15  years,  at  which  time  some   projects  convert  to  ownership  units.  Typically  a  portion  or  all  of   the   rent   paid   for   the   5   years   prior   to   the   conversion   is   put   toward   the   purchase   of   the   unit.   This   enables   lower   income   households  to  invest  in  the  property  in  which  they  have  been   living  and  benefit  from  its  appreciation.         HOUSING   II-­‐214   Providing   lower   and   moderate   income   households   with   affordable  rental  housing  allows  them  to  save  money  for  the   future  home  purchase.  Giving  a  renter  the  opportunity  to  own   their   unit   creates   a   sense   of   community   responsibility,   establishes  a  time-­‐sensitive  financial  savings  goal,  and  provides   an   opportunity   to   share   in  the   appreciation   of   the   project.   Renter-­‐to-­‐owner   affordable   housing   projects   are   long   term   projects   that   allow   a   household   to   remain   in   La   Quinta   and   aspire   to   homeownership.   Existing   stalled   condominium   and   townhome  projects  are  prime  opportunities  for  low  income  tax   credits  to  be  used  for  renter-­‐to-­‐owner  programs.     § Objective:   Investigate   the   use   of   LIHTCs   to   finance   affordable   single-­‐family   attached   rental   development   that   can   transition,   after   15   years,   into   moderate   income   ownership  housing.   § Timing:  Complete  study  by  June  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  Please  see  evaluation  of  Program  H-­‐2.3.f,  above.  The  City  has   actively  supported  Tax  Credit  applications  for  the  Washington  Street  and   Coral  Mountain  apartment  projects,  and  will  continue  to  assist  affordable   housing  developers  in  securing  third  party  financing.  This  program  will  be   extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐2.3.g:  Affordable  Housing  Renter-­‐to-­‐Owner  Transition   There  are  many  resources  that  the  City,  nonprofits,  or  for-­‐profit   developers   may   utilize   to   subsidize   the   construction   and   maintenance   of   affordable   housing.   Some   of   the   most   prominent  resources  are  described  below.     § Objective:  Advertise  other  financial  resources  through  the   affordable   housing   page   of   the   City’s   website,   apply   for   grants  and  competitive  loans,  and  form  partnerships  with   the  development  community  to  obtain  additional  financial   resources.   § Timing:   Update   website   with   funding   information   and   partnership  opportunities   every   six   months   or   earlier   if   appropriate.  Funding  resources  are  typically  offered  on  an   annual  basis,  most  often  at  the  start  of  the  new  fiscal  year   (either  January  or  July).   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Division     HOUSING   II-­‐215   Low  Income  Tax  Credits   Low  Income  Housing  Tax  Credit  (LIHTC)  provides  federal  tax  credits  for   private  developers  and  investors  that  agree  to  set  aside  all  or  a  portion   of  their  units  for  low  income  households.  A  minimum  of  20  percent  of   the  units  must  be  affordable  to  low  income  households  and  40  percent   of  the  units  must  be  affordable  to  moderate  income  households.     Community  Reinvestment  Act   The   Community   Reinvestment   Act   provides   favorable   financing   to   affordable   housing   developers.   The   Redevelopment   Agency,   development  community,  and  local,  regional,  and  national  banks  are   encouraged  to  work  together  to  meet  their  obligations  pursuant  to  the   Community  Reinvestment  Act.   California  Housing  Finance  Agency  Program   The  California  Housing  Finance  Agency  (CHFA)  has  three  single-­‐family   programs  for  primarily  moderate  and  middle  income  homebuyers:  the   Home   Ownership   Assistance   Program   and   the   Affordable   Housing   Partnership  Program.  Each  provides  permanent  mortgage  financing  for   first-­‐time  homebuyers  at  below-­‐market  interest  rates.   HOME  Funds   HOME  (Home  Investment  Partnership  Program)  is  the  largest  Federal   block  grant  distributed  to  state  and  local  governments  for  the  creation   of   lower   income   housing.   Cities   apply   when   Notices   of   Funding   Availability  are  issued.   Neighborhood  Stabilization  Program     HUD’s   Neighborhood   Stabilization   Program   makes   emergency   assistance  grants  available  to  local  governments  for  the  acquisition,   redevelopment,  and  renting  or  resale  of  foreclosed  properties  at-­‐risk   of  abandonment.     Riverside  County  First-­‐Time  Homebuyers  Program   Continue  participation  in  the  Riverside  County  First-­‐Time  Homebuyers   Program  for  low  and  moderate  income  households.     Mortgage  Credit  Certificate     The  Riverside  County  Mortgage  Credit  Certificate  Program  is  designed   to  assist  low  and  moderate  income  first  time  homebuyers.  Under  the   Mortgage  Credit  Certificate  Program,  first-­‐time  homebuyers  receive  a   tax   credit   based   on   a   percentage   of   the   interest   paid   on   their   mortgage.  This  tax  credit  allows  the  buyer  to  qualify  more  easily  for   home  loans,  as  it  increases  the  effective  income  of  the  buyer.  Under     HOUSING   II-­‐216   federal  legislation,  20  percent  of  the  funds  must  be  set  aside  for  buyers   with   incomes   between   75   and   80   percent   of   the   county   median   income.   Finance  Agency  Lease-­‐Purchase  Program   Riverside/San   Bernardino   County   Housing   Finance   Agency   Lease   Purchase   Program   provides   down   payment   assistance   and   closing   costs   for   eligible   households   up   to   140   percent   of   the   area   median   income.   Housing  Choice  Voucher  (formerly  Section  8)  Referrals     Housing  Choice  Vouchers  allow  lower  income  households  to  use  rental   subsidies  anywhere  in  the  County,  including  La  Quinta.   Evaluation:  Please  see  evaluation  of  Program  H-­‐2.3.f  and  H-­‐2.3.e,  above.   The   City   has   actively   supported   Tax   Credit   applications   for   the   Washington   Street  and   Coral   Mountain   apartment   projects,   and   will   continue  to  assist  affordable  housing  developers  in  securing  third  party   financing.   This   program   will   be   extended   into   the   2014-­‐2021   planning   period.      Program  H-­‐2.3.h:  Sweat  Equity  and  Shared  Equity   Sweat  equity  and  shared  equity  programs  provide  lower  and   moderate  income  households  with  ownership  assistance.  Sweat   equity  refers  to  the  exchange  of  time  and  effort,  usually  in  the   form   of   construction   activities,   for   an   affordable   ownership   opportunity.  Shared  equity  refers  to  the  exchange  of  a  portion   of   the   home   appreciation   for   an   affordable   ownership   opportunity.   § Objective:  Continue  to  work  with  organizations  that  offer   sweat   and   shared   equity   housing   programs   to   lower   and   moderate   income   households   in   La   Quinta.   Meet   with   organizations  annually  or  more  frequently  (if  requested  or   advantageous)   to   identify   opportunities   for   coordinated   efforts  or  potential  housing  projects.   § Timing:  Annual  meetings,  ongoing  coordination   § Funding  Source:  LMIHF;  approximately  $300,000  per  year  is   set  aside  specifically  for  the  Building  Horizons  program     § Responsible  Agency:  Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  The  City  has  worked  with  both  Habitat  for  Humanity  and  the   Coachella  Valley  Housing  Coalition  in  the  development  of  sweat  equity   homes  in  the  past.  The  City  had  an  agreement  with  Habitat  for  Humanity   for  7  homes.  To  date,  the  7  homes  have  not  been  built.  However,  this     HOUSING   II-­‐217   program  has  been  successful  in  the  past  and  will  be  extended  into  the   2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  2.3.i:  Foreclosed  Home  Purchase     Investigate  the  feasibility  of  purchasing  foreclosed  homes  and   offering   them   to   residents   at   prices   affordable   to   low   and   moderate   income   households.   HUD’s   Neighborhood   Stabilization   Program  makes   emergency   assistance   grants   available   to   local   governments   for   the   acquisition,   redevelopment,  and  renting  or  resale  of  foreclosed  properties   at-­‐risk  of  abandonment.     § Timing:  Complete  study  by  June  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:   Planning   Department   and   Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  The  City  applied  for  but  did  not  receive  NSP  funds.  However,   the   City   did   purchase   five   foreclosed   homes   in   the   Cove,   which   were   rehabbed   for   rental/sale.   Given   the   upward   trending   of   the   housing   market,  this  program  will  not  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning   period.      Program  2.3.j:  Second  Trust  Deed  Loan  Program   In  second  trust  deed  loan  programs  jurisdictions  and  agencies   assist  lower  or  moderate  income  households  purchase  a  home   by  providing  a  mortgage  subsidy.  The  City  will  explore  utilizing  a   silent  second  trust  deed  program  to  facilitate  homeownership.     § Timing:  Complete  study  by  June  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   Planning   Department   and   Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  The   Agency   manages   419   existing   second   trust   deeds   for   lower  and  moderate  income  homeowners.  There  were  no  funds  available   to  add  to  the  program,  and  with  the  elimination  of  redevelopment,  no   additional  funds  are  expected.    This  program  will  not  be  extended  into   the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐2.3.k:  Housing  Related  Parks  Program   The   Department   of   Housing   and   Community   Development   is   preparing   to   establish   a   grant   program   to   assist   in   the   development  of  parkland  in  lower  income  areas.  The  City  will   track  the  process  of  the  Housing  Related  Parks  Program  and     HOUSING   II-­‐218   seek  funding  should  the  City  qualify  under  the  finalized  program   guidelines.     § Timing:   Periodically   review   HCD   website,   program   availability  to  be  determined  by  HCD   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   Planning   Department   and   Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  The   Community   Services   Department   tracks   all   sources   of   grant  funding  for  park  acquisition  and  improvements.  The  focus  on  this   particular   program   does   not   seem   appropriate,   given   the   number   of   different  sources  available  for  park  grant  programs.    This  program  will   not  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     Removal  of  Governmental  Constraints  to  Housing     v Policy  H-­‐3.1   Remove  unnecessary  regulatory  constraints  to  enable  the  construction   or   rehabilitation   of   housing   that   meets   the   needs   of   La   Quinta   residents,  including  lower  income  and  special  needs  residents.       Evaluation:  The  City  Planning  Department  monitors  all  municipal  code   amendments   to   assure   that   they   do   not   impose   a   constraint   on   the   development   of   affordable   housing,   and   will   continue   to   do   so.     This   policy  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐3.2   Coordinate  the  development  of  affordable  housing  with  the  provision   of  key  utilities  to  ensure  prompt  and  adequate  service.     Evaluation:  All  new  projects  are  routed  to  the  City’s  utility  providers  for   review   and   comment.   Further,   infrastructure   for   utilities   is   in   place   throughout   the   City,   and   extensions   generally   consist   of   laterals   and   similar  minor  additions  to  the  system.  This  policy  will  be  extended  into   the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐3.3   Incentivize   the   development   of   affordable   housing   to   facilitate   the   development   of   housing  for   the   City’s   lower   and   moderate   income   households.       HOUSING   II-­‐219    Program   H-­‐3.3.a:  Assessment   District/Water/Sewer   Subsidy   Program   The   City’s   Assessment   District/Water/Sewer   Subsidy   Program   alleviated   some   of   the   financial   hardship   on   lower   and   moderate  income  households  by  providing  assistance  to  cover   the  cost  of  assessment  districts,  plumbing  installation  fees,  and   sewer  connection  fees.     § Objective:  Investigate  funding  resources  for  reinstating  the   Assessment   District/Water/Sewer   Subsidy   Program   during   the  planning  period.   § Timing:  December  2010   § Funding  Source:  Study  funded  by  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  Due  to  a  lack  of  funding  resources,  the  Agency  did  not  assist   any  lower  income  households  under  this  program  during  the  2006 -­‐2014   planning  period.  With  the  elimination  of  redevelopment  by  the  State,  no   funds  are  available  for  the  future  funding  of  the  program  This  program   will  not  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐3.3.b:  Priority  Water  and  Sewer  Service   In  compliance  with  state  law,  the  Coachella  Valley  Water  District   (CVWD)  must  create  procedures  to  provide  priority  water  and   sewer  service  to  lower  income  residential  project.  The  law  also   prohibits   the   denial   or   conditioning   the   approval   of   service   without  adequate   findings,   and   requires   future   water   management  plans  to  identify  projected  water  use  for  lower   income  residential  development.       § Objective:  Route  the  adopted  Housing  Element  to  the  CVWD   and   notify   them   of   changes   and   future   updates   to   the   Housing  Element.     § Timing:  Upon  Housing  Element  adoption   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  CVWD  is  aware  of  the  requirements  of  law,  and  has  never,  to   the  City’s  knowledge,  denied  a  project  or  prevented  connections  for  an   affordable  housing  project  in  the  City.  The  City  will  continue  to  work  with   CVWD  in  the  processing  of  applications  in  a  timely  manner.    This  program   will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.       HOUSING   II-­‐220    Program  H-­‐3.3.c:  Review  Permitting  Fees  and  Processing  Times   Study   permitting   fees   and   processing   times   to   identify   any   potential  opportunities  to  streamline  the  process  and  reduce   the   cost   of   the   entitlement   process   for   projects   with   an   affordable  housing  component.     § Objective:  Identify  means  of  reducing  fees  and  processing   times  for  projects  with  an  affordable  housing  component.   § Timing:  Complete  study  by  June  2011   § Funding  Source:  General  plan   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  City  expects  to  complete  an  overhaul  of  its  application   process  and  a  comprehensive  review  of  Planning  fees  during  the  planning   period.   The   Planning   Department   applications   were   streamlined   and   simplified  to  aid  developers  in  filling  out  the  forms.  The  fee  schedule  now   reflects   the   actual   costs   of   processing   applications.   This   program   was   completed,  and  will  not  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H  3.3.d:  Reduced  Parking  Standards   There   are   several   potential   opportunities   to   reduce   parking   standards  for  special  types  of  development  in  La  Quinta.  While   the  City  already  has  special  parking  standards  for  multifamily   senior   housing,   there   is   potential   to   further   reduce   those   requirements,   particularly   for   lower   and   moderate   income   senior  housing.       The  compact,  mixed-­‐use  character  of  the  Village  area  may  also   foster   opportunities   for   parking   reductions   or   joint-­‐use   opportunities.   Lower   and   moderate   income   households   may   own  fewer  vehicles  than  above  moderate  income  households,   and   be   more   inclined   to   walk   or   use   public  transportation.   Incentives   such   as   reduced   parking   requirements   could   be   offered  for  affordable  housing  developments.     § Objective:  Study  the  potential  impacts  of  adopting  reduced   parking  requirements  or  shared  parking  standards  for  senior   housing  and  housing  in  the  Village,  particularly  for  projects   serving  lower  and  moderate  income  households.   § Timing:  Coordinate  with  2009/2011  General  Plan  update   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department       HOUSING   II-­‐221   Evaluation:  The   second   phase   of   zoning   ordinance   amendments   not   related  to  the  provision  of  housing  is  currently  under  way.  As  part  of  this   phase,   the   City   is   considering   the   inclusion   of   maximum   (rather   than   minimum)  parking  requirements,  particularly  for  affordable  and  senior   housing.  In  addition,  the  City  completed  a  parking  study  for  the  Village  in   2006.  This  program  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐3.3.e:  Encourage  Lot  Consolidation   Several   small   lots   in   the  Village   Commercial  would   have   improved  development  potential  through  lot  consolidation.  The   City   will   study,   identify,   and   adopt   regulatory   incentives   to   encourage  and  facilitate  lot  consolidation.  Potential  incentives   include   fee   deferral   or   reductions,   City-­‐assisted   parcel   assemblage  and  mergers,  parking  requirement  reduction,  and   relief   from   various   other   development   standards   that   could   potentially  increase  the  cost  of  the  project.     § Objective:   Identify   opportunities   and   adopt   incentives   for   lot  consolidation  in  the  Village  Commercial  zone   § Timing:  July  1,  2012   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  Due   to   the   difficulties   associated   with   getting   multiple   property  owners  to  work  together  on  consolidation  of  parcels,  the  RDA   embarked  on  a  property  purchase  strategy  toward  consolidation  of  City-­‐ owned  parcels  during  the  planning  period  for  potential  future  projects.   Specific  examples  are  in  the  Dune  Palms/Westward  Ho  area  in  the  north   part  of  the  City,  and  in  the  Village  area.  Many  of  these  parcels  have  been   consolidated  by  the  City,  but  currently,  the  acquired  sites  are  tied  up  due   to  the  elimination  of  Redevelopment.  This  program  will  be  extended  into   the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     Preservation  and  Rehabilitation  of  Housing  Stock     v Policy  H-­‐4.1   Protect   the   quality   of   La   Quinta’s   neighborhoods   through   the   rehabilitation  of  both  affordable  and  market-­‐rate  homes.       Evaluation:  There  were  no  rehab  programs  funded  during  the  Planning   period.  However,  the  City  did  purchase  five  foreclosed  homes  in  the  Cove,   which  were  rehabbed  for  rental/sale.  The  City  does  not  envision  having   funds  for  such  programs  in  the  near  future.  This  program  will  not  be   extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     HOUSING   II-­‐222     v Policy  H-­‐4.2   Promote   financial   and   technical   assistance   to   lower  and   moderate   income  households  for  housing  maintenance  and  improvements.       Evaluation:  The   City   did   not   have   available   funding   for   this   level   of   assistance,   and   relied   on   Riverside   County   and   other   third-­‐party   programs   to   fill   this   need.  Although   redevelopment   funds   have   been   eliminated,  and  can  no  longer  be  applied  to  this  program,  the  City  will   continue  to  monitor  third  party  programs,  including  County  assistance   programs,  and  direct  households  to  these  programs  when  appropriate.   This  program  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐4.3   Encourage   the   retention   and   rehabilitation   of   existing   single-­‐family   neighborhoods   and   mobile   home   parks   that   are   economically   and   physically  sound.     v Policy  H-­‐4.4   Enhance   neighborhoods   that   presently  provide   affordable   housing   with   drainage,   lighting   and   landscape   amenities,   and   parks   and   recreation  areas.        Program  H-­‐4.4.a:  Residential  Rehabilitation  Program   The   Residential   Rehabilitation   Program   provides   low   interest   loans   up   to   $25,000   for   property  and   structural   repairs   and   rehabilitation   of   single-­‐family   homes   and   small   multifamily   projects.  The  Residential  Rehabilitation  Program  encompasses  a   code   compliance   component   to   assist   lower   income   homeowners  that  have  been  cited  for  minor  code  violations.     § Objective:   Revise   the   program   to   meet   current   needs,   as   determined  in  the  Redevelopment  Agency  Implementation   Plan,   to   be   updated   in   2009.   Assist   20   lower   income   households.   § Timing:  2006–2014     § Funding  Source:  CDBG  and  LMIHF   § Responsible  Agency:  Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  No  housing  units  were  assisted  under  this  program  during  the   Planning  period.  With  the  elimination  of  redevelopment,  there  are  no   funds  available  for  this  program.  This  program  will  not  be  extended  into   the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.       HOUSING   II-­‐223    Program  4.4.b:  Housing  Condition  Monitoring   To  better  understand  the  City’s  housing  needs  the  quality  and   condition  of  the  housing  stock  must  be  inventoried  on  a  regular   basis.  The  inventory  should  focus  on  older  neighborhoods,  such   as  those  south  of  Calle  Tampico,  west  of  Washington  Street,   and  north  of  Highway  111.       § Objective:   Maintain   an   inventory   of   housing   conditions   (updated  approximately  every  five  years)  to  enable  the  City   to   properly   target   Code   Compliance   and   rehabilitation   resources.   § Timing:  Complete  by  January  1,  2014   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   Planning   Department   and   Code   Compliance     Evaluation:  The  housing  in  the  City  was  evaluated  in  2007.  In  addition,   Code  Compliance  monitors  units  in  disrepair,  and  implements  corrective   action  when  necessary.  The  survey  will  require  updating  at  the  beginning   of  the  next  planning  period.  This  program  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐ 2021  planning  period.      Program   H-­‐4.4.c:  County   of   Riverside   Senior   Residential   Rehabilitation     The  Minor  Senior  Home  Repair  program  allocates  grants  up  to   $250   per   year   for   lower   income   seniors   for   minor   housing   repairs,  such  as  painting  doors  or  trim,  or  repairing  a  window.   The   Enhanced   Senior   Home   Repair   Program   provides   major   rehabilitation   and   repair   for   low   income   seniors,   providing   a   one-­‐time  grant  for  repairs  to  homes  owned  and  occupied  by   seniors  and/or  persons  with  disabilities.  The  maximum  level  of   assistance  for  this  program  is  $3,000  per  year.     § Objective:  Continue  to  refer  code  violators  and  interested   parties   to   the   County   of   Riverside   Minor   and   Enhanced   Senior   Home   Repair   programs   and   other   local   resources.   Assist  homeowners  in  completing  applications  as  necessary.     § Timing:  2006–2014,  on  a  case-­‐by-­‐case  basis   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   Planning   Department   and   Code   Compliance  Division       HOUSING   II-­‐224    Program  H-­‐4.4.d:  County  of  Riverside  Home  Repair  Grant   The  County  of  Riverside  Economic  Development  Agency  Home   Repair  Program  provides  lower  income  households  with  up  to   $6,000   for   home   repairs   such   as   a   new   roof,   new   air-­‐ conditioner,  or  a  handicap  ramp.  As  a  jurisdiction  in  Riverside   County,  lower  income  La  Quinta  households  are  eligible  for  this   grant.     § Objective:  Refer  code  violators  and  interested  parties  to  the   County  of  Riverside  for  home  repair  grants.     § Timing:  2006–2014,  on  a  case-­‐by-­‐case  basis   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   Planning   Department   and   Code   Compliance  Division     Evaluation:  To  the  extent  that  these  County  programs  have  been  funded,   the  City  has  referred  homeowners  to  the  appropriate  County  staff.    These   programs  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐4.4.e:  Rehabilitation  Resources  List   Lower  and  moderate  income  homeowners  may  need  assistance   in   affording   important   home   repairs   and   improvements.   The   City   can   assist   these   households   by   compiling   and   sharing   a   listing   of   local,   state,   and   federal   programs   offering   rehabilitation  assistance.     § Objective:   Provide   a   rehabilitation   resources   list   on   the   affordable  housing  and  code  compliance  pages  of  the  City’s   website.   Use   the   list,   in   online   or   printed   form,   as   a   reference  for  code  violators.   § Timing:  Create  list  by  March  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   Planning   Department,   Code   Compliance  Division,  and  Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:  The   City   did   not   implement   this   program   due   to   lack   of   resources   resulting   from   staff   cuts.   However,   the   program   has   the   potential   to   be   a   good   resource   for   homeowners,   and   should   be   considered  in  the  future.  This  program  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐ 2021  planning  period.     HOUSING   II-­‐225     Equal  Housing  Opportunity     v Policy  5.1   Provide  the  regulatory  framework  to  create  an  environment  in  which   housing  opportunities  are  equal.     Evaluation:  The  City  regularly  reviews  and  amends  its  Municipal  Code  to   assure   that   all   aspects   of   it   comply   with   the   law.   This   activity   will   continue.  This  policy  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  5.2   Encourage   and   support   the   enforcement   of   laws   and   regulations   prohibiting  discrimination  in  lending  practices  and  in  the  sale  or  rental   of  housing.     Evaluation:  The   City   monitors   housing   complaints   and   refers   all   complaints   to   the   Riverside   County   Fair   Housing   Council,   which   has   jurisdiction  over  these  matters.  This  policy  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐ 2021  planning  period.     v Policy  5.3   Encourage   support   services   for   the   Coachella   Valley’s   senior   and   homeless  populations  through  referrals  and  collaborative  efforts  with   non-­‐profits  and  other  jurisdictions.     Evaluation:  The  City  did  not  implement  this  program  due  to  lack  of  staff   resources   resulting   from   staff   cuts.   However,   the   program   has   the   potential   to   be   a   good   resource   for   homeowners,   and   should   be   considered  in  the  future.  This  policy  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021   planning  period.     v Policy  5.4   Assist   in   the   creation   of   a   continuum   of   care   for   the   homeless   population  and  those  transitioning  into  permanent  housing.       Evaluation:  While  the  City  has  supported  the  CVAG  Homeless  Committee   efforts,  it  did  not  provide  funding  for  Roy’s  Desert  Resource  Center,  a  90   bed  homeless  facility  located  in  Palm  Springs.  Instead,  during  the  2006-­‐ 2014  planning  period,  the  City  committed  $50,000  toward    construction   of  a  new  facility  for  the  Coachella  Valley  Rescue  Mission,  which  provides   homeless   and   other   services.  The   City   also   committed   $50,000   to   Martha’s  Village  and  Kitchen  for  a  new  facility  for  that  organization.  This   program  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     HOUSING   II-­‐226     v Policy  5.5   Improve  quality  of  life  for  disabled  persons  by  facilitating  relief  from   regulatory  requirements  that  may  create  barriers  to  accessible  housing   and  promoting  universal  design.     Evaluation:  The  zoning  ordinance  amendments  completed  in  June  of  2013   included   universal   design   principles   and   provisions   for   a   reasonable   accommodation   review   process.   The   City   continues   to   facilitate   development  of  accessible  housing  for  all  its  residents.  This  program  will   be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐5.5.a:  Zoning  Code  and  Discrimination   The  City  of  La  Quinta  seeks  to  provide  fair  regulations  to  guide   development  within  the  community.  The  City  must  ensure  that   amendments   to   the   Zoning   Code   do   not   enact   regulations   causing  or  contributing  to  discrimination  against  any  residential   development   because   of   race,   sex,   religion,   national   origin,   marital  status,  or  disability  of  its  owners  or  intended  occupants.     § Objective:   Analyze   proposed   amendments   to   the   Zoning   Code  to  prevent  discriminatory  changes.   § Timing:  2006–2014   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  zoning  ordinance  amendments  completed  in  June  of  2013   did  not  contain  or  uncover  any  discriminatory  provisions.  This  program   was   completed   and   will   not   be   extended   into   the   2014-­‐2021   planning   period.      Program  H-­‐5.5.b:  Shared  Housing  a  Riverside  Experience  (SHARE)   SHARE  is  a  nonprofit  organization  whose  purpose  is  to  promote   home   sharing.   Home   sharing   programs   provide   referral/matching   services   to   people   with   limited   incomes   seeking   housing,   and   homeowners   who   wish   to   share   their   home.   SHARE   targets   senior   citizens   and   estimates   that   50   percent  of  these  matches  involve  economically  disadvantaged   groups,  with  25  percent  of  these  matches  involving  very  low   income  households.     § Objective:   Encourage   participation   in   home   sharing,   particularly   for   lower   income  seniors,   by   promoting   the     HOUSING   II-­‐227   SHARE  program  on  the  affordable  housing  page  of  the  City’s   website  and  at  the  La  Quinta  Senior  Center.     § Timing:  Update  website  and  distribute  information  to  the   Senior  Center  by  March  2010     § Funding  Source:  General  Fund     § Responsible   Agency:   Planning   Department   and   Senior   Center     Evaluation:  SHARE  is  inactive,  and  does  not  appear  to  be  providing   services.  However,  the  Senior  Center  makes  every  effort  to  refer  its   clients  to  resources  available  for  seniors.  This  program  will  not  be   extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐5.5.c:  Manufactured  Housing  Assistance  Program   Manufactured   homes   on   permanent   foundations   are   a   cost   effective   alternative   to   the   traditional   single-­‐family   detached   home.       § Objective:   Continue   to   maintain   the   potential   for   manufactured   homes   in   residential   designations   as   an   affordable   housing   resource   (formerly   Mobile   Home   Park   Assistance  Program).     § Timing:  2006–2014     § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  zoning  ordinance  amendments  completed  in  June  of  2013   did  not  change  the  current  zoning  provisions  that  allow  manufactured   housing  on  single  family  lots.  There  is  no  need  for  this  program,  and  it  will   not  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐5.5.d:  Reasonable  Accommodation  Ordinance   Disabled  individuals  or  those  acting  on  their  behalf  to  may  need   to  request  reasonable  accommodation  from  land  use,  zoning,   or   building   rules,   practices,   and/or   procedures   of   the   City   in   order  to  obtain  adequate  housing.       § Objective:  Adopt  a  process  for  reasonable  accommodation,   including  a  provision  of  assistance  in  making  the  request,  as   well  as  for  appealing  a  determination.   § Timing:  Adopt  ordinance  by  March  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department       HOUSING   II-­‐228   Evaluation:  The  zoning  ordinance  amendments  completed  in  June  of  2013   included   a   reasonable   accommodation   section   in   the   Residential   standards.  This  program  was  completed  and  will  not  be  extended  into   the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐5.5.e:  Universal  Design   Universal   design   refers   to   barrier-­‐free   and   accessible   design   that  may  incorporate  personal  assistance  technology.  Universal   design   creates   spaces   that   are   accessible   to   persons   with   disabilities,  but  also  designed  for  general  use.  Broad-­‐application   of   universal   design   standards   would   result   in   new   and   rehabilitated  homes  that  are  appropriate  for  an  entire  lifecycle,   from  infant  to  elder.  By  incorporating  universal  design  features   the  ability   of   the   housing   stock   to   meet   existing   and   future   needs  would  be  greatly  improved.     § Objective:   Review   existing   development   standards   and   evaluate   the   potential   for   requiring   new   development   and/or  rehabilitation  to  utilize  universal  design  features.     § Timing:  Coordinate  with  2009/2011  General  Plan  Update   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  zoning  ordinance  amendments  completed  in  June  of  2013   incorporated  universal  design  principles  in  the  development  standards   added  to  the  residential  sections  of  the  document.  This  program  was   completed  and  will  not  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐5.5.f:  Regional  Facilities  for  the  Homeless   Continue  to  support  and  collaborate  with  the  Coachella  Valley   Association  of  Governments  Homelessness  Committee  efforts   to  create  a  regional  homeless  facility  that  will  provide  housing   as  well  as  supportive  services.  The  Strategic  Plan  created  by  the   Homelessness  Committee  establishes  a  continuum  of  care  for   the  Coachella  Valley.     § Timing:   Council   voted   to   support   in   2008;   City   staff   will   continue  to  collaborate  with  CVAG  throughout  the  planning   period  (2006–2014)   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  While  the  City  has  supported  the  CVAG  Homeless  Committee   efforts,  the   City   did   not   participate   in   funding   Roy’s   Desert   Resource     HOUSING   II-­‐229   Center   (“Roy’s”),   which   is   in   the   west   end   of   the   Coachella   Valley.   Instead,  the  City  committed  $50,000  in  funding  towards  a  new  facility   for  the   Coachella   Valley   Rescue   Mission,   which   currently   shelters   150+   men,  women  and  children  and  is  located  in  Indio.  The  City  also  committed   $50,000  to  Martha’s  Village  and  Kitchen,  also  toward  construction  of  a   new  facility.  The  City  Council  believes  these  facilities  to  be  a  more  logical   service  extension  for  La  Quinta’s  homeless,  due  to  its  proximity  to  La   Quinta.   Continuing   evaluation   and   support   of   these   programs   will   be   extended  in  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐5.5.g:  Emergency  Shelters,  Transitional  Housing,  and   Permanent  Supportive  Housing   Recent  state  legislation  (Senate  Bill  2)  has  provided  direction  for   local   governments   to   address   the   housing   needs   of   the   homeless.   Emergency   Shelters,   Transitional   Housing,   and   Permanent   Supportive   Housing   are   all   components   of   a   curriculum   of   care   for   the   homeless.   Although   the   Riverside   County   Homeless   Census   did   not   identify   any   homeless   population  in  La  Quinta,  the  City  seeks  to  comply  with  SB  2  by   contributing   to   efforts   to   meet   the   needs   of   the   homeless   throughout  the  region.     Emergency   shelters   are   usually   the   first   step   in   a   homeless   continuum  of  care  program  designed  to  allow  homeless  people   a  temporary  place  of  stay.  Although  the  Municipal  Code  lists   emergency  shelters  as  a  permitted  use  in  all  commercial  zones,   no  definition  is  provided  for  this  use.  Furthermore,  transitional   shelters   are   defined   as   temporary   or   more   emergency-­‐basis   uses  in  the  Municipal  Code  and  are  conditionally  permitted  in   the  Regional  Commercial  (CR)  and  Major  Community  Facilities   (MC)   zones.   However,   actual   transitional   housing   typically   accommodates  homeless  people  for  up  to  two  years  as  they   stabilize   their   lives   and   does   not   meet   emergency   needs.   Transitional  housing  includes  training  and  services  that  are  vital   for   rehabilitating   and   enriching   the   lives   of   the   formerly   homeless.   Transitional   housing   facilities   provide   families   and   individuals  with  a  safe  place  within  which  to  rebuild  their  lives   and  prepare  for  independence.  Permanent  supportive  housing   is  affordable  housing  with  on-­‐  or  off-­‐site  services  that  help  a   person  maintain  a  stable,  housed,  life.  This  use  is  not  currently   addressed  in  the  Zoning  Code.       § Objective:   Update   the   Zoning   Code   to   include   legally   adequate   and   appropriate   definitions   for   emergency     HOUSING   II-­‐230   shelters,   transitional   housing,   and   permanent   supportive   housing.   Emergency   shelters   will   be   permitted   without   discretionary   approval   in   the   MC   zone   and   conditionally   permitted   in   the   CR   zone.   Transitional   and   supportive   housing  types  will  be  permitted  as  any  other  residential  use   in  residential  zones.  Development  and  operation  standards   will  be  developed  in  compliance  with  Senate  Bill  2  to  ensure   proper  construction  or  building  adaptation  for  emergency   shelter  use.   § Timing:  Coordinate  with  2009/2011  General  Plan  Update   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  zoning  ordinance  amendments  completed  in  June  of  2013   included  legally  adequate  definitions  of  emergency  shelters,  transitional   housing   and  supportive   housing.   The   amendments   also   continued   emergency  shelters  as  permitted  uses  in  all  commercial  zones,  and  added   transitional  and  supportive  housing  in  the  residential  zones  consistent   with  the  regulations  for  similar  uses  (such  as  group  homes).  This  program   was   completed   and   will   not   be   extended   into   the   2014-­‐2021   planning   period.      Program  H-­‐5.5.h:  Fair  Housing  Referrals   Fair  housing  organizations  provide  dispute  resolution  and  legal   assistance  to  tenants  and  landlords  in  conflict.  Such  services  are   particularly   important   for   lower   and   moderate   income   households  unable  to  afford  counsel.       § Objective:   Continue   to   refer   tenants   and   landlords   to   the   Fair   Housing   Council   of   Riverside   County.   Provide   information  on  fair  housing  resources  on  the  City’s  website   and   at   City   Hall.   Identify   and   coordinate   with   local   nonprofits,   service   organizations   and   community   groups   that  can  assist  in  distributing  fair  housing  information.   § Timing:  Referral  service  as  needed.  Information  to  be  placed   on  website  and  local  groups  identified  by  December  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The   City   refers   all   fair   housing   issues   to   the   Fair   Housing   Council,  and  will  continue  to  do  so.  Information  regarding  the  Council  is   available  at  city  hall,  the  senior  center  and  other  locations  in  the  City.  This   program  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.       HOUSING   II-­‐231    Program  H-­‐5.5.i:  Directory  of  Services   While   numerous   services   are   available   to   special   needs   and   lower   income   households,   it   can   be   difficult   to   readily   have   access   to   these   resources.   A   directory   provides   the   contact   information  necessary  to  seek  housing  assistance.       § Objective:   Develop   an   online   directory   of   services   and   information   to   provide   La   Quinta   residents   with   contact   information   for   community   organizations   and   service   providers  that  address  special  needs.     § Timing:  Update  website  by  June  2010   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     Evaluation:  The  City  maintains  a  partial  list  of  housing  resources/services   but   did   not   complete   this   program   due   to   loss   of   staff   assigned   to   housing   programs,   associated   with   the   elimination   of   redevelopment.   The  directory,  however,  could  be  a  valuable  resource.  In  addition,  the  City   has  recently  hired  a  Housing  Coordinator.  This  program  will  be  extended   into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     Energy  and  Water  Conservation     v Policy  H-­‐6.1   Promote   higher   density   and   compact   developments   that   increase   energy  efficiency  and  reduce  land  consumption.     Evaluation:  The  new  General  Plan  promotes  mixed  use  development,  and   the  zoning  ordinance  is  being  amended  to  include  standards  for  mixed   use  development.  These  changes  will  be  completed  by  the  end  of  2013.   The   City   also   continues   to   promote   energy   efficiency   through  its   Greenhouse  Gas  Reduction  Plan,  and  its  Green  and  Sustainable  La  Quinta   Program.    This  policy  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐6.2   Facilitate   housing   development   and   rehabilitation   that   conserves   natural  resources  and  minimizes  greenhouse  gas  emissions.       Evaluation:  The  new  General  Plan  promotes  greenhouse  gas  reduction  in   the  Livable  Community  Element.  The  City  also  continues  to  promote  its   Greenhouse  Gas  Reduction  Plan,  and  its  Green  and  Sustainable  La  Quinta   Program.    This  policy  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.       HOUSING   II-­‐232   v Policy  H-­‐6.3   Encourage  and  enforce  green  building  regulations  or  incentives  that  do   not   serve   as   constraints   to   the   development   or   rehabilitation   of   housing.     Evaluation:  The  new  General  Plan  promotes  green  building  in  the  Livable   Community  Element.  The  City  also  continues  to  promote  its  Greenhouse   Gas  Reduction  Plan,  and  its  Green  and  Sustainable  La  Quinta  Program.     This  policy  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐6.4   Focus  sustainability  efforts  on  measures  and  techniques  that  also  assist   the   occupant   in   reducing   energy   costs;   therefore   reducing   housing   costs.     Evaluation:    The  City  has  identified  several  residential  developments  that   incorporate  sustainable  efforts  and  help  reduce  the  occupant’s  energy   costs.  These  properties  include:     Vista  Dunes  -­‐  The  Agency’s  team  prepared  site  and  building  plans  that   embraced  green  and  sustainable  design  principles.    The  project  received   LEED  Platinum  certification.  The  principles  included:      •Thermal  chimneys  to  better  ventilate  the  dwellings    •Tankless  water  heaters  to  reduce  energy/water  consumption    •Dual  flush  toilets  to  reduce  water  consumption    •Low  flow  and  oxygenated  showerheads  and  faucets    •Photovoltaic  solar  panels  for  each  dwelling  to  reduce  utility  costs    •Landscaped  trellises  to  shelter  south  and  west  facing  walls  from  the            desert  sun     •Radiant  barrier  roof  sheathing    •Drought  tolerant  indigenous  landscaping     Coral  Mountain  Apartments  -­‐  The  Coral  Mountain  Apartment  community   will   incorporate   environmentally   sustainable   concepts   and   efficiency   measures.  While  it  is  not  seeking  LEED  certification,  it  is  being  designed   to  target  LEED  Silver  standards.  Design  of  the  buildings  includes  many   energy   and   water-­‐efficient   amenities,   such   as   solar   tubes   to   provide   indoor  area  lighting  for  many  of  the  units,  low-­‐flow  toilets  and  fixtures,   and   recirculating   water   heaters.     A   hydronic   HVAC   system   will   be   employed,  which  circulates  hot  water  from  the  water  heating  system,   using  forced  air  to  heat  the  individual  units.  Four  of  the  buildings  will   incorporate   roof-­‐mounted   photovoltaic   solar   panels;   additional   panels   are  being  placed  on  top  of  carport  structures.       HOUSING   II-­‐233     Washington   Street   Apartments  –  This   project   is   completing   the   final   phases  of  the  City’s  review  process.  It  consists  of  68  new  units  and  72   existing   units,   which   will   be   rehabilitated.   The   project  includes   sustainable  architectural  design  such  as  cement  plaster  finish,  aluminum   windows   and   thermal   chimneys. Carport   structures   will   incorporate   photovoltaic  solar  panels     This  policy  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     v Policy  H-­‐6.5   Use  and  encourage  emerging  technologies  to  reduce  high  demands  for   electricity  and  natural  gas  including  use  of  passive  solar  devices  and   where   feasible   other   renewable   energy   technologies   (e.g.,   biomass,   wind,  and  geothermal).      Program  H-­‐6.5.a:  Green  and  Sustainable  La  Quinta  Program   The   City   Council   has   identified   the   conservation   of   natural   resources  as  a  critical  concern  in  La  Quinta.  In  July  2007  the  City   Council  directed  staff  to  initiate  the  development  of  the  Green   and  Sustainable  La  Quinta  Program,  a  comprehensive  program   to   reduce   the   environmental   impact   of   existing   structures,   rehabilitation  efforts,  and  new  construction.  Progress  to  date   includes   participating   in   local   energy   reduction   and   water   conservation   programs.   The   formal   Green   and  Sustainable   Program   may   include   energy   conserving   standards   for   street   widths,   streetscapes,   and   landscaping   to   reduce   heat   loss.   Energy  consumption  in  existing  homes  could  be  improved  by   incentivizing   energy-­‐efficient   retrofits   prior   to   the   resale   of   homes.       § Objective:  Adopt  new  green  goals,  policies,  and  programs   that   accurately   represent   the   City’s   direction   in   resource   conservation   and   minimizing   greenhouse   gas   emissions.   Adopt   design   standards   for   residential   and   commercial   structures  that  encourage  solar  protection  to  directly  result   in  energy  conservation.   § Timing:  July  2012;  or  concurrent  with  2009/2011  General  Plan   Update   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department       HOUSING   II-­‐234    Program  H-­‐6.5.b:    Energy  Conservation  Partners   In   working   toward   a  sustainable  La   Quinta,   the   City   and   its   residents   will   need   to   collaborate   with   utilities   and   service   providers.  Partnerships  with  the  Coachella  Valley  Water  District,   Imperial   Irrigation   District,   Southern   California   Gas,   Burrtec   Waste  and  Recycling  Services,  Sunline  Transit  District,  Coachella   Valley   Association   of   Governments,   Southern   California   Association   of   Governments   and   other   entities   will   be   an   important  component  of  making  La  Quinta  a  more  sustainable   city.       § Objective:   Continue   to   meet   with   and   seek   insight   from   utilities,   service   providers,   and   other   entities   involved   in   energy  conservation  efforts  appropriate  for  La  Quinta.   § Timing:  2006–2014   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   City   Manager’s   Office/   Planning   Department     Evaluation:   The   City  is  working   with   local   conservation   partners   to   implement  the  adopted  Green   and   Sustainable   La   Quinta   Program,   including   Burrtec   Waste   &   Recycling,   Coachella   Valley   Water   District,   Imperial   Irrigation   District,   and   Southern   California   Gas   Company.   The   City  maintains  an  inventory  of  sustainable  goals  and  accomplishments  on   the  Going   Green  website.   The   following   table   identifies   current   and   planned  goals  of  the  Green  and  Sustainable  La  Quinta  Program.         HOUSING   II-­‐235     The  City  of  La  Quinta   Sustainability  Goals  and  Accomplishments   Goals  and  Accomplishments  Goal   In-­‐ Process/   On-­‐ Going   Completed   Identify   Greenhouse   Gas   Emissions   inventory   baselines  and  specific  targets  for  improvements,  on  a   regional  and  local  level   X       Expand   sustainability  outreach/education   including   website  “Going  Green”  section      X   Initiate  Smart  Growth/LEED  Training  for  selected  staff   members    X     Develop   policy   and   plan   for   100%   conversion   to   clean/green  fleet  X       Initiate  a  Pilot  AB  811  Loan  Program  X       Facilitate  energy   audits   for   top   uses   and   support   energy  efficiency  actions      X   Implement   a   Curbside   Household   Hazardous   Waste   Program    X     Expand  the  number  of  Household  Hazardous  Waste   Events  at  City  Hall/Corporate  Yard    X     Develop  an  Environmentally  Preferable  Purchases  and   Practices  Policy    X     Expand  outreach  and  education  for  waste  reduction   and   recycling,   water   and   natural   gas   conservation,   and  energy  efficiency      X   Implement   energy   efficiency   improvements   of   City   facilities   as   recommended   by   Imperial  Irrigation   District      X   Identify  water  usage  benchmarks  and  develop  water   conservation  goals  X       Jointly  (City  and  IID)  offer  an  energy  product  (Energy   Meter)  to  city  residents  at  a  reduced  cost  X       Investigate   program   implementation   of:   food   waste   recycling  and  non-­‐controlled  medication  disposal    X     Expand  promotion  of  commercial  recycling  program      X   Conduct   Green   Workshops   and   coordinate   energy   audits  with  Homeowners  associations    X     Seek   opportunities   for   energy   and   environmental   grants,  including  a  bike  path  grant    X     Install   LED   flash   warning   devices:   Adams   St.,   Eisenhower  Dr.,  and  Avenida  Bermudes  X       Replace  video  detection  system  at  three  intersections  X       Establish   a   Compressed   Natural   Gas   Fueling   station   (Fire  Station)      X   Host  shred  day  events    X     Participate   in   Desert   Cities   Energy   Partnership   to   achieve  funding  for  energy  programs  and  events    X       This   program   is   successful   and   will   be   extended   into   the   2014-­‐2021   planning  period.       HOUSING   II-­‐236    Program   H-­‐6.5.c:  Cooperative   Water   Management   Program   for   Cove  Homes   The  Redevelopment  Agency  upgrades  the  plumbing,  heating,   air   conditioning,   and   other   equipment   in   their   Cove   Homes   during  the  rehabilitation  process  prior  to  sale.  In  2008  the  City   Council  approved  collaborative  efforts  between  the  Agency  and   Coachella  Valley  Water  District.  The  Agency  is  participating  in   the  Coachella  Valley  Cooperative  Water  Management  Program   to  improve  water  efficiency  in  Cove  Homes.       § Objective:  Implement  the  Cooperative  Water  Management   Program   for   the   Agency’s   Cove  Homes   and   evaluate   the   feasibility   of   implementing   changes   to   existing   landscape   and  irrigation  when  Cove  Homes  are  sold.   § Timing:  2006–2014   § Funding  Source:  LMIHF  and/or  CVWD  program  funds   § Responsible  Agency:  Redevelopment  Agency     Evaluation:   The   Cooperative   Landscape   Water   Management   Program   was  composed  of  three  parts;  Residential  Turf  Conversions  (individual),   HOA/Commercial   Turf   Conversions,   and   commercial   properties.   The   City’s  first  landscape  conversion  took  place  on  August  26,  2008.  As  of   March  2010,  71  La  Quinta  residents  (including  2  RDA  owned  homes)  had   completed   the   program,   which   went   unfunded   after   2011.   With   the   elimination  of  redevelopment,  it  is  unlikely  that  the  City  will  be  able  to   fund   this   program,   and   it   will   not   be   extended   into   the   2014-­‐2021   planning  period.      Program  H-­‐6.5.d:  Landscape  Water  Management  Program   In  2008  the  City  formed  a  partnership  with  the  Coachella  Valley   Water   District   to   start   a   citywide   Landscape   Water   Management   Program.   The   program   provides   affordable   landscape  design  and  consulting  services  to  assist  homeowners   in  making  landscaping  improvements  to  reduce  sprinkler  runoff   and   reduce   the   amount   of   water   used   for   landscaping.   In   accordance  with  the  program  the  City  amended  the  Municipal   Code   to   provide   more   restricted   water   efficient   landscaping   standards.   The   City   adopted   a   landscape   water   management   program   that   will   reimburse   homeowners   up   to   $1,000   to   replace   inefficient   landscape   design,   materials,   and   irrigation   systems.         HOUSING   II-­‐237   § Objective:  Assist  50  households  to  reduce  water  waste  and   water   use   for   landscaping   through   the   Landscape   Water   Management  Program.     § Timing:  2006–2014   § Funding   Source:   General   Fund,   CVWD   program   funds,   potential  AB  811  special  assessment  district  funds   § Responsible   Agency:   City   Manager’s   Office/  Planning   Department     Evaluation:    As  previously  mentioned,  the  Cooperative  Landscape  Water   Management  Program  assisted  71  homes,  including  the  installation  of  301   weather-­‐based  irrigation  controllers  as  of  March  2010.  It  should  be  noted   that  the  program  assisted  all  27  RDA  owned  homes.    Funding  for  the   program   ended   December   17,   2012.   With   the   elimination   of   redevelopment,   it   is   unlikely   that   the   City   will   be   able   to   fund   this   program,  and  it  will  not  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐6.5.e:  Imperial  Irrigation  District  Programs   The   Imperial   Irrigation   District   (IID)   is   proactive   in   energy   savings   via   conservation   programs,   product   rebates,   and   general  tips.  An  average  home  owner  can  save  up  to  10  percent   on   energy/energy   bills   by  taking   advantage   of   IID   programs.   Home  owners  can  utilize  the  free  “Check  Me!”  program,  which   checks   the   refrigerant   charge   and   airflow   of   their   air   conditioning/heating   units.   IID   also   offers   a   rebate   on   the   purchase   of   higher   efficiency   air   conditioning  units,   high   efficiency   refrigerators,   programmable   thermostats,   and   ENERGY  STAR  equipment.  City  staff  has  held  several  meetings   with   IID   representatives   to   discuss   opportunities   for   collaboration  to  conserve  energy  in  La  Quinta,  including  water   management  opportunities  for  golf  courses  and  golf-­‐oriented   communities.     § Objective:  Follow  up  with  IID  to  establish  and  market  a  plan   to   participate   in   programs   that   are   most   beneficial   to   La   Quinta   residents   and   homeowners;   continue   to   develop   HVAC  retrofitting  program  with  IID.   § Timing:  Adopt  plan  by  June  2010   § Funding   Source:   General   Fund,   IID   program   funds,   and   potential  AB  811  special  assessment  district  funds   § Responsible   Agency:   City   Manager’s   Office/   Planning   Department       HOUSING   II-­‐238   Evaluation:  The  City’s  Going  Green  website  provides  information  on  IID   rebates  through  links  to  their  rebate  website,  including  the  Residential   ENERGY  STAR  rebate  program.  IID  is  continuing  to  offer  free,  in-­‐home   residential   and   commercial   energy   audits   and   follow   up   list   of   recommendations  intended   to   reduce   energy   consumption   and   the   monthly  bill.  The  City  works  through  its  partnership  with  IID  and  markets   this  program  through  meetings  with  Homeowners’  Association  boards   and  various  City  sponsored  events  to  encourage  La  Quinta  residents  an d   business   to   sign   up   for   these   free   energy   audits.  This   program   is   successful  and  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning  period.      Program  H-­‐6.5.f:  Weatherization  Assistance   The  Federal  Department  of  Energy’s  Weatherization  Assistance   Program,  in  conjunction  with  state  and  local  programs,  provide   low  or  no  cost  weatherization  and  insulation  services  to  reduce   the  heating  and  cooling  costs  for  low  income  households.     § Objective:  Encourage  low  income  homeowners  or  renters  to   apply   for   free   energy   audits,  home   weatherization,   and   utility  rebate  programs  by  advertising  available  programs  on   the  City’s  website  and  at  City  Hall.     § Timing:  Advertise  by  March  2010   § Funding:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Building  and  Safety  Department/  City   Manager’s  Office     Evaluation:  The  City  is  currently  advertising  available  programs  for  free   energy  audits,  home  weatherization,  and  utility  rebate  programs  on  the   City’s  website  and  at  City  Hall  through  handouts/flyers/posted  info.  This   program  is  successful  and  will  be  extended  into  the  2014-­‐2021  planning   period.     Public  Participation   California  Government  Code  requires  that  local  governments  make  a   diligent   effort   to   achieve   public   participation   from   all   economic   segments   of   the   community   in   the   development   of   the   housing   element.  The  City’s  public  outreach  efforts  focused  on  community  and   stakeholder  workshops,  information  dissemination  through  the  City’s   website,  electronic   mail   notifications  and   public   hearings.   Together,   this   input   helped   the   City   understand   and   respond   to   the   housing   needs  of  the  community.         HOUSING   II-­‐239   Community  and  Stakeholder  Workshops   Personal   invitations   were   sent   to   local   and   regional   development   entities,  advocacy  groups  and  interested  parties  via  mail.  In  addition,   the  workshops  were  advertised  on  the  City’s  web  site,  and  as  display   ads  in  the  Desert  Sun  newspaper.  Two  workshops  were  held:  one  for   stakeholders  and  one  for  residents  at  large.       The  comments  and  input  received  from  the  stakeholders  centered  on   the  economic  hardship  created  when  redevelopment  was  eliminated   by  the  State.  The  development  community  is  struggling  to  make  up  the   gap  left  by  the  elimination  of  set  aside  funds.     The  comments  received  from  residents  centered  mostly  on  aesthetic   issues,   including   in   particular   building   height,   and   maintaining   the   2   story  limits  and  allowing  underground  parking  to  provide  for  density.     State  Review  and  Public  Hearings   The   Draft   Element   was  submitted   to   the   California   Department   of   Housing   and   Community   Development   (HCD)   for   review   and   certification.  The  City  has  received  and  responded  to  review  comments   from  HCD  to  address  their  concerns.     Once  the  document  has  been  certified  by  HCD,  the  Housing  Element   Update  will  involve  a  noticed  public  hearing  before  both  the  Planning   Commission  and  City  Council,  with  the  documents  available  for  public   review  at  City  Hall  and  on  the  City’s  website.       HOUSING  VISION  STATEMENT   A  Housing  Vision  Statement  was  developed  based  on  the  key  housing   issues  and  through  cooperation  of  the  citizens  and  elected  officials  of   the  City  of  La  Quinta.  The  housing  policies  and  programs  included  in   this  Housing  Element  are  designed  to  bring  this  vision  to  fruition.     “The   City   of   La   Quinta’s   vision   of   the   future   for   housing   focuses  on  encouraging  the  provision  of  suitable  housing  for   all  City  residents  while  maintaining  and  enhancing  the  City’s   high  quality  of  life  for  its  residents.       Through   its   housing   programs,   the   City   will   facilitate   the   maintenance  and  improvement  of  its  existing  housing  stock   resources,  and  encourage  the  production  of  a  variety  of  new   housing   to   meet   residents’   needs,   while   preserving   the   overall  character  of  the  City.”         HOUSING   II-­‐240   COMMUNITY  PROFILE   The  housing  needs  of  the  City  are  determined  by  characteristics  of  the   population  (age,  household  size,  employment,  and  ethnicity)  and  the   characteristics  of  housing  available  to  that  population  (i.e.,  number  of   units,  tenure,  size,  cost,  etc.).  This  section  explores  the  characteristics   of  the  existing  and  projected  population  and  housing  stock  in  order  to   identify  potentially  unmet  housing  needs  in  La  Quinta.  This  information   provides   direction   in   updating   the   City’s   Housing   Element   goals,   policies,   and   programs.  The   demographics   used   in   this   section   are   derived  from  US  Census  data  for  1990,  2000,  2010;  US  Census  American   Community  Survey  3  and  5  year  estimates  data,  California  Department   of  Finance,  and  the  City  of  La  Quinta.     Population   The   City   of   La   Quinta   is   one   of   nine   cities   in   the   Coachella   Valley   subregion  of  Riverside  County.  The  Coachella  Valley  includes  the  cities   of  Cathedral  City,  Coachella,  Desert  Hot  Springs,  Indian  Wells,  lndio,  La   Quinta,  Palm  Desert,  Palm  Springs,  and  Rancho  Mirage,  as  well  as  large   areas  of  unincorporated  Riverside  County.     La  Quinta  ranks  high  in  population  growth  among  California’s  471  cities.   During  the  1990s,  the  population  of  La  Quinta  grew  by  111.3  percent,   making  it  the  fastest  growing  city  in  the  Coachella  Valley  at  the  time.   The  number  of  residents  in  the  City  increased  from  11,215  to  23,694   between  1990  and  2000.    The  population  further  increased  to  37,467   by  2010,  a  smaller  but  still  significant  increase  of  58.10  percent.     The  absolute  increase  in  population  for  cities  in  the  Coachella  Valley   provides   another   perspective   for   analysis   when   size   is   taken   into   consideration.   For   example,   Indio   grew   by   the   greatest   number   of   people  from  2000  to  2010,  with  an  increase  of  approximately  26,920   people.   La   Quinta   experienced   the  third  largest   numerical   increase,   with  an  added  population  of  13,773.       Table  II-­‐20   Population  Growth   City/Region  2000  2010   Census   2012   DOF   2000-­‐2010  2010-­‐2012   %  #  %  #   La  Quinta  23,694  37,467  58.1  13,773  38,075  1.6  608   Coachella  Valley  255,788  346,518  35.5  90,730  355,986  27,3  9,468   Riverside  County  1,545,387  2,189,641  41.7  644,254  2,268,783  3.6  79,142   Source:  2000  and  2010  Census;  DOF  2012     HOUSING   II-­‐241     Table  II-­‐21   Population  Growth  In  Coachella  Valley  Cities   City  2000  2010   Census   2012   DOF   Change  2000-­‐ 2010   Change  2010– 2012   %  #  %  #   Cathedral  City  42,647  51,200  20.1  8,553  52,108  1.8  908   Coachella  22,724  40,704  79.1  17,980  42,030  3.3  1,326   Desert  Hot   Springs  16,582  25,938  56.4  9,356  27,721  6.9  1,783   Indian  Wells  3,816  4,958  29.9  1,142  5,050  1.9  92   Indio  49,116  76,036  54.8  26,920  78,298  3.0  2,262   La  Quinta  23,694  37,467  58.1  13,773  38,190  1.9  723   Palm  Desert  41,155  48,445  17.7  7,290  49,619  2.4  1,174   Palm  Springs  42,807  44,552  4.1  1,745  45,414  1.9  862   Rancho  Mirage  13,249  17,218  30.0  3,969  17,556  2.0  338   Total   255,79 0   346,51 8  35.5  90,728   355,98 6  2.7  9,468   Source:  2000  and  2010  Census;  DOF  2012     Seasonal  Population   The  seasonal  or  part  time  resident  population  is  not  included  in  the   population  estimates  compiled  by  the  Census  Bureau  because  people   are  classified  according  to  the  location  of  their  primary  residence.  The   California  Department  of  Finance  (DOF)  provides  a  yearly  estimate  of   total  built  housing  units  and  an  estimate  of  the  number  of  vacant  units.   In   resort   communities   like   La   Quinta,   the   number   of   vacant   units   reflects  the  number  of  units  that  are  not  occupied  year  round,  as  well   as  those  that  are  ready  for  year  round  occupancy  but  as  yet  have  not   been  inhabited.     According  to  the  2010  Census,  the  overall  vacancy  rate  for  La  Quinta  is   36.9%,  while  the  seasonal  vacancy  rate  is  27.5%.       Age  Composition   Table  II-­‐4  Age  Distribution,  shows  the  change  in  age  groups  from  2000   to   2010.   In  2010,   children   (ages   0–17)   comprised  22  percent   of   the   population,   adults   (ages   18–64)   represented   57   percent   and  senior   citizens  (ages  65  and  over)  made  up  20  percent.     In  2010,  the  median  age  in  La  Quinta  was  45.6  years,  significantly  older   than  Riverside  County  and  the  State  of  California  averages  of  33.7  and     HOUSING   II-­‐242   35.2  years   respectively.  This   represents   a   25%   increase  in   the   City’s   median  age  since  2000.     Table   II-­‐4  indicates   that   the   rate   of   growth   in  the   18-­‐65   age   group   remained   fairly   constant  from   2000   to   2010.   However,   the   0-­‐17   age   group  reflects  a  slower  growth  rate,  making  up  8%  less  of  the  City’s   population  in  2010.  Conversely,  growth  in  the  65+  age  category  shows   an  8%  increase  in  share  of  City  population  compared  to  2000.       Table  II-­‐22   Age  Distribution   Year  0–17  %  18–65  %  65+  %  Total   2000  6,905  29  13,616  57  3,173  13  23,694   2010  8,208  22  21,443  57  7,816  21  37,467   Source:  2000  and  2010  Census     Race  and  Ethnicity   Table  II-­‐23  highlights  the  ethnic  distribution  of  the  population  for  1990,   2000  and  2010.   In   2000   slightly   over   one-­‐third   of   the   City’s   total   population  was  minorities,  comparable  to  less  than  a  third  in  2010  and   1990,  and  just  over  one-­‐fifth  in  1980.  Hispanic  residents,  7,486  people,   are  approximately  86  percent  of  the  minority  population  in  La  Quinta.   Most   significantly,   the   number   of   Hispanic   residents   in   La   Quinta   tripled  from  1980  to  1990,  and  then  doubled  again  from  1990  to  2000.   La  Quinta  is  becoming  a  more  ethnically  diverse  community.       HOUSING   II-­‐243   Table  II-­‐23   1980–2000  Ethnic  Background  of  Population   Ethnic  Group   1990  2000  %   Change   1990– 2000   2010  %     Change   2000– 2010   %     Change   1990– 2010  #  %  #  %  #  %   Caucasian  7,804  69.6  14,944  62.9  -­‐6.7  23,642  63.1  0.2  -­‐6.5   Hispanic  2,944  26.3  7,486  32.0  +5.7  11,353  30.3  -­‐1.7  +4.0   African   American   180  1.6  226  1.4  -­‐0.2  599  1.6  +.2  0   Native   American   117  1.0  37  0.1  -­‐0.9  112  0.3  +.2  -­‐0.7   Asian/Pacific   Islander   170  1.5  535  2.3  +.8  1,087  2.9  +0.6  +1.4   Other  N/A  1.1  426  1.8  0.7  674  1.8  0  +.7   Total  11,215  100.0  23,654  100.0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  37,467  100.0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐   Source:  1990,  2000,  and  2010  Census;  Coachella  Valley  Association  of  Governments   Note:   Population   numbers   may   seem   distorted   because   the   US   Census   does   not   consider   Hispanic  ancestry  to  be  a  race.  For  this  reason,  some  Hispanics  choose  to  list  themselves  under   other  races.   1%   change   presented   in   terms   of   proportional   representation   in   the   population,   not   of   numerical  increase     Employment   The   economy   of   the   Coachella   Valley   was   traditionally   agriculture-­‐ driven,   but   agriculture   is   steadily   being   replaced   by   tourism   and   residential  uses.       Although  employment  patterns  typically  induce  housing  demand,  the   regional  economy  of  the  Coachella  Valley  differs  from  most  parts  of   the   state.   Here,  employment   is   created   by   housing   demand,   manifested   in   the   construction   and   staffing   of   resorts   and   second   homes.   Tourist   and   resort   development   are   leading   indicators   to   predict  employment  and  housing  demand.  Although  a  tourist  economy   is  seasonal,  in  the  Coachella  Valley  it  is  generally  stable  and  does  not   suffer  the  severe  effects  of  recessions  as  do  other  regions  dependent   on  manufacturing  and  consumer  related  goods.  And  with  the  benefit   of  desert  weather,  the  resorts  in  the  La  Quinta  area  are  increasingly   operating  year  round.  There  is,  however,  some  seasonal  fluctuation  in   the   labor   market,   which   can   further   compound   the   problem   of   economic   stability   in   the   lower   income   sectors   of   the   labor   force,   affecting  their  ability  to  sustain  themselves  in  the  off  season  (summer)   months.       According  to  the  US  Census  Bureau  (2007-­‐2011  American  Community   Survey),  in  2011  the  civilian  labor  force  comprised  17,382  persons,  of   whom  16,291  were  employed.  The  unemployment  rate  was  6.3  percent.   Table   II-­‐6  shows   the   types   of   employment   by   industry   held   by   La     HOUSING   II-­‐244   Quinta   residents   in   2011.   The   majority   of   jobs   held   by   La   Quinta   residents   were   in   service   industries,   followed   by   retail   trade,   finance/real  estate,  and  professional  industries.       Many   La   Quinta   residents   work   in   other   communities,   and   many   residents  from  other  cities  work  in  La  Quinta.  An  estimated  at  2,046   (approximately  19  percent  of  the  total  resident  work  force)  both  live   and  work  in  La  Quinta.         Most  employment  opportunities  in  and  around  the  City  are  related  to   the  provision  of  services.  Table  II-­‐7  shows  the  major  employers  for  the   community  area,  defined  by  the  La  Quinta  Chamber  of  Commerce  as   including  La  Quinta,  Indian  Wells,  Palm  Desert,  and  Indio.  The  largest   employers   are   in   the   nonmanufacturing   economy   and   are   directly   related  to  the  provision  of  services,  including  public  service,  big  box   retail,  and  recreational  and  resort  activities.       In  2008  the  City  surveyed  its  major  commercial  and  hospitality  facilities   to  identify  major  employers  in  the  city  limits.  The  largest  employers   surveyed  were  Desert  Sands  Unified  School  District,  La  Quinta  Resort   and  Club,  Wal-­‐Mart,  Costco,  and  PGA  West  Golf  Resort.     Table  II-­‐24   Employment  by  Industry   Industry  Employed   Persons   %  of  Employed   Persons   Agriculture,  Forestry  and  Fisheries,   Mining  117  0.7   Arts,  Recreation,  Accommodation  and   Food  Service  3,035  18.6   Construction  1,422  8.7   Manufacturing  773  4.8   Transportation/Warehousing/Utilities  528  3.3   Wholesale  Trade  292  1.8   Retail  Trade  2,228  13.7   Finance/Real  Estate  1,100  6.7   Professional  and  Administrative  1,818  11.2   Health,  Educational,  Information,   Social  and  Other  Services  4,422  27.1   Public  Administration  556  3.4   Total  Civilian  Employed  16,291  100.0   Source:  2007-­‐2011  ACS  5-­‐year  estimates         HOUSING   II-­‐245   Table  II-­‐25   Major  Employers  La  Quinta  Community  Area   Name  of  Employer  Employed   Persons   Description   Desert  Sands  Unified  School  District    1,000  Public  school  system   La  Quinta  Resort  &  Club    1,200  Resort  hotel   Wal-­‐Mart  Super  Center    365  Retail   Rancho  La  Quinta    150  Residential  Golf  Club   Costco  230  Retail   PGA  West  235  Residential  Golf  Club   Hideaway  122  Residential  Golf  Club   Home  Depot    240  Home  improvement   Imperial  Irrigation  District    200  Utility  company   Lowe’s  Home  Improvement    145  Home  improvement   Stater  Bros.    150  Supermarket   Best  Buy  100  Retail   Target  200  Retail   Tradition  Golf  Club    101  Residential  Golf  Club   The  Quarry    91  Residential  Golf  Club   Thane  Marketing  International    90  Infomercial  company   Ralphs    88  Supermarket   Source:  2008  Employer  Survey,  City  of  La  Quinta;  City  of  La  Quinta  Certified  Audited  Financial   Report  2012.     General  Income  Characteristics   The  median  household  income  of  La  Quinta  in  2010  was  $67,444  higher   than  the  Riverside  County  median  household  income  of  $58,365.    Since   2000,  the  median  income  for  La  Quinta  residents  has  increased,  with   the  2004  median  family  income  reported  as  $54,300  for  the  County  of   Riverside   and   $62,500   for   the   City   of   La   Quinta.   Household   income   estimates  (2010)  by  total  households  are  found  in  Table  II-­‐26.     Although  the  census  classifications  for  income  are  not  the  same  as  the   household  income  categories  used  by  the  State  of  California  in  housing   affordability  analyses,  general  comparisons  can  be  made.     Five  household  income  categories  are  used  by  the  State  of  California   for   housing   affordability   analysis   based   on   the   area   median   income   (AMI):  extremely  low  (30  percent  or  less  of  the  area  median  income)   very  low  (31  to  50  percent  of  the  AMI),  low  (51  to  80  percent  of  the   AMI),  moderate  (81  to  120  percent  of  the  AMI),  and  above  moderate   (more  than  120  percent  of  the  AMI).       Table   II-­‐27  identifies   the   actual   income   limits   for   the   five   income   categories  and  median  income  based  on  the  HUD  2012  median  income   of  $63,300  for  a  family  of  four  in  Riverside  County.           HOUSING   II-­‐246   Table  II-­‐28  estimates  the  distribution  of  extremely  low,  very  low,  low,   moderate,  and  above  moderate  incomes  in  the  City  of  La  Quinta  based   on  the  2011  American  Community  Survey.    The  above  moderate  income   households  constitute  the  largest  grouping,  accounting  for  51.1  percent   of   all   households.  20.7  percent   of   the   households   in   the   City   are   moderate  income  households,  with  12.2  percent  classified  as  Low,  7.7   percent  as  very  low,  and  the  remaining  8.3  percent  as  extremely  low   income  households.       Table  II-­‐26   2011  Household  Income  Estimates   Income  Category  Households  %  of  Households   $0  -­‐  14,999  1,020  7.2%   $15,000  -­‐  34,999  1,791  12.7%   $35,000  -­‐  49,999  1,481  10.5%   $50,000  -­‐  74,999  2,553  18.1%   $75,000  -­‐  99,999  2,073  14.7%   $100,000  +  5,205  36.9%   Total  14,123  100.0%   Median  Income  $77,790     Source:  U.S.  Census  Bureau,  2007-­‐2011  American  Community  Survey     Table  II-­‐27   Income  Limits  by  Household  Size,  2012   Household   Size  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8   Extremely   Low  Income  $14,100  $16,100  $18,100  $20,100  $21,750  $23,350  $24,950  $26,550   Very  Low   Income  $23,450  $26,800  $30,150  $33,500  $36,200  $38,900  $41,550  $44,250   Low  Income  $37,550  $42,900  $48,250  $53,600  $57,900  $62,200  $66,500  $70,800   Moderate   Income  $53,150  $60,750  $68,350  $75,950  $82,050  $88,100  $94,200  $100,250   Median   Income  $44,330  $50,650  $56,950  $63,300  $68,350  $73,450  $78,500  $83,550   Source:  HCD  2012       HOUSING   II-­‐247     Table  II-­‐28   Households  by  Income  Category,  2010   Income  for  Family  of  4   Number  of   Households  Percentage  of  Total   Extremely  Low    1,334  8.3   Very  Low  1,237  7.7   Low  1,952  12.2   Moderate  3,311  20.7   Above  Moderate  8,184  51.1   Total  16,018  100.0   Source:  2005-­‐2009  ACS  5-­‐year  data;  US  Census,  SCAG     The  2010  Census  reports  that  2,885  persons,  7.7  percent  of  the  total   population  in  the  City,  were  below  the  poverty  threshold.       Approximately  16  percent  of  La  Quinta  households  earn  50  percent  or   less  of  the  AMI.  This  is  10  percent  less  than  in  2000,  and  indicates  a   significant  improvement  in  incomes  for  lower  income  households.     HOUSING  PROFILE   This   section   provides   an   overview   of   La   Quinta’s   existing   housing   stock.  Since  the  establishment  of  the  La  Quinta  Hotel  in  1926,  La  Quinta   has  been  considered  to  be  a  world  class  resort  and  has  been  a  favored   location  for  vacation  and  retirement  homes.       Generally,  single-­‐family  residences  were  constructed  on  an  individual   basis   from   the   1950s   until   the   La   Quinta   Country   Club   area   was   developed  in  the  1960s.  In  1975  a  brief  building  boom  began  due  to   speculation.   Recessions   in   the   1980s   and   early   1990s   resulted   in   an   oversupply  of  housing  and  little  construction  in  the  City.  Since  these   recessions,  a  rebound  occurred  beginning  in  the  late  1990s.  As  a  result   the   City   has   seen   a   rapid   increase   in   residential   development   of   all   types,  but  predominantly  single-­‐family  units.  There  are  many  projects   clustered  around  recreation  amenities.  In  many  of  these  communities   second   units   and   guest   houses   (typically   used   to   house   guests,   extended   family   members,   and   service   workers)   are   processed   concurrently  with  the  primary  unit.       While  new  single-­‐family  detached  and  attached  homes  are  entitled  and   waiting  to  be  built,  the  bust  of  subprime  lending  practices  in  the  mid   2000s  has  resulted  in  a  steep  decline  in  home  values,  rapid  increase  in   foreclosures,  and  a  decrease  in  the  number  of  households  eligible  to   enter   the   ownership   housing   market.   Several   projects   under     HOUSING   II-­‐248   construction   in   2007   and   2008  have   been  on   hold   indefinitely,   but   there  has  been  recent  interest  in  revising  these  projects  to  reflect  the   new   characteristics   of  the   emerging   recovery   of   the   area’s   housing   market..       Housing  Characteristics   Between   2000   and  2010,   the   number   of   housing   units   in   the   City   increased   by  11,677  units   from   11,812   to  23,489  units.     This   change   represents  a  98.9  percent  increase  (see  Table  II-­‐29).     There   are   three   basic   types   of   housing   units   for   which   data   is   presented  in  Table   II-­‐30:  single  family   units,   which   include   both   detached   and   attached   units;   multifamily   units,   which   include   apartments,   duplexes,   triplexes   and   fourplexes;   and   mobile   homes.   The   predominant   type   of   dwelling   unit   in   the   City   of   La   Quinta   continues  to  be  single  family.       Together,  detached  and  attached  single-­‐family  homes  comprised  89.0   percent  of  all  units  in  the  City.  The  number  of  multifamily  units  in  the   City  more  than  doubled  from  2000  to  2010,  although  multifamily  units   represent  10  percent  of  the  total  housing  stock.     The  rate  of  development  activity  in  the  City  has  varied  over  the  years,   as  shown  in  Table  II-­‐31.    The  numbers  in  Table  II-­‐31  are  based  upon  the   number  of  building  permits  issued,  as  compared  to  units  built  to  date.   Therefore,   the   number   of   units   reported   is   greater   than   that   as   reported  by  DOF  for  a  similar  time  period.  The  annual  growth  rate  for   development  activity  hit  a  high  of  24.7  percent  in  1988  but  dropped   dramatically  in  subsequent  years,  to  a  low  of  3.7  percent  in  1991.  While   growth   rates  began   to   improve   during  the   1990s  to  around   5   to   9   percent,  growth  in  housing  production  peaked  in  the  mid-­‐2000s,  and   began  to  drop  significantly  in  2007.       Table  II-­‐29   Total  Housing  Stock  2000  to  2010    2000  2010   Change  2000–2010   %  #   California  13,312,456  13,680,081  +2.8  +367,625   Riverside  County  584,674  800,707  +36.9  +216,033   La  Quinta  11,812  23,489  +98.9  +11,677   Source:  2000  &  2010  Census;  DOF         HOUSING   II-­‐249   Table  II-­‐30   Total  Dwelling  Units  by  Type  of  Structure  2000  to  2012   Building  Type   2000  2012  Change  2000–2010   Units   %  of   Total  Units  %  of  Total  %  #   Single-­‐Family  10,788  91.3  21,009  89.0  +94.7  +10,221   Multifamily  765  6.5  2,345  10.0  +206.5  +1,580   Mobile  Homes  1  259  2.2  231  1.0  –10.8  –28   Total  Dwelling   Units  11,812  100.0  23,585  100.0  +99.7  +11,733   Source:  2000    Census  data  and  2012  DOF   1In  2006  a  mobile  home  park  was  converted  to  the  Vista  Dunes  affordable  housing  project.  The   residents  of  the  92  mobile  homes  were  compensated  and  relocated.         HOUSING   II-­‐250   Table  II-­‐31   Historic  Record  of  Housing  Development   Year   Single-­‐ Family   Detached   Single-­‐ Family   Attached     Multi-­‐ family     Mobile   Homes  Demo   Annual   Total   Sum   Total   Annual   growth   (%)   Pre-­‐ 1983  1,415  374  168  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  N/A  1,957  N/A   1983  20  227  10  226  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  483  2,440  24.7   1984  82  202  2  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  286  2,726  11.7   1985  74  307  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  381  3,107  14.0   1986  158  237  3  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  398  3,505  9.7   1987  143  123  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  266  3,771  5.9   1988  467  712  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  1,179  4,950  24.7   1989  587  142  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –6  723  5,673  12.2   1990  707  371  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –4  1,074  6,747  16.1   1991  282  4  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  286  7,033  3.7   1992  283  32  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  315  7,348  3.9   1993  312  12  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  324  7,672  3.9   1994  474  24  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  498  8,170  5.7   1995  380  28  91  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  499  8,669  5.4   1996  462  24  116  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  602  9,271  6.2   1997  466  28  1  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –1  494  9,765  4.8   1998  870  34  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –2  902  10,667  8.4   1999  1,171  20  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –4  1,187  11,854  10.2   2000  1,274  58  200  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  1,532  13,386  11.9   2001  898  4  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –11  891  14,277  6.2   2002  570  87  117  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –13  761  15,038  5.0   2003  1,030  78  280  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –10  1,378  16,416  9.2   2004  1,293  111  14  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –21  1,397  17,813  8.5   2005  1,242  206  151  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  –12  1,587  19,400  8.9   2006  719  148  327  -­‐92  –61  1,096  20,496  5.7   2007    448  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐21  –3  424  20,920  2.1   2008  230  6  218  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐3  451  21,371  2.2   2009  103  6  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐4  105  21,476  0.5   2010  73  6  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  79  21,555  0.4   2011  34  4  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐2  36  21,591  0.2   2012  49  0  176  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐1  224  21,815  1.0   To   6/1/13  52  0  0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐  52  21,867  0.2   Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  Historic  Record  of  Housing  Development,  2012;  City  of  La  Quinta   Monthly  Building  Permit  Logs,  2006-­‐2013   1  In  2006  a  mobile  home  park  was  converted  to  an  affordable  housing  project;  the  mobile   homes  are  not  included  in  the  demolished  category.  The  residents  of  the  92  mobile  homes   were  compensated  and  relocated.     A  significant  factor  affecting  the  number  of  available  units  throughout   most  communities  in  the  Coachella  Valley  is  the  fact  that  many  housing   units   are   held   off   the   market   for   use   either   as   short   term   vacation   rentals  or  as  second  homes.  Statistics  available  from  DOF  as  of  January   1,   2013,   indicate  that   the   vacancy   rate   in   La   Quinta   is  36.9  percent,   reflecting  the  seasonal  resort  character  of  the  City.  The  2010  Census     HOUSING   II-­‐251   estimated  that  74.4  of  vacant  housing  units  in  the  City  are  for  seasonal   or  occasional  use.  On  that  basis,  the  City’s  actual  net  vacancy  rate  is   9.5%.       Household  Characteristics   Before  current  housing  problems  can  be  understood  and  future  needs   anticipated,  housing  occupancy  characteristics  need  to  be  identified  in   the   City.   The   following   is   an   analysis   of   household   size,   household   growth,   tenure,   and   vacancy   trends.   By   definition,   a   “household”   consists  of  all  the  people  occupying  a  dwelling  unit,  whether  or  not   they  are  related.  A  single  person  living  in  an  apartment  is  a  household,   just  as  a  couple  with  two  children  living  in  the  same  dwelling  unit  is   considered  a  household.     Households  and  Household  Size   Between  2000  and  2010,  La  Quinta  households  grew  at  a  rate  more   than   twice   that   of   Riverside   County,   as   shown  in  Table   II-­‐32.  It   is   important   to   note,   however,   that   the   vast   majority   of   this   growth   occurred  prior  to  2008,  and  that  growth  ceased  almost  completely.   The  total  number  of  households  in  the  City  in  2010  was  14,820,  which   represents  a  net  increase  of  6,375  households  since  2000.       Table  II-­‐33  shows  the  number  of  households  in  La  Quinta  by  household   size.   Household   size   is   important,   as   the   City   uses   the   average   household  size  to  plan  for  most  public  improvements  and  services  and   to  project  population.     The  2010  Census  estimates  the  number  of  persons  per  household  at   2.52,  and  January  1,  2013,  DOF  estimates  show  a  slight  increase,  at  2.57   persons  per  household.       Table  II-­‐32   Total  Households,  2000  and  2010   Jurisdiction  2000  2010  #  Increase   %   Increase   County  of  Riverside  506,218  686,260  180,042  35.6   City  of  La  Quinta  8,445  14,820  6,375  75.5   Source:  2000  and  2010  Census       HOUSING   II-­‐252   Table  II-­‐33   Household  Size,  2000  and  2010   Household  Size   2000  2010   Number  Percent  Number  Percent   1  Person  1,426  16.9  3,164  21.3   2  Person  3,304  39.1  6,471  43.7   3–4  Person  2,556  30.2  3,669  24.8   5+  Person  1,169  13.8  1,516  10.2   Total  Households  8,455  14,820   Average   Household   Size  2.79  2.52   Source:  2000  &  2010  Census   Note:  Total  number  of  households  and  average  household  size  obtained  from  DOF  and   distribution  extrapolated  based  on  2000  Census  figures.     Housing  Tenure   The   number   of   owner   occupied   housing   units   in   the   City   has   not   fluctuated  much  during  the  last  decade.  In  2000,  La  Quinta  owners   occupied   81.5   percent   of   total   units   in   the   City,   compared   to   75.2   percent  in  2010.       As  shown  in  Table  II-­‐15,  the  number  of  owner  occupied  units  decreased   from  81.5  percent  in  2000  to  75.2  percent  (11,152  units)  in  2010.  The   increase   in   the   proportion   of   renter   occupied   housing   units   in   La   Quinta  from  18.5  percent  (1,566  units)  in  2000  to  24.8  percent  in  2010   reflects   the   various   factors   associated   with   the   recent   economic   downturn:  job  loss,  sub-­‐prime  lending  practices,       Vacancy   The  vacancy  rate  is  a  measure  of  the  general  availability  of  housing.  It   also  indicates  how  well  the  types  of  units  available  meet  the  current   housing  market  demand.  A  low  vacancy  rate  suggests  that  households   may   have   difficulty   finding   housing   within   their   price   range;   a   high   vacancy  rate  may  indicate  either  the  existence  of  a  high  number  of   units   undesirable   for   occupancy   or   a   simple   oversupply   of   housing   units.     Statistics  available  from  DOF  as  of  January  1,  2013,  indicate  that  the   vacancy  rate  in  La  Quinta  is  36.9  percent,  reflecting  the  seasonal  resort   character  of  the  City.  The  2010  Census  estimated  that  74.4  of  vacant   housing  units  in  the  City  are  for  seasonal  or  occasional  use.  On  that   basis,  the  City’s  actual  net  vacancy  rate  is  9.5%.         HOUSING   II-­‐253   Of  the  8,669  vacant  units  in  2010,  736  were  available  for  rent,  783  were   available  for  sale,  and  141  had  been  rented  or  sold  and  were  awaiting   occupancy.   The   remaining  6,448  units   were   counted   as   seasonal   or   second  homes.       Table  II-­‐34   Housing  Tenure  and  Vacancy   Tenure  2010  Percentage   Total  Units       Total  Units  23,489  100.0   Occupied  14,820  63.1   Vacant  8,669  36.9   Ownership  Units       Total  Ownership  Units  12,022  100.0   Occupied  11,152  92.8   Vacant  870  7.2   Rental  Units       Total  Rental  Units  4,458  100.0   Occupied  3,668  82.3   Vacant  790  17.7   Seasonal/Other  Units       Total  Seasonal   Recreational   Use   6,448  -­‐-­‐   Rented  or  Sold,  not  occupied  141  -­‐-­‐   Other  Vacant  561  -­‐-­‐   Source:  2010  Census     Age  and  Condition  of  Housing   Housing   age   is   a   factor   for   determining   the   need   for   rehabilitation.   Without   proper   maintenance,   housing   units   deteriorate   over   time.   Also,  older  houses  may  not  be  built  to  current  housing  standards  for   fire  and  earthquake  safety.       Approximately  72  percent  of  the  housing  stock  in  the  City  of  La  Quinta   has  been  built  since  1990,  and  about  42  percent  of  the  current  stock   has  been  constructed  since  2000  (see  Table  II-­‐35).  Less  than  4  percent   was  constructed  prior  to  1970.       The  oldest  homes  in  the  City  are  found  in  the  Cove  neighborhood.  Of   the   older   single   family   homes,   many   are   well   maintained   and   are   mostly  occupied  by  long  term  residents.  A  small  proportion  of  older   homes   have   not   been   well-­‐maintained.   These   homes   are   typically     HOUSING   II-­‐254   smaller  than  new  homes  in  the  City;  some  less  than  1,000  square  feet.   As  land  values  increase,  it  will  become  economically  viable  to  replace   or  rehabilitate  some  of  these  structures.  These  homes  are  primarily  in   the  Cove  area  and  behind  City  Hall.     Outside  of  the  Cove  area,  the  homes  are  generally  newer.  Many  new   units  in  these  other  areas  are  custom  homes  in  gated  communities  and   are  maintained  by  their  owners  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of   a  home  owners  association.     Table  II-­‐35   Age  of  Housing  Stock  in  La  Quinta   Year  Built  Total  Percentage   2005-­‐2011  2,161  9.8   2000-­‐2004  7,176  32.5   1990–1999  6,448  29.2   1980–1989  3,658  16.6   1970–1979  1,867  8.4   1960–1969  427  1.9   1950–1959  159  0.7   1940–1949  84  0.4   Before  1939  102  0.5   Total  Stock  2  22,082  100.0   Source:  2007-­‐2011  5-­‐year  ACS  Census  data     Housing  is  considered  substandard  when  conditions  are  found  to  be   below  the  minimum  standards  of  living  defined  by  Section  1001  of  the   Uniform   Housing   Code.   Households   living   in   substandard   conditions   are  considered  as  being  in  need  of  housing  assistance  even  if  they  are   not   seeking   alternative   housing   arrangements.   The   majority   of   the   substandard  units  and  the  units  needing  replacement  are  in  the  Cove   area.     Many  of  the  housing  units  in  the  Cove  area  are  more  than  30  years  old.   After  30  years  homes  generally  require  major  rehabilitation,  such  as  a   new  roof  or  updated  plumbing.     Housing  Conditions  Survey  Methodology   A  citywide  survey  of  the  housing  stock  was  conducted  in  November   2007  to  make  observations  of  housing  conditions.  Some  older  areas  of   the  City  that  are  known  to  have  particular  housing  problems  include   the   Cove,   Desert   Club   tracts,   Cameo   Palms,   and   Westward   Ho   neighborhoods.     HOUSING   II-­‐255     The  survey  addressed  five  housing  characteristics:       v Structural,  such  as  walls,  beams,  supports,  and  columns.     v Doors  and  windows,  including  soffits,  overhangs,  and  entries.     v Paint   and   cosmetics,   looking   for   fading,   cracking,   or   chipping   of   paint,  stucco,  plant-­‐ons,  and  trim  or  fascia.     v Roofing,  looking  for  missing  or  broken  tiles  or  shingles,  sagging  or   bowing,  or  eave  damage.     v Streetscape,  including  landscape,  graffiti,  and  refuse.     The  survey  measured  each  characteristic  for  each  home  based  on  a   four-­‐point   scale:   minor   deterioration   (one   point),   moderate   deterioration   (two   points),   substantial   deterioration   (three   points),   and  dilapidated  conditions  (four  points).  The  values  assigned  for  the   five  characteristics  were  summed  for  each  home  and  divided  to  create   an  average  score.     Homes  receiving  an  average  score  of  less  than  1.0  were  classified  as   units  that  have  simply  deferred  maintenance.  When  a  home  averaged  a   score   of   1.0–1.5,   the   home   was   identified   as   in   need   of   minor   rehabilitation.   If   the   average   score   reached   1.6–2.5,   the   home   was   identified  as  in  need  or  moderate  rehabilitation.  Finally,  any  home  that   received  an  average  score  of  2.6  or  higher  was  identified  as  in  need  of   substantial  rehabilitation.     Housing  Conditions  Survey  Results   The  majority  of  units  surveyed  were  found  to  be  in  good  condition,   with   little   or   no   observation   of   deferred   maintenance   or   need   for   repairs.  The  survey  showed  that  approximately  1,470  units  in  the  City   (approximately  7  percent  of  the  housing  stock)  exhibited  the  need  for   maintenance  activities  or  structural  repair.         HOUSING   II-­‐256   Deferred  Maintenance   Almost   all   of   the   units   identified   in   the   survey,   1,408   units,   were   assigned  an  overall  score  of  less  than  1.0  and  are  classified  as  deferred   maintenance.   The   buildings   under   this   classification   do   not   display   major  structural  deficiencies,  but  include  characteristics  that  do  require   attention.  In  general,  these  units  exhibited  only  minor  deterioration  for   a  couple  of  characteristics.     For   example,   some   painting   or   minor   repairs   to   the   fascia,   trim,   windows,   garage,   and   front   doors   may   be   needed.   The   surface   material   or   rock/pebble   protective   covering   of   the   roof   may   need   attention.   Most   frequently   cited   are   cases   where   the   aggregate/pebbles   have   been   stripped   or   worn   off,   and   the   black   asphalt/tarred   sheet   rock   underlayment   is   exposed.   Units   displaying   warped  garage  doors  that  do  not  close  all  the  way,  peeling  paint  on   wood  siding,  and  unpainted  or  major  discoloration  of  patches  of  stucco   are  also  included  in  this  classification.     Units  in  the  deferred  maintenance  category  may  also  reflect  the  need   for  fence  repair  or  paint;  the  complete  lack  of  landscaping,  where  the   yard  consists  of  dirt,  weeds,  dead  plants,  or  rusting  metal  of  unknown   sources;   and   neglect   of   portions  of   the   yard   or   exterior   structures   (such  as  shade  overhangs,  porticos  or  fences).       Other  circumstances  that  contribute  toward  the  deferred  maintenance   ranking   include   the   use   of   the   front/side   yards   for   unstructured/unorganized/   unshielded   storage   of   vehicles,   old   tools,   old  machinery,  propane  tanks,  broken  doors,  windows,  furniture,  and   other  types  of  clutter;  and  the  storage  of  campers  or  camper  shells  in   the  front  yard  rather  than  the  driveway.  In  some  cases  these  camper   units  appeared  to  be  occupied.       These   characteristics   do   not,   for   the   most   part,   compromise   the   structural   integrity   of   the   housing   unit.   However,   they   can   lead   to   more   serious   physical   deterioration   and   contribute   to   an   overall   atmosphere  of  neighborhood  neglect  and  disrepair  (“blight”).  In  some   cases,   units   exhibit   several   substandard   physical   conditions   concurrently,  (such  as  need  for  window  repair,  stucco  patching,  and   replacement   of   garage   doors),   but   don’t   exhibit   yard   maintenance   deferral.  These  units  are  technically  indistinguishable  from  those  units   in   the   minor   rehabilitation   category.   If   a   unit   in   the   deferred   maintenance  category  reveals  the  existence  of  three  or  more  physical   conditions,   it   is   worth   considering   for   minor   rehabilitation.   Other     HOUSING   II-­‐257   characteristics   not   specifically  ranked   may   also   warrant   minor   rehabilitation.     Minor  Rehabilitation   There  were  36  units  that  received  an  average  score  of  1.0–1.5  and  were   classified  as  minor  rehabilitation.  A  total  of  30  of  these  units  were  in   the  Cove  area.  This  classification  reflects  the  presence  of  three  or  more   deferred  maintenance  items  and/or  the  inclusion  of  one  non-­‐structural   major  deficiency.       Most   combinations   of   conditions   showing   need   for   minor   rehabilitation  included  deferred  yard/fence  maintenance  and  paint  or   stucco  repair.   A   unit   exhibiting   characteristics   warranting   a   minor   rehabilitation  classification  may  not  necessarily  reflect  the  existence  of   a   major   deficiency.   The   majority   of   units   in   the   minor   rehabilitation   category   reflect   the   presence   of   numerous   deferred  maintenance   conditions.  These  conditions  may  begin  to  physically  deteriorate  the   unit,  yet  do  not  materially  endanger  the  occupation  of  the  unit,  and  are   economically  feasible  to  correct.     Moderate  Rehabilitation   Of  the  23  units  classified  as  in  need  of  moderate  rehabilitation,  20  are   in   the   Cove   area.   Receiving   average   scores   of   1.6–2.5,   these   units   distinguish  themselves  from  those  in  need  of  minor  rehabilitation  by   exhibiting  conditions  that  may  materially  endanger  the  health,  safety,   or   wellbeing   of   the   occupant.   These   units,   however,   may   be   economically  feasible  to  repair.       Based   upon   survey   observations,   the   structures   in   this   Moderate   Rehabilitation  category  are  clearly  in  a  deficient  state.  For  the  most   part,  four  to  five  deferred  maintenance  deficiencies,  more  than  one   major  deficiency,  or  a  primary  structural  element  needing  major  repair,   were  observed  for  units  in  the  moderate  rehabilitation  category.       The  most  prevalent  characteristics  observed  in  single-­‐family  units  of   this  category  were  need  for  major  roof  repair,  window  replacement,  or   some   slight   structural   or   concrete   repair.   These   characteristics   are   compounded  by  deferred  maintenance  items  such  as  trim  or  garage   doors  lacking  paint,  deferred  upkeep  of  landscaping  and  fencing,  and   roofs  in  need  of  patching.     Many  homeowners  may  not  be  aware  of  rehabilitation  programs  that   can  help  them  bring  their  home  up  to  code.  The  City  will  list  these   resources   on   its   website   and   may   be   able   to   provide   financial     HOUSING   II-­‐258   assistance  for  home  rehabilitation.  The  County  of  Riverside  also  offers   a  home  repair  program.       Substantial  Rehabilitation  or  Replacement   The  four  housing  units  classified  as  substantial  rehabilitation  are  units   that,   in   their   present   state,   materially   endanger   the   health,   safety   and/or   wellbeing   of   occupants   in   at   least   one   respect.   These   units   received   an   average   score   of   2.6   or   greater   and   may   not   be   economically  feasible  to  repair.       These   units   exhibit   characteristics   such   as   need   for   complete   replacement   of   the   roof   structure,   walls   that   will   require   reconstruction/replacement,  major  stucco  and  painting  needs,  partial   foundation  deterioration,  and  dilapidated  yard/grounds  and  fences.     In  addition  to  structural  deficiency,  the  lack  of  certain  infrastructure   and   utilities   often   serves   as   an   indicator   of   substandard   conditions.   According   to   the   2000   Census,   there   were   19   ownership   units   that   lacked  complete  plumbing  facilities  and  34  units  in  the  City  that  lacked   complete  kitchen  facilities.  Additionally,  there  were  15  units  reliant  on   wood  as  the  heating  source,  and  67  units  with  no  source  of  heating.       The   City   initiated   a   Residential   Rehabilitation   Assistance   Program   in   1997  and  rehabilitated  a  total  of  13  homes  between  1997  and  2004.  The   program   was   discontinued   in   2004   due   to   a   lack   of   interest   from   property  owners  and  contractors.     From  2010  through  2012,  the  Code  Compliance  Division  has  acted  on   185  violations  relating  to  the  Building  Code.  While  Code  Compliance   statistics  do  not  differentiate  violation  statistics  into  categories,  most   Building   Code   violations   would   include   conditions   which   threatened   public   health   and   safety,  such   as   roofing   failure,   major   wall   repair,   foundation   repair,   and   similar   conditions.  All   the   violations   were   corrected.     Rooms  per  Unit   Table  II-­‐36  shows  the  number  of  bedrooms  per  unit,  ranging  from  no   bedroom   (studios)   to   five   or   more   bedrooms.  Table   II-­‐36  also   highlights  the  number  of  bedrooms  per  unit,  in  relationship  to  the  total   number  of  units  for  both  2000  and  2011.  The  single  largest  increase   proportionally  was  in  three-­‐bedroom  units,  which  increased  8  percent   from  2000  to  2011.         HOUSING   II-­‐259   Table  II-­‐36   Bedrooms  Per  Unit,  2000–2011   Bedrooms   Per   Unit  2000  %  of  Total  2011  %  of  Total  %  Change  1   Studio   (no   bedroom)   159  1.3  248  1.1  -­‐0.2   1  375  3.2  1,296  5.5  2.3   2  2,101  17.9  4,510  19.1  1.2   3  7,013  60.0  12,251  52.0  -­‐8.0   4  2,044  17.4  4,595  19.5  2.1   5+  71  0.6  657  2.8  2.2   Total  11,763  100.4  23,557  100.0  -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐   Source:    2000  Census  ,  2007-­‐2011  American  Community  Survey.   1  This  category  represents  percent  change  in  proportional  terms.     Table  II-­‐37  identifies  the  number  of  bedrooms  in  a  dwelling  unit  by   tenure.  Three-­‐bedroom  units  constituted  the  majority  of  housing  stock   (approximately  59  and  44  percent,  respectively)  for  both  owner  and   rental   units.   In   ownership   units,   those   with   two,   three,   or   four   bedrooms  made  up  96  percent  of  units,  while  the  same  bedroom  mix   made  up  only  83  percent  or  rental  units.  As  would  be  expected,  rental   units   contained   a   much   higher   proportion   of   one-­‐bedroom   units,   providing   housing   for   those   who   are   young,   mobile  or   do   not   earn   enough  to  enter  homeownership.     HOUSING   II-­‐260   Table  II-­‐37   Bedrooms  in  Dwelling  Unit  by  Tenure,  2010   Tenure  Number  Percentage   Owner  Occupied  10,238  100   Studio    (no  bedroom)  18  1   1  bedroom  84  1   2  bedrooms  1,100  11   3  bedrooms  6,066  59   4  bedrooms  2,638  26   5  or  more  bedrooms  332  3   Renter  Occupied  3,643  100   Studio    (no  bedroom)  28  1   1  bedroom  602  17   2  bedrooms  1,110  30   3  bedrooms  1,589  44   4  bedrooms  314  9   5  or  more  bedrooms  0  0   Total  13,881  100   Studio    (no  bedroom)  46  1   1  bedroom  686  5   2  bedrooms  2,200  16   3  bedrooms  7,655  55   4  bedrooms  2,952  21   5  or  more  bedrooms  332  2   Source:  U.S.  Census  Bureau,  2008-­‐2010  American  Community  Survey.     Housing  Costs  and  Rents   This  section  discusses  resale  pricing  for  existing  housing,  the  pricing  for   new  single  family  housing,  and  the  average  rental  prices  in  the  City.  La   Quinta’s  for-­‐sale  and  rental  properties  range  from  multimillion  dollar   estates  to  very  low  income  subsidized  units.       Resale  Homes   The  average  price  for  a  resale  home  in  the  City  varies,  depending  upon   the   type   and   location   of   the   unit.   As   shown   in  Table   II-­‐38,   approximately  49  percent   of   single-­‐family   detached   homes   and  40   percent   of   condominiums   were   listed   under   $300,000.   Available   condominiums   have   a   wide   price   range   depending   on   location,   bedroom  count,  and  amenities  associated  with  the  subdivision.     The  median  home  sales  price  for  an  existing  home  in  the  2nd  quarter  of   2012  was  $330,000,  an  increase  of  9.2%  over  the  previous  year,  but  a  15%   drop  from  the  same  period  in  2010,  when  the  median  sales  price  stood   at  $384,000.       HOUSING   II-­‐261     Table  II-­‐38   Sample  Resale  Prices  of  Single-­‐Family  Homes   and  Condominiums   Price  Range   Single-­‐family   Homes  Condominiums   Number  Percent  Number  Percent   $750,000–   $3,500,000   75  13%  0  0%   $500,000– $749,999   83  14.5  13  10.6   $400,000–   $499,999   45  8%  15  12.2%   $350,000– $399,999   30  5%  29  23.6%   $300,000– $349,999   63  11%  17  13.8%   $250,000– $299,999   90  15.7%  17  13.8%   $200,000– $249,999   70  12.2%  19  15.4%   $150,000– $199,999   79  13.8%  7  5.7%   $125,000– $149,999   19  3.3%  5  4.1%   $75,000– $124,999   17  3.0%  1  0.8%   $0–$74,999  3  0.5%  0  0%   Total  574  100%  123  100%   Source:  :  www.Trulia.com,  April  2013  (1/1/13  –  4/20/13)       New  Homes   The  construction  of  new  homes  in  the  City  has  been  severely  curtailed   by  the  recession.  The  median  price  for  a  new  home  in  the  2nd  quarter  of   2012  was  $475,000,  a  3%  decrease  from  the  previous  year,  and  1%  less   than  in  2010.  The  new  housing  market  in  La  Quinta  has  yet  to  recover.   A  number  of  projects  that  are  approved  but  not  yet  constructed  have   been  stopped.  The  owners  of  undeveloped  or  unfinished  residential   projects   may   decide   to   sell   the   land   or   hold   the   land   and   restart   construction   during   the   next   upswing   in   the   housing   market.   Some   new   properties   have   been   auctioned   off   and   others   are   being   sold   back  to  financial  institutions.  Overall  the  housing  market  in  La  Quinta  is   more  affordable  than  in  previous  years.     During  the  2006-­‐2013  planning  period,  the  City  built  affordable  for-­‐sale   units  in  addition  to  affordable  rental  projects.  Watercolors,  a  149-­‐unit     HOUSING   II-­‐262   project  that  opened  in  2007,  includes  two-­‐  and  three-­‐bedroom  units   affordable  to  moderate  income  households  (ages  55  and  over).     Rental  Units   Table   II-­‐22  provides   a   listing   of   advertised   rents   for   a   selection   of   apartment  properties.  These  market  rate  units  are  largely  affordable  to   moderate  income  households  of  any  size.  New  rental  projects  in  La   Quinta,  particularly  affordable  projects,  are  incorporating  more  aspects   of  sustainable  design  and  green  building.       The  Vista  Dunes  Courtyard  Homes  project,  constructed  in  2008,  which   provides  79  rental  units  affordable  to  very  low  income  households  and   one  unit  affordable  to  a  moderate  income  household.  Vista  Dunes  is   the  first  very  low  income  multifamily  project  of  its  size  in  the  country  to   achieve  LEED  Platinum  certification.  The  project  provides  a  swimming   pool,  playground,  basketball  court,  and  large  community  multipurpose   room.     Wolff  Waters  Place,  built  in  2009,  includes  218  green-­‐built  apartments,   of  which  216  are  affordable  to  very  low  income  households  and  2  are   affordable  to  moderate  income  families.     Coral  Mountain  Apartments  is  designed  for  176  units,  of  which  36  are   proposed  to  be  affordable  to  very  low  income  households,  138  to  low   income  households,  and  2  units  will  be  affordable  to  moderate  income   households.  The  project  will  be  completed  in  2014,  early  in  the  planning   period.       Washington   Street   Apartments   consists   of  72  existing  one-­‐bedroom   apartment   units   located   on   approximately   4.7   acres   of   land.  These   units  will  be  rehabilitated  by  the  City,  and  68  new  one-­‐bedroom  units,   on  approximately  5  additional  acres,  will  be  added.         The  majority   of   apartment   rental   properties   are   offered   at   costs   comparable  to  the  average  rental  costs  for  the  Coachella  Valley  as  a   whole.  The  affordability  of  rental  housing  in  La  Quinta  is  not  directly   tied   to   the   density   of   the   project;   rather,   prices   range   based   on   condition,  on-­‐site  amenities,  location,  and  unit  size.     HOUSING   II-­‐263   Table  II-­‐39   Representative  Apartment  Market  Rental  Rates     Project  Name     Unit  Size  Market   Rental  Rate   Villagio  at  La  Quinta  1  &  2  Bdrm  $1,129-­‐1,285   Mediterra  1  &  2  Bdrm  $999-­‐1,390   Villa  Cortina  1,  2,  3  &  4  Bdrm  $666-­‐842   Aventine  1  &  2  Bdrm  $1,045-­‐1,245   Vista  Dunes  1,  2  &  3  Bdrm  $277-­‐711       HOUSING  NEEDS   The   following   analysis   of   current   City   housing   conditions   presents   housing   needs   and   concerns   relative   to   various   segments   of   the   population.     Several  factors  will  influence  the  degree  of  demand  or  need  for  new   housing   in   La   Quinta   in   coming   years.   The   four   major   “needs”   categories  considered  in  this  element  are:      Overpayment:   renters   and   homeowners   who   must   pay   more   than  30  percent  of  their  gross  incomes  for  shelter.        Overcrowding:   In   response   to   higher   housing   prices,   lower   income  households  must  often  be  satisfied  with  smaller,  less   adequate  housing  for  available  money.        Special   Needs:   Special   needs   are   those   associated   with   relatively  unusual  occupation  or  demographic  groups  that  call   for   very   specific   program   responses,   such   as   preservation   of   residential   hotels   or   the   development   of   four-­‐bedroom   apartments.   State   law   specifically   requires   analysis   of   the   special  housing  needs  of  the  elderly,  the  disabled,  single-­‐parent   households,   large   families,   farm   workers,   and   homeless   persons.        Future   Housing   Needs:   To   meet   future   needs   of   local   and   regional  population  and  employment  growth,  SCAG  developed   the   Regional   Housing   Needs   Assessment   (RHNA),   which   establishes   both   the   projected   need   for   non-­‐market-­‐rate   housing  and  the  “fair  share”  distribution  of  the  projected  need   to  each  jurisdiction  in  each  market  area.       HOUSING   II-­‐264   Overpayment  and  Housing  Affordability     State  housing  policy  recognizes  that  cooperative  participation  of  the   private   and   public   sectors   is   necessary   to   expand   housing   opportunities  to  all  economic  segments  of  the  community.  Historically,   the   private   sector   generally   responds   to   the   majority   of   the   community’s   housing   needs   through   the   production   of   market-­‐rate   housing.  However,  the  percentage  of  the  population  on  a  statewide   basis   who   can   afford   market-­‐rate   housing   is   declining.   The   State   of   California   and   HUD   determined   that   affordable   housing   should   consume   no   more   than   30   percent   of   household   gross   income   for   lower   and   moderate   income   households.    A   household   spending   greater  than  30  percent  of  their  gross  income  on  housing  is  considered   to  be  overpaying.     Table   II-­‐40  lists   the   percentage   of   renters   and   homeowners   who   overpay  for  housing,  based  on  2005-­‐2009  CHAS  data.  Approximately  19   percent  of  all  households  in  La  Quinta  spent  more  than  30  percent  of   their   income   on   housing   costs.   More   than  33  percent   of   renter   households  (1,245)  experienced  overpayment,  while  only  14  percent  of   owner   households   (1,690)   overpaid   for   housing.   For  extremely  low   income   households,  11.0  percent   of   renters   and  3.7  percent   of   homeowners  overpaid  for  housing.  For  very  low  income  households,   13.6  percent  of  renters  and  16.7  percent  of  homeowners  overpaid  for   housing.  For  low  income  households,  14.8  percent  of  renters  and  26.2   percent   of   homeowners   overpaid.   Furthermore,   many   of   these   households  were  actually  paying  more  than  50  percent  of  their  gross   household  income  for  housing.       HOUSING   II-­‐265   Table  II-­‐40   Overpayment  by  Income  Category  and  Tenure   Tenure   Household   Income1  Cost  Burden2   Number  of   House-­‐ holds   Percent     of   Overpay3   Percent   of  Total4       Owner   Occupied     Extremely  Low   Income  30%-­‐50%  25  0.9%  0.2%   Extremely  Low   Income   Greater  than   50%  405  13.8%  3.5%   Very  Low  Income  30%-­‐50%  90  3.1%  0.8%   Very  Low  Income  Greater  than   50%  400  13.6%  3.4%   Low  Income  30%-­‐50%  370  12.6%  3.2%   Low  Income  Greater  than   50%  400  13.6%  3.4%   Total  Owner  Occupied   Overpaying  1,690  57.6%  14.4%       Renter   Occupied     Extremely  Low   Income  30%-­‐50%  175  6.0%  4.7%   Extremely  Low   Income   Greater  than   50%  235  8.0%  6.3%   Very  Low  Income  30%-­‐50%  100  3.4%  2.7%   Very  Low  Income  Greater  than   50%  300  10.2%  8.0%   Low  Income  30%-­‐50%  205  7.0%  5.5%   Low  Income  Greater  than   50%  230  7.8%  6.2%   Total  Renter  Occupied   Overpaying  1,245  42.4%  33.3%   Total  households  overpaying  for  housing:  2,935    100.0%  19.0%   Source:  2005-­‐2009  CHAS   Total  Owner  Occupied  =  11,705   Total  Renter  Occupied  =  3,735   1  Note:  HUD  and  CA  HCD  use  different  terminology/methodology  to  define  Household   Income,  but  they  are  roughly  equivalent.  The  table  above  uses  HCD’s  terminology   (“extremely  low,  very  low,  low”)  since  that’s  what  we  use  in  HE  documents.   2      Percent  of  monthly  income  spent  on  housing  costs,  including  utilities   3      Percent  of  households  that  overpaid.   4    Percent  of  total  households  per  tenure.     A   distinction   between   renter   and   owner   housing   overpayment   is   important   because,   while  homeowners   may   overextend   themselves   financially  to  afford  a  home  purchase,  the  owner  maintains  the  option   of   selling   the   home   and   may   realize   tax   benefits   or   appreciation   in   value.   Renters,   on   the   other   hand,   are   limited   to   the   trends   of   the   rental  market.     HOUSING   II-­‐266     These  overpayment  estimates  reflect  the  need  for  affordable  housing   in  the  City,  particularly  for  lower  income  households.  It  also  reflects  the   need  for  homes  affordable  to  Low  and  Very  Low  income  households  to   be   available   in   the   City   for   purchase.   Overpayment   among   the   Moderate   and   High   income   categories  is   a   reflection   of   current   economic   conditions,   and   the   mortgage   crisis   still   under   way.   In   addition,   some   owner   households   choose   to   allocate   a   higher   percentage   of   their   disposable   monthly   income   on  housing   costs   because  this  allocation  is  justified  in  light  of  investment  qualities  of   ownership.       Table  II-­‐41  identifies  the  affordable  rents  and  purchase  price  by  income   category  for  a  one-­‐person  household,  a  two-­‐person  household,  and  a   family  of  four.  Affordable  rental  rates  are  based  on  30  percent  of  gross   income,   and   affordable   ownership   costs   are   determined   using   a   maximum  allowance  of  35  percent  of  gross  income.           To  measure  affordability  in  La  Quinta,  affordable  housing  expenditures   should  be  compared  with  actual  rental  and  purchase  prices  in  the  City.       HOUSING   II-­‐267   Table  II-­‐41   Affordable  Housing  Costs  by  Annual  Income   Type   Annual  Income   (2013)  1   Maximum   Affordable  Rent   Payment  2   Maximum   Affordable   Purchase  Price  3   Single-­‐Person  Household   Extremely  Low  $14,100  $326  $47,250   Very  Low  $23,450  $543  $85,050   Low  $37,550  $869  $141,750   Moderate  $54,600  $1,365  $217,350   Above  Moderate  $54,600+  Above  $1,303  Above  $217,350   Median  $45,500  $1,085  $179,550   Two-­‐Person  Household   Extremely  Low  $16,100  $403  $50,850   Very  Low  $26,800  $670  $91.530   Low  $42,900  $1,073  $152,550   Moderate  $62,400  $1,560  $233,910   Above  Moderate  $62,400+  Above  $1,560  Above  $233,910   Median  $52,000  $1,300  $193,230   Four-­‐Person  Household   Extremely  Low  $20,100  $503  $74,800   Very  Low  $33,500  $838  $132,000   Low  $53,600  $1,340  $215,600   Moderate  $78,000  $1,950  $328,900   Above  Moderate  $78,000+  Above  $1,950  Above  $328,900   Median  $65,000  $1,625  $272,800   1  Income  limits  established  by  HCD,  2013.     2  Based  on  30  percent  of  income.   3  Based  on  35  percent  of  income,  10%  down,  4%  interest,  and  1.25%  taxes  and  homeowner’s   insurance  monthly.     Affordability  of  Homeownership   Since   2006   the  City   and   Valley   have   experienced   a   wide   range   of   pricing   options   due   to   foreclosures  and   decreases   in   home   values.   While  there  are  still  multimillion  dollar  homes  for  sale,  there  are  also   new  and  fairly  new  homes  for  sale  at  prices  that  are  affordable  to  the   median  and  moderate  income  household.       Even   with   the   downturn   in   the   housing   market,  some  single-­‐family   dwellings   would   be   unaffordable   to   lower   income   households.   The   median   sale   price   range   of   $330,000   to   $475,000,   puts   single-­‐family   homes  out  of  reach  for  most  of  the  low  and  all  of  the  very  low  income   households  in  the  City.         Affordability  of  Rental  Costs   Low  and  moderate  income  households  can  afford  to  spend  $869  to   $1,950   per   month   on   rent   and   utilities.   As   shown   in  Table   II-­‐41,  the     HOUSING   II-­‐268   average  rent  for  many  of  the  listed  apartments  range  from  $600  to   $1,250—well  within  the  affordable  range  for  these  households.       Hundreds  of  lower  and  moderate  income  households  are  served  by   existing  projects.  Newly  constructed  income-­‐restricted  rental  projects   provide  218  units  of  new  rental  housing  for  very  low  and  low  income   households.  With  the  market-­‐rate  rental  market  essentially  closed  for   extremely  low  and  very  low  income  households,  however,  it  is  evident   that  their  major  source  of  affordable  housing  will  continue  to  be  found   through   income-­‐restricted   housing   projects,   housing   voucher   programs,  second  units,  and  employee/guest  houses.     Overcrowding   The   Bureau   of   the   Census   defines   overcrowded   housing   units   as   “those  in  excess  of  one  person  per  room  average.”  Overcrowding  may   occur  when  a  family  or  household  cannot  afford  adequate  living  space,   has  to  house  extended  family  members,  or  is  sharing  inadequate  living   space  with  nonfamily  members.  When  more  than  one  family  shares  a   housing  unit  it  is  called  doubling.       Households  with  lower  incomes  may  permit  overcrowding  to  derive   additional  income,  or  there  may  be  insufficient  supply  of  housing  units   in  the  community  to  accommodate  the  demand.       Table  II-­‐42  shows  that  2.4  percent  of  the  total  occupied  housing  units   were  moderately  overcrowded  from  2009-­‐2011,  a  decrease  from  3.6   percent  in  2000.       A  slightly  higher  incidence  of  overcrowding  was  experienced  among   the   rental   tenure   group.   This   is   supported   by   the   finding   that   the   number   of   persons   per   unit   in   renter-­‐occupied   housing   units   was   slightly  higher   than   owner   occupied,   with  2.82  persons   per   unit   as   compared  to  2.44  for  owner-­‐occupied  households8.  Although  renter   households  constituted  only  27.1  percent  of  all  households  in  the  City,   approximately  6.0  percent   of   renters   experienced   overcrowded   conditions,   with  1.8  percent   of   all   renters   experiencing   severe   overcrowding.   In   comparison,   within  owner-­‐occupied   households,   which  constitute  72.9  percent  of  all  households  in  the  City,  1.1  percent   experienced   overcrowded   conditions,   with  0.2  percent   experiencing   severe  overcrowding.  These  numbers  have  reduced  by  almost  one  half   for  renter  occupied,  and  more  than  three-­‐fourths  for  owner  occupied   since  the  2000  Census.                                                                                                                   8  U.S.  Census  Bureau,  2009-­‐2011  American  Community  Survey.     HOUSING   II-­‐269     16.4  percent  of  renter  households  (654  households)  had  five  or  more   persons,  as  compared  to  approximately  6.2  percent  of  owners.  Large   households   often   require   homes   with   at   least   three  bedrooms.   According  to  the  ACS,  there  were  3,418  housing  units  in  the  City  with   four   or   more   bedrooms.  Of   these,   10.7   percent,   or   365   units   were   renter  occupied.       Table  II-­‐42   Overcrowding   Status   Owner  Renter  Total  Households   Number   %  of   Owners  Number   %  of   Renters  Number   %  of   Total   Not   Overcrowded   10,103  98.7  3,313  90.9  13,416  96.7   Moderately   Overcrowded   97  1.0  237  6.5  334  2.4   Severely   Overcrowded   38  0.3  93  2.6  131  0.9   Total  10,238  100.0  3,643  100.0  13,881  100.0   Source:    U.S.  Census  Bureau,  2008-­‐2010  American  Community  Survey.   Note:  Universe  is  total  households  in  occupied  housing  units.  Housing  units  that  exceed   1.0  or  more  persons  per  room  are  considered  moderately  overcrowded.  Housing  units   that  exceed  1.5  or  more  persons  per  room  are  considered  severely  overcrowded.     Special  Needs   The   state   requires   that   the   special   needs   of   certain   disadvantaged   groups   be   addressed   in   the   Housing   Element.   Selected   populations   with   special   housing   needs   include   the   elderly,   handicapped,   large   families,  single-­‐parent  households,  the  homeless,  and  farm  workers.     Elderly  Persons   The  special  housing  needs  of  the  elderly  are  an  important  concern  for   the  City  of  La  Quinta,  since  many  retired  persons  residing  in  the  City  are   likely  to  be  on  fixed  low  incomes.  Besides  affordability  concerns,  the   elderly   often   maintain   special   needs   related   to   housing   design   and   location.     With  regard  to  housing  design  needs,  the  elderly  may  require  ramps,   handrails,  lower  cupboards  and  counters,  etc.,  to  allow  greater  access   and   mobility.   They   also   may   need   special   security   devices   for   their   homes  to  allow  greater  self-­‐protection.  The  elderly  also  have  special   needs  regarding  location.  They  typically  need  to  have  access  to  public   facilities  (i.e.,  medical  and  shopping)  and  transit.  In  most  instances,  the   elderly  prefer  to  stay  in  their  own  dwellings  rather  than  relocate  to  a   retirement   community,   and   may   need   assistance   to   make   home     HOUSING   II-­‐270   repairs.   Every   effort   should   be   made   to   maintain   their   dignity,   self-­‐ respect,  and  quality  of  life.     According   to   ACS,  7,734  City   residents,   or  21  percent   of   the   total   population,  were  65  years  of  age  or  older  as  compared  to  13.4  percent   in  2000.  Based  on  2009-­‐2011  income  levels,  approximately  7.2  percent   of   the   senior   households   have   been   determined   to   fall   below   the   poverty  level.       According   to   ACS,  there   were  1,971  senior-­‐headed  owner   occupied   households   overpaying   for   housing.   There   were  278  senior-­‐headed   rental  households  overpaying.       Apart  from  privately  owned  housing  units,  the  City  has  several  options   for  senior  living.  Among  these  are:  The  Seasons  development,  which   offers  91  senior  units  in  the  very  low  and  low  affordable  price  range;   Miraflores,  a  project  completed  in  2003  that  supplies  118  senior  units  in   the  low  and  moderate  income  price  range;  and  Hadley  Villas  Senior   Apartments,  an  affordable  project  completed  in  2004  that  offers  81   units  in  the  very  low  income  price  range.  Continued  construction  of   multifamily   units   will   aid   greatly   in   meeting   the   needs   of   seniors   currently  overpaying  for  rental  units.       Table  II-­‐43   City  of  La  Quinta   Householders  65  Years  and  Over,  by  Tenure    Owner-­‐ Occupied   Housing  Units   Renter-­‐ Occupied   Housing  Units   Total  Occupied   Housing  Units   Total,  City  of  La  Quinta  10,734  3,992  14,726   Total,   Householders   65   Years  &  Over  4,019  911  4,930   Source:  2009-­‐2011  American  Community  Survey,  3-­‐Year  Estimates     Disabled  Persons   Physical  and  developmental  disabilities  can  hinder  access  to  housing   units   of   traditional   design,   and   potentially   limit   the   ability   to   earn   adequate  income.  The  three  major  housing  needs  of  the  disabled  are   access,  location,  and  affordability.       Disabled  persons  often  require  specially  designed  dwellings  to  provide   access  not  only  within  the  dwelling,  but  to  and  from  the  unit.  Special   modifications  to  permit  free  access  are  very  important  in  maintaining   independence  and  dignity.  The  California  Administrative  Code  Title  24   Requirements  set  forth  access  and  adaptability  requirements  for  the     HOUSING   II-­‐271   physically   handicapped.   These   regulations   apply   to   public   buildings   such  as  motels,  and  require  that  ramps,  larger  door  widths,  restroom   modifications,   etc.,   be   designed   to  enable   free   access   to   the   handicapped.  Such  standards  are  not  mandatory  of  new  single-­‐family   residential  construction.     A   number   of   disabled   persons   receive   supplemental   Social   Security   Income   and   are   on   fixed   incomes.   Increasing   inflation   and   housing   costs   adversely   affect   these   individuals’   ability   to   secure   affordable   housing.       The  2009-­‐2011  ACS  identified  4,143  persons  in  the  City  with  disabilities,   of   which  1,753  (42.3%)   were   persons   over   the   age   of   65.   The   table   below   identifies   the   number   of   disabilities,   by   type,   for  La   Quinta   residents.   Table  II-­‐44   City  of  La  Quinta   Number  of  Disabilities,  by  Disability  Type1     Number  of   Disabilities  Percent  of  Total   Disabilities   Disabilities,  ages  0-­‐64       Hearing  Difficulty  567  7.4%   Vision  Difficulty  210  2.8%   Cognitive  Difficulty  954  12.5%   Ambulatory  Difficulty  1,308  17.1%   Self-­‐Care  Difficulty  517  6.8%   Independent  Living  Difficulty  1,032  13.5%   Total,  ages  0-­‐64  4,588  60.0%   Disabilities,  ages  65+       Hearing  Difficulty  841  11.0%   Vision  Difficulty  257  3.4%   Cognitive  Difficulty  329  4.3%   Ambulatory  Difficulty  908  11.9%   Self-­‐Care  Difficulty  239  3.1%   Independent  Living  Difficulty  482  6.3%   Total,  ages  65+  3,056  40.0%   TOTAL  DISABILITIES,    all  age  groups:  7,644  100%   1  Represents  the  number  of  disabilities,  not  the  number  of  individuals.  One   individual  may  have  one  or  more  disabilities.   Source:   S1810,   “Disability   Characteristics,”   City   of   La   Quinta,   2009 -­‐2011   American  Community  Survey  3-­‐Year  Estimates.     Disabilities  may  impair  employment  opportunities,  resulting  in  limited   or   fixed   incomes.  According   to  ACS,  844   disabled   individuals   in   the     HOUSING   II-­‐272   labor  force  have  incomes  below  the  poverty  level.  These  households   may   face   significant   challenges   to   affording   adequate   housing,   transportation,  and  health  care.     Persons  with  Developmental  Disabilities   Per  Senate  Bill  No.  812,  the  Housing  Element  must  include  analysis  of   the   special   housing   needs   of   individuals   with   developmental   disabilities.  A  developmental  disability  is  defined  by  Section  4512  of  the   Welfare  and  Institutions  Code  as  “a  disability  that  originates  before  an   individual   becomes   18   years   old,   continues   or   can   be   expected   to   continue  indefinitely,  and  constitutes  a  substantial  disability  for  that   individual.”  This  includes  mental  retardation,  cerebral  palsy,  epilepsy,   and  autism,  as  well  as  disabling  conditions  found  to  be  closely  related   to  mental  retardation  or  to  require  treatment  similar  to  that  required   for   individuals   with   mental   retardation,  but   does   not   include   other   handicapping  conditions  that  are  solely  physical  in  nature.     The   California   Department   of   Developmental   Services   (DDS)   implements   a   statewide   system   of   community-­‐based   services   for   people   with   developmental   disabilities   and   their   families.   DDS   contracts  with  the  Inland  Regional  Center  in  Riverside  to  provide  and   coordinate  local  services  in  Riverside  County,  including  the  City  of  La   Quinta.   The   table   below   quantifies   the   developmentally   disabled   population  in  La  Quinta  that  is  being  served  by  the  Inland  Regional   Center.   Table  II-­‐45   City  of  La  Quinta   Developmentally  Disabled  Population   Served  by  Inland  Regional  Center   Age  Group  #  of  Individuals   0-­‐2  8   3-­‐15  39   16-­‐22  30   23-­‐56  26   57+  4   Total:  107   Includes  individuals  in  zip  codes  92253.   Source:  Inland  Regional  Center,  November  19,  2012.     Housing   needs   for   individuals   with   developmentally   disabilities   can   range  from  traditional  independent  living  environments,  to  supervised   group  quarters,  to  institutions  where  medical  care  and  other  services   are  provided  onsite.  Important  housing  considerations  for  this  group     HOUSING   II-­‐273   include  proximity  to  public  transportation,  accessibility  of  the  home   and   surroundings,   access   to   medical   and   other   public   services,   and   affordability.     Facilities  and  services  in  the  Coachella  Valley  that  assist  persons  with   developmental  and  physical  disabilities  include:     o La  Quinta  Senior  Center  –  La  Quinta:  Services  include  Meals  on   Wheels,  an  outreach  program  and  volunteer  home  care  services   for   homebound   seniors,   and   coordination   of   Dial-­‐a-­‐Ride   transportation  services.   o Angel  View  Crippled  Children’s  Foundation,  based  in  Desert  Hot   Springs,   operates   19  six-­‐bed   group   homes   for   children   and   young  adults  with  developmental  and  physical  disabilities.  The   homes  provide  24-­‐hour  nursing  and/or  attendant  care  and  can   accommodate  100+  individuals  at  a  time.  There  are  17  homes  in   the   Coachella   Valley,   including   12   in   Desert   Hot   Springs,   4   in   Palm  Springs,  and  1  in  Thousand  Palms.   o The   Inland   Regional   Center   oversees   the   management   of   8   single-­‐family  residential  facilities  in  the  Coachella  Valley.  Each   facility   houses   4-­‐6   individuals   and   provides   24/7   staff   supervision.  Residents  are  placed  by  Inland  Regional  Center  and   must  meet  State-­‐mandated  qualifications.   o Canyon   Springs   in   Cathedral   City   is   a   State   developmental   center   operated   by   DDS.   It   provides   residential   services,   treatment,   and   job   training   for   up   to   63   adults   with   developmental   disabilities,   some   of   which   also   have   mental   health  needs.  Referrals  for  admission  are  made  by  the  Inland   Regional  Center.  In  November  2012,  it  served  55  individuals.   o Community   Counseling   and   Consultation   Center,   Inc./Desert   AIDS  Project  –  Palm  Springs:  Dedicated  to  providing  support,   care,  and  treatment  to  people  with  AIDS  and  related  illnesses   and   education   to   the   general   community.   The   Desert   AIDS   project  serves  the  psychological  needs  of  AIDS  clients,  provides   case   management,   anonymous   HIV   testing,   legal   services,   a   program   of   protection   and   prevention,   and   referral   and   recreational  services.     o Valley   Resource   Center  –  Indio:   A   nonprofit   organization   providing   services   to   developmentally   disabled   adults.   They   administer   supportive   employment   programs   and   other   workshops  to  assist  daily  living.   o Cathedral   City  –  HIV/AIDS   Facility:   A   25-­‐bed   permanent   residence  facility  for  persons  with  HIV/AIDS.     HOUSING   II-­‐274   o FISH  of  Lower  Coachella  Valley  –  Indio:  Provides  transportation   and   emergency   food,   and   operates   a   “good   neighbor”   program.   o DesertArc  –  Palm   Desert:   A   comprehensive   service   delivery   agency   for   the   developmentally   disabled   community;   it   provides  programs  to  develop  or  enhance  self-­‐help  skills,  life   enrichment  skills,  and  prevocational  and  vocational  skills.   o Braille  Institute  –  Rancho  Mirage:  A  nonprofit  school  providing   daytime  classes   for   the   legally   blind,   with   a   50-­‐mile   service   radius.  Provides  other  services  for  the  visually  impaired.   o Shelter   Plus   Care   Tenant   Based   Rental   Assistance  –  Indio:   A   permanent  residence  facility  in  Indio  with  17  beds,  serving  needs   of  homeless  persons  with  disabilities  and  the  mentally  ill.     Large  Family  Households   The  2009-­‐2011  ACS  reported  1,319  households  in  the  City  of  La  Quinta   with   five  or   more   persons,   which   constitutes   9.0  percent   of   all   households.  This  represents  a  10  percent  increase  from  the  year  2000   (1,196   households).  Large-­‐family   households   generally   require   larger   dwellings  with  more  bedrooms  to  meet  their  housing  needs.  But  these   households   often   experience   difficulty   securing   adequate   housing   suitable  for  their  expanded  needs  due  to  income  limitations  and/or  lack   of   adequate   housing   stock.   Difficulties   in   securing   housing   large   enough  to  accommodate  all  members  of  a  household  are  heightened   for  renters,  because  multifamily  rental  units  are  typically  smaller  than   single-­‐family  units.       Table  II-­‐46  presents  tenure  of  housing  units  by  number  of  persons  in   the  unit  in  based  on  2009-­‐2011  ACS  data.  The  table  shows  that  large   households  are   equally   comprised   (50/50)   of   owner   occupied   and   renter   occupied   households   (665   owner   occupied,   654   renter   occupied).  Large   owner-­‐occupied   units   comprise  6  percent   of   all   owner-­‐occupied  housing,  and  large  renter-­‐occupied  units  comprise  16   percent   of   all   renter-­‐occupied   units.   This   increase   is   small   when   compared  to  the  56%  increase  in  total  population  in  the  City  for  the   same  period.       HOUSING   II-­‐275   Table  II-­‐46   Large  Households  by  Tenure   Number  of  Persons   in  Household   Owner   Occupied   Renter   Occupied  Total   Five  429  258  687   Six  182  266  448   Seven  or  More  54  130  184   Total  665  654  1,319   Source:  U.S.  Census.  2009-­‐2011  American  Community  Survey.     Multifamily   housing  rental   stock   consists   primarily   of   one-­‐,  two-­‐and   three-­‐bedroom  units.  Single  family  development  in  the  Cove  is  made   up  largely  of  units  with  three  bedrooms,  although  four-­‐bedroom  units   are  also  present  in  limited  supply.  Citywide  single-­‐family  construction   activity  has  created  a  supply  of  housing  for  large  families  not  available   in   multifamily   housing,   although   prices   for   larger   units   tend   to   be   affordable  only  to  moderate  and  above  moderate  income  households.       Single-­‐Parent  Households   Single   parent   heads   of   household   constitute   a   group   with   serious   housing   concerns.   In   general,   families   with   single   parent   heads   of   household  may  experience  a  higher  incidence  of  poverty  than  other   household   configurations.    In   particular,   female-­‐headed   households   can  experience  lower  incomes,  higher  living  expenses,  higher  poverty   rates,   and   low   rates   of   homeownership.   Finding   adequate   and   affordable   housing   is   a   high   priority.   Special   considerations   for   this   population  include  proximity  to  schools,  childcare,  employment,  and   health  care.     In   2010  La   Quinta  was  home   to  2,026  single-­‐parent  households,   of   which  1,461  were  female-­‐headed.  16.1   percent   of   the   City’s   female-­‐ headed  families  lived  in  poverty,  compared  to  5  percent  of  married   couple  families.       Many  single  parents  do  not  have  the  resources  to  enter  the  housing   market   as   a   home   owner.   Although   the   incidence   of   single-­‐parent   households  with  children  below  the  poverty  level  is  low  in  the  City,  less   than   2   percent   of   single-­‐parent   households   are   impoverished,   addressing   the   housing   needs   for   single   parents   may   require   innovative   housing   solutions.   Strategies   need   to   be   considered   to   provide  more  housing  opportunities  to  these  households,  such  as  new   multifamily   housing,   mixed-­‐use   units,   and   subsidized   single-­‐family   housing.       HOUSING   II-­‐276   Farm  Workers   Based   on   an   analysis   of   farm  labor   and   the   diminishing   amount   of   farmland  in  the  City  of  La  Quinta  and  surrounding  rural  areas,  the  need   for  farm  worker  housing  has  declined.  Based  on  2009-­‐2011  ACS  data,   there  were  74  persons  employed  in  “agriculture,  forestry,  fishing  and   hunting,  and  mining”  in  the  City,  which  constitutes  less  than  1%  of  the   City’s  civilian  employed  population  16  years  and  over9.  It  is  probable   that  a  number  of  occupations  classified  as  agricultural  are  related  to   nursery  operations  or  landscape  maintenance.     Responsibility   for   providing   housing   for   farm   workers   originally   lay   with   the   growers   that   employed   the   workers.   This   practice   was   discontinued,   however,   due   to   high   costs   for   liability   insurance   and   maintenance.  Low  income  groups  often  need  housing  near  work.  For   farm  workers,  this  means  that  housing  is  needed  in  rural,  agricultural   areas  rather  than  urban  areas.  In  the  Coachella  Valley,  the  principal   housing   options   for   migrant   and   local   seasonal   farm   workers   are   family-­‐owned  homes,  private  rental  houses,  second  units,  apartments,   and   mobile   homes.   Farm   worker   housing   does   not   appear   to   be   a   significant  need  in  La  Quinta.     Extremely  Low  Income  Households   Extremely  low  income  households  are  households  earning  less  than  30   percent   of   the  HUD  Area   Median  Family  Income   (HAMFI).   These   households   often   face   significant   financial   challenges   to   affording   adequate  housing  and  therefore  are  considered  a  subpopulation  with   special  housing  needs.       According   to   2005-­‐2009   CHAS   data   there   are   1,100   extremely   low   income  households  in  La  Quinta,  consisting  of  485  renter  households   and  615  owner  households.  Accordingly,  the  City’s  projected  need  for   very  low  income  households  is  91  households  (25  percent  of  its  2006– 2014  RHNA  total  housing  allocation).       Extremely   low  income   households   are   sensitive   to   unexpected   changes   in   income   and   expenditures,   so   overpayment   for   housing   could   result   in   an   inability   to   meet   other   important   or   emergency   needs.       Many   of   the   City’s   existing   and   proposed   very   low   income   rental   projects   provide  housing   affordable   to   extremely   low   income   individuals,  couples,  and  families  with  children.  Extremely  low  income                                                                                                                   9  U.S.  Census,  2009-­‐2011  American  Community  Survey.     HOUSING   II-­‐277   households  are  also  eligible  to  receive  rental  assistance  in  La  Quinta   through  the  County  of  Riverside  Housing  Authority’s  Section  8  voucher   program.   Small   extremely   low   income   households   may   also   find   an   affordable   housing   option   in   Single   Room   Occupancy   (SRO)   hotels,   second   units,   and   guest   houses.   A   survey   of   rental   opportunities   in   2008  showed  that  second  units  in  La  Quinta  are  affordable  to  lower   income   households.   Another   type   of   second   unit,   a   guest   house/employee  quarters  is  permitted  in  La  Quinta  and  is  to  be  rented   out   free-­‐of-­‐charge,   per   the   Municipal   Code.   The   intent   is   for   homeowners   to   provide   on-­‐site   living   quarters   for   their   staff  and   guests.   This   type   of   second   unit   is   mandated   to   be   affordable   to   extremely   low   income   households.   Second   units   and   guest   houses/employee  quarters  may  be  important  resources  for  seniors  on   a  fixed-­‐income,  single-­‐parents,  disabled  persons,  college  students,  and   low-­‐wage  earning  workers.     Homeless  Persons   The  Riverside  County  Department  of  Public  Social  Services  completed  a   homeless  count  in  2011  for  all  cities  and  some  unincorporated  areas  in   the  County.  That  effort  identified  3  homeless  persons  in  La  Quinta,  all  3   bring  “unsheltered”   individuals   (living   on   streets   or   in   vehicles,   encampments,   storage   structures,   or   other   places   unfit   for   human   habitation)  and  0  “sheltered”   individuals   (in   emergency   shelters   or   transitional  housing).10  This  estimate  represents  less  than  0.001%  of  the   City’s   total   2010   Census   population   of  37,467  people.   The   actual   number   of   homeless   may   be   higher   given   that   many   individuals,   particularly  women  and  children,  remain  hidden  for  safety  or  stay  in   locations  where  they  cannot  be  seen.  This  represents  an  increase  of   89%  over  the  County’s  2009  count  (38  individuals).     This  information  indicates  that  there  is  not  a  need  for  a  shelter  beds.   However,  homeless  persons  and  families  are  often  transient  and  may   find   themselves   in   need   of   shelter   in   any   given   jurisdiction   in   the   county.  If  a  person  or  family  finds  themselves  homeless  they  may  go  to   regional  facilities  provided  by  the  county,  City  of  Indio,  or  City  of  Palm   Springs  for  assistance.  The  available  homeless  facilities  in  the  Coachella   Valley  are  listed  in  Table  II-­‐47.     While  the  City  has  supported  the  CVAG  Homeless  Committee  efforts,   the  City  did  not  participate  in  funding  Roy’s  Desert  Resource  Center   (“Roy’s”),  which  is  in  the  west  end  of  the  Coachella  Valley.  Instead,  in   October  2010,  the  City  committed  funding  toward  a  new  facility  for  the                                                                                                                   10  Figure   3,   “Homeless   County   &   Survey   Comprehensive   Report,”   prepared   for   Riverside  County  Department  of  Public  Social  Services,  2011.     HOUSING   II-­‐278   Coachella  Valley  Rescue  Mission,  which  currently  shelters  150+  men,   women   and   children   and   is   located   in   Indio.   The   City   Council   also   committed   funding   to   Martha’s   Village   and   Kitchen   toward   construction  of  their  new  facility.  The  City  believes  these  facilities  to  be   a  more  logical  resource  for  La  Quinta’s  homeless,  due  to  proximity  to   La  Quinta.       One   use   that   may   potentially   provide   housing   for   those   in   need   of   shelter  is  SRO  hotels.  SRO  hotels,  as  defined  in  the  municipal  code,  are   residential  facilities  that  are  rented  on  a  weekly  or  longer  basis  that   may   or   may   not   have   private   bathroom   and   kitchen   facilities.   SRO   hotels   are   conditionally   permitted   in   Regional   Commercial   zoned   districts.       HOUSING   II-­‐279   Table  II-­‐47   Coachella  Valley  Homeless  Shelter  Resources  2007   Shelter  Name   Type  of   Shelter  City   Clientele   or  Needs   Served   Number   of  Beds  1   Coachella  Valley  Services   and  Overnight  Shelter  (CV-­‐ SOS)   Emergency  Coachella   Valley  General  25   Coachella  Valley  Rescue   Mission  Emergency  Indio   Men,   women,   and   children   80   Nightingale  Manor  Emergency  Palm   Springs  Families  50   Shelter  from  the  Storm  Emergency   Undisclosed   –  Coachella   Valley   Domestic   Violence  60   Martha’s  Village  and  Kitchen    Emer   &Trans  Indio  General   100   emer/120   trans   ABC  Recovery  Center  Transitional  Indio  Substance   Abuse  40   Desert  Horizon  Transitional  Palm   Springs  General  32   Episcopal  Community   Services  Transitional   Scattered   Site  –   Coachella   Valley   HIV/AIDS  34   Shelter  From  The  Storm  Transitional   Undisclosed   –  Coachella   Valley   Domestic   Violence   Victims   39   Roy’s  Desert  Resource   Center  Permanent  Palm   Springs  General  90   Desert  Vista  Permanent   Supportive  Housing  Permanent   Undisclosed   –  Coachella   Valley   Disabled   Men  and   Women   40   Casa  San  Miguel  Permanent  Cathedral   City  HIV/AIDS  25   Episcopal  Community   Services  Permanent   Scattered   Site  –   Coachella   Valley   Persons   With   Disabilities   and   Chronically   Homeless   40   Shelter  Plus  Care  TBRA  Permanent  Indio   Persons   With   Disabilities/   Mentally  Ill   23   Source:  Desert  SOS         HOUSING   II-­‐280   Regional  Housing  Needs   State  Housing  Law  requires  that  SCAG  identify  future  housing  needs  in   each   jurisdiction.   To   meet   this   mandate,   SCAG   develops   the   RHNA,   which  establishes   both   the   projected   need   for   housing   and   the   fair   share  distribution  of  the  projected  need  to  its  member  jurisdictions.     The  RHNA  calculates  the  projected  new  construction  need  necessary   to   accommodate   the   anticipated   population   through  October  2021.   State   housing   law   requires   that   cities   and   counties   demonstrate   adequate   residential   sites   that   could   accommodate   development   of   housing  in  order  to  satisfy  future  housing  need.       The  2014  RHNA  proposes  that  La  Quinta  construct  364  new  housing   units  to  accommodate  housing  needs  for  all  income  groups  during  the   planning  period  January  2014  through  October  2021.  These  units  are   distributed  by  income  category  as  illustrated  in  Table  II-­‐48.       According  to  SCAG,  91  new  units  are  needed  to  accommodate  very  low   income   households,  61  new   units   to   accommodate   low   income   households,  and  66  new  units  to  meet  the  needs  of  moderate  income   households.  Approximately  40  percent  of  the  new  units  (146)  cited  by   the  RHNA  to  accommodate  growth  will  be  for  above  moderate  income   households,  provided  through  market-­‐rate  housing.       The  City’s  364-­‐unit  future  housing  need  is  a  1.5  percent  increase  in  the   number  of  existing  households  (23,489  in  2010),  and  approximately  2.3   percent  of  the  Coachella  Valley’s  future  housing  need.     Table  II-­‐48   2014–2021  Regional  Housing  Needs  Assessment   Household  Income   Levels   Income  as  a  Percent  of   County  Median   RHNA   Allocation  Percent   Very  Low    Less  than  50%  91  25.0   Low  51%–80%  61  17.1   Moderate    81%–120%  66  18.2   Above-­‐Moderate  Over  120%  146  39.7   Total  1  364  100%   Source:   Regional   Housing   Needs   Assessment   for   Southern   California,  September  2012,   prepared  by  SCAG.   1  Total  number  of  units  and  percentage  are  affected  by  rounding  error.           HOUSING   II-­‐281   HOUSING  CONSTRAINTS   Constraints  to  the  provision  of  adequate  and  affordable  housing  are   posed   by   both   governmental   and   nongovernmental   factors.  These   factors   may   result   in   housing   that   is   not   affordable   to   lower   and   moderate  income  households  or  may  render  residential  construction   economically  infeasible.  Constraints  to  housing  production  significantly   impact  households  with  lower  incomes  and  special  housing  needs.  To   accurately  assess  the  housing  environment  in  the  City  of  La  Quinta,   close  consideration  needs  to  be  given  to  a  series  of  constraints;  the   housing  market,  infrastructure,  and  environmental  and  governmental   factors  that  impact  the  cost  of  housing.     Nongovernmental  Constraints   Although  housing  costs  in  the  Coachella  Valley  region  are,  on  average,   below   other   metropolitan   areas   in   Southern   California,   the   cost   of   renting  or  purchasing  adequate  housing  in  La  Quinta  continues  to  be   influenced  by  a  number  of  market  factors.  Costs  associated  with  labor,   raw   land,   materials,   and   financing   influence   the   availability   of   affordable  housing.       Land  and  Construction  Costs   Land  costs  include  the  costs  of  raw  land,  site  improvements,  and  all   costs   associated   with   obtaining   government   approvals.   Factors   affecting   the   costs   of   land   include   overall   availability   within   a   community,   environmental   site   conditions,   public   service   and   infrastructure  availability,  aesthetic  considerations,  and  parcel  size.       The  cost  of  land  is  an  important  component  in  determining  the  cost  of   housing   development.   Land   in   the   Coachella   Valley   has   been   and   remains   relatively   affordable   compared   to   other   Southern   California   markets.   In  2013  residential   land   acquisitions   show   that   vacant   residential  land  outside  of  the  Village  area  costs  between  $80,000  and   $125,000  per  acre.  Village  Commercial  land,  which  has  the  potential  for   up   to   16   dwelling   units   per   acre,   sells   for   up   to   $590,000  per   acre,   based  on  current  listings  and  sales  in  the  area.       Construction  costs  can  constitute  up  to  50  percent  of  the  cost  of  a   single-­‐family   detached   home.   Labor   costs   are   usually   two   to   three   times  the  cost  of  materials,  and  thus  make  up  17  to  20  percent  of  the   total   cost   of   a   new   home.   Labor   costs   are   based   on   a   number   of   factors,  including  housing  demand,  the  number  of  contractors  in  the   area,  and  union  status  of  workers.  However,  state  law  requires  the   payment  of  prevailing  wages  for  most  private  projects  built  under  an     HOUSING   II-­‐282   agreement  with  a  public  agency  providing  assistance  to  the  project,   except  for  certain  types  of  affordable  housing.  All  cities  are  affected  by   these  laws.       The  construction  cost  of  housing  may  be  considered  a  constraint  to   affordable   housing   in   the   La   Quinta   area.   The   City   cannot  directly   control  construction  costs.  Hence,  increases  in  these  costs  amplify  the   need  for  subsidies  to  achieve  affordability  in  residential  units.  Through   density  bonus  provisions  the  City  provides  incentives  and  relief  to  the   development  community  in  exchange  for  the  inclusion  of  affordable   housing  into  a  project.     Financing   Interest  rates  impact  both  the  purchase  price  of  the  unit  and  the  ability   to  purchase  a  home.  Interest  rates  are  determined  by  national  policies   and  economic  market  conditions  and  local  government  has  no  impact   on  these  rates.  Historical  market  trends  reveal  that  when  interest  rates   are  high,  a  potential  homeowner’s  ability  to  secure  a  loan  decreases.   Conversely,   when   rates   are   low,   homeownership   becomes   more   accessible  to  more  families.       The  La  Quinta  market  has  demonstrated  that  when  interest  rates  are   low,  the  majority  of  housing  demand  focuses  on  single-­‐family  homes.   When  interest  rates  are  high  (in  excess  of  about  12  percent)  for  any   length  of  time,  only  a  small  percentage  of  new  home  buyers  can  qualify   for  monthly  mortgage  payments  on  the  average  market  rate  single-­‐ family  home.  At  this  point,  demand  shifts  to  lower  price  units,  usually   multifamily,  and  construction  trends  follow.     First-­‐time   home   buyers   are   the   group   most   impacted  by   financing   requirements.  The   currently   low   mortgage   rates   (at   or   below   4   percent),  facilitate  first  time  home  buying.     Typically,  conventional  home  loans  will  require  5  to  20  percent  of  the   sale  price  as  a  down  payment,  which  is  one  of  the  largest  constraints  to   first-­‐time   home   buyers.   When   interest   rates   are   low,   they   are   not   generally   a   serious   constraint   to   affordable   housing.   Further,   lower   interest   rates   help   support   home   purchases   by   low   and   moderate   income  households,  who  may  not  be  able  to  qualify  at  higher  rates.     Governmental  Constraints   The  City  has  traditionally  exercised  authority  in  the  areas  of  land  use   controls,   site   improvement   requirements,   building   codes,   fees,   and   other  regulatory  programs.         HOUSING   II-­‐283   General  Plan  Land  Use  Designations   The  2012  Land  Use  Element  provides  a  consolidation  of  several  land  use   designations  used  in  the  previous  2002  General  Plan.  Residential  land   use  designations,  which  were  previously  defined  in  in  five  categories,   have  been  reduced  to  two.  The  two  residential  designations  include   Low   Density   Residential   and   Medium/High   Density   Residential.   The   densities   of   individual   parcels   are   further   refined   in   the   Zoning   Ordinance.       Under   Program   LU-­‐7.1.a   (Policy   LU-­‐7.1),   the   City   has   established   a   mixed-­‐use  overlay  that  allows  for  the  construction  of  housing  to  be   integrated  in  various  ways  such  as  above  office  space  or  commercial   uses.  The  overlay  is  applied  to  all  commercial  zones.  The  mixed  use   overlay  works  together  with  the  affordable  housing  overlay  to  raise   densities  to  24  units  per  acre  (not  including  density  bonus).  The  density   ranges  allowed  for  each  residential  district  used  to  calculate  housing  at   build  out  are  listed  in  Table  II-­‐49.     Table  II-­‐49   Residential  General  Plan  and  Zoning  Districts   General  Plan  Zoning  Density  Purpose       Low  Density     Very  Low  Density   Residential  (RVL)   Up  to  2  units   per  acre   One-­‐to   two-­‐story   single-­‐family   detached  homes  on  large  lots;  at   the  southeastern  boundary  of  the   City.     Low  Density   Residential  (RL)   Up  to  4  units   per  acre   Single-­‐family   attached   and   detached  development,  both  in  a   country   club   setting   and   in   standard  subdivisions.     Agriculture/   Equestrian   Residential  Overlay   (A/ER)   Applied  to   underlying   residential   designations     Allows   continuation   of   agricultural  activities   in   Vista   Santa  Rosa  area.           Medium  High   Density     Medium  Density   Residential  (RM)   Cove  Residential   (RC)   Up  to  8  units   per  acre   One-­‐to   two-­‐story   single-­‐family   detached  and  attached  homes  on   medium   to   small   sized   lots;   clustered  small  dwellings,  such  as   one   to   two-­‐story   single-­‐family   condominiums,   townhomes,   or   apartment  and  duplexes.     HOUSING   II-­‐284   Table  II-­‐49   Residential  General  Plan  and  Zoning  Districts   General  Plan  Zoning  Density  Purpose   Medium  High   Density  Residential   (RMH)   Up  to  12   units  per   acre   One-­‐to   two-­‐story,   single-­‐family   detached   homes   on   small   lots;   one-­‐to   two-­‐story   single-­‐family   attached   homes;   one-­‐and   two-­‐ story  townhomes,  condominiums   and  multifamily  dwellings.  Mobile   home  parks  may  be  allowed  with   the  approval  of  a  Conditional  Use   Permit.     High  Density   Residential  (RH)   Up  to  24   units  per   acre  for   affordable   housing  sites   One-­‐to   two-­‐story   single-­‐family   attached   homes;   one-­‐to   three-­‐ story  townhomes  and  multifamily   dwellings.   Duplex   and   multiplex   development   is   the   most   common.   Mobile   home   parks   or   subdivisions   with   common   area   amenities   and   open   space   may   also   be   allowed   subject   to   a   Conditional  Use  Permit.     General   Commercial     Regional   Commercial  (CR)   Commercial  Park   (CP)   Community   Commercial  (CC)   Neighborhood   Commercial  (CN)   Office  Commercial   (CO)   Up  to  24   units  per   acre  for   affordable   housing   High   density   residential   uses   are   permitted.     Village  Commercial    Village  Commercial   (VC)   Up  to  24   units  per   acre  for   affordable   housing   Medium   High   and   High   Density   residential   land   uses   are   appropriate.  Live/work  housing  is   permitted.   Tourist  Commercial    Tourist  Commercial   (CT)   Up  to  24   units  per   acre  for   affordable   housing   Single  and  multifamily  residential   and  condominium  development  is   permitted.     Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  General  Plan  and  Municipal  Code  2012     Municipal  Code   The  residential  zone  portions  of  the  Municipal  Code  impact  housing   affordability  in  several  ways.  The  Zoning  Code  regulates  such  features   as  building  height  and  density,  lot  area,  setbacks,  minimum  unit  and   room   size,   and   open   space   requirements   for   each   zoning   district.     HOUSING   II-­‐285   Development   standards   for   the   six   residential   zoning   classifications   and  two  overlay  districts  are  provided  in  Table  II-­‐50.     Residential   land   use   regulations   allow   for   single-­‐family   detached   development  by  right  at  allowable  densities  between  0  and  12  units  per   acre.   Single-­‐family   detached   housing   at   higher   densities   may   be   achieved  with  a  Specific  Plan  for  individual  projects  as  long  as  overall   density   is   not   exceeded.   Single-­‐family   attached   and   multifamily   development  is  permitted  by  right  at  densities  between  8  and  24  units   per  acre  and  these  types  of  residential  uses  are  also  permitted  in  lower   density  zones  under  the  provisions  of  a  specific  plan.     A  variety  of  residential  development  is  possible  in  the  City,  ranging  in   average  density  from  less  than  two  units  per  acre  for  lands  designated   Low  Density  to  24  units  per  acre  for  affordable  housing  in  the  High   Density  and  all  Commercial  categories.  If  a  density  bonus  is  utilized,   greater  residential  densities  may  be  achieved  in  any  zone.  Table  II-­‐51   identifies  the  list  of  permitted  uses  by  residential  district.     Lower  Density  Residential  Districts   The  RVL  and  RL  zones  provide  for  low  density  residential  uses  with   densities  consistent  with  the  General  Plan  LDR  designation  (up  to  four   units  per  acre).    Single-­‐family  development  in  lower  density  zones  is   allowed  through  a  building  permit,  following  administrative  review  for   consistency   with   the   Municipal   Code   and   state   requirements.   Developments  requiring  a  tract  map  to  establish  new  lots  of  record  are   reviewed  by  various  City  departments  and  adopted  through  Planning   Commission   and   City   Council   public   hearings.   Typical   conditions   of   approval  relate  to  environmental  quality  such  as  erosion  control,  storm   drainage,  and  access.         Higher  density  uses  such  as  patio  homes,  duplexes,  attached  single-­‐ family  dwellings,  townhomes,  and  condominiums  may  be  permitted  in   RVL  and  RL  zones  when  part  of  a  specific  plan,  as  long  as  the  overall   density  of  the  specific  plan  project  does  not  exceed  that  permitted  by   the   underlying   zone.     The   specific   plan   is   reviewed   by   various   City   departments   and   a   determination   is   made   by   the   City   Council   at   a   regularly  scheduled  public  hearing.  Specific  plans  are  typically  adopted   by  resolution  and  are  common  throughout  the  City.       The   Zoning   Ordinance  permits   guest   houses   without   a  Minor   Use   Permit.  Guest  houses  are  affordable  to  all  income  levels  because  they   are   provided   free-­‐of-­‐charge.   Another   form   of   accessory   housing,     HOUSING   II-­‐286   second  units,  are  permitted  by  right  in  the  RVL  and  RL  zones.  Multiple   second  units  on  one  site  are  conditionally  permitted.       Development  in  the  Cove,  under  RC  zoning,  allows  for  development   and  preservation  of  the  character  of  the  Cove,  with  one  story  single-­‐ family   detached   dwellings.   The   Zoning   Code   also   establishes   a   minimum   7,200-­‐square-­‐foot   lot   size,   which   may   require   lot   consolidation  in  some  circumstances.  However,  as  the  majority  of  the   Cove  was  originally  subdivided  into  5,000  square  foot  lots,  existing  lots   less  than  7,200  square  feet  are  considered  buildable  nonconforming   lots.       Medium  and  High  Density  Residential  Districts   The  RM,  RMH,  and  RH  zones  allow  an  upper  range  of  development   density   consistent   with   the   General   Plan  Medium/High   Density   Residential  designation.  Minimum  side  yards  and  setbacks  are  required   where   a   project   abuts   an   exterior   boundary   or   a   public   street.   However,   lot   coverage,   width,   and   setbacks   within   a   project   are   variable  to  allow  for  clustering  or  creative  lot  configurations,  as  well  as   creating   space   for   desired   recreational   and   open   space   amenities.   Multifamily   development   is   allowed   in   all   three   zones   with   a   Site   Development   Permit,  via  design   review   approved   at   regularly   scheduled  Planning  Commission  public  hearings.       The  City’s  Zoning  Code  allows  for  innovation  in  design  standards  and   densities  as  long  as  the  overall  density  and  dwelling  unit  capacity  is  not   exceeded.  Residential  compatibility  standards  have  been  incorporated   into  the  Zoning  Code,  which  governs  conditions  where  higher  or  lower   density  uses  are  proposed  than  the  General  Plan  designation.       Residential  Uses  in  Nonresidential  Districts   There  are  development  opportunities  for  residential  uses  in  several  of   La  Quinta’s  nonresidential  zones  (Table  II-­‐52).  Single-­‐family  residential   uses  are  permitted  under  a  specific  plan  in  the  Regional  Commercial   (CR)  zone.  Multifamily  housing  is  permitted  in  most  commercial  zones.   Residential   uses   at   densities   consistent   with   the   High   Density   residential   designations   are   permitted   in   the   Village   Commercial   District   subject   to   the   granting   of   a   Village   Use   Permit,   which   is   required  for  all  development  in  the  Village  area.  A  Village  Use  Permit  is   a  Site  Development  Permit  specific  to  the  Village  area,  and  allows  for   the  review  of  the  project  for  compliance  with  the  Village  at  La  Quinta   Design  Guidelines  in  addition  to  the  Zoning  Ordinance,  Municipal  Code,   and  state  requirements.  Village  Use  Permits  are  approved  at  regularly   scheduled   Planning   Commission   public   hearings,   just   like   a   Site     HOUSING   II-­‐287   Development  Permit.   The   development   standards   in   the   Village   are   more   permissive   than   for   typical   single-­‐  and   multifamily   housing   projects  and  are  not  considered  a  constraint  to  housing  development.       Projects  can  be  developed  in  the  Village  Commercial  District  that  are   100  percent  residential  in  use,  as  there  is  no  requirement  that  a  project   be   a   mix   of   residential   and   nonresidential   uses.   Development   standards  specific  to  the  Village  currently  include  a  35-­‐foot  maximum   height.   Setbacks   along   front,   side,   and   rear   property   lines   are   not   required.  Additionally,  the  VC  zone  does  not  require  open  space  to  be   set  aside  for  each  residential  unit.  Residential  floors  generally  range   from  10–12  feet  in  height.  If  a  project  contains  solely  residential  uses,   the  35-­‐foot  height  limit  does  not  constrain  development.       If   a   project   incorporates   commercial   and   residential   uses,   the   commercial  uses  will  be  located  on  the  first  floor  and  generally  seek  a   floor  height  of  15–18  feet.  Under  the  current  height  standard,  a  mixed-­‐ use  project  could  construct  three  stories  of  development.  For  example,   if   a   project   consisted   of   two   levels   of   residential   development,   a   project  built  at  24  units  per  acre  would  only  need  18,000  square  feet  of   building  area  per  floor;  alternatively,  the  units  could  increase  in  size.     Variations   in   parking   requirements,   including   shared   parking   applications,   may   be   approved.  The   City,   in   the   2006-­‐2013   planning   cycle,   increased   density   to   24   units   per   acre,   and   height   limits   in   commercial  zones  to  40  feet  for  affordable  housing  projects.  Although   the  increased  height  limit  would  not  be  required  to  achieve  24  units   per  acre,  it  would  provide  greater  flexibility  in  building  envelopes  and   commercial  and  residential  floor  plates.  Residential  development  in  the   commercial  zones  must  conform  to  the  Affordable  Housing  Overlay   and  Mixed  Use  development  standards.  These  zones  do  not  have  any   performance   requirements   that   mandate   commercial   or   other   nonresidential   development.  Expanding   opportunities   for   vertically   mixed-­‐use  development  increases  the  City’s  capacity  for  new  attached.   Attached  housing  types,  which  can  generally  be  more  affordable  and   lower  maintenance  than  single-­‐family  detached  homes,  may  provide   much   needed   new   housing   opportunities   for   La   Quinta’s   single-­‐ parents,  workforce,  and  seniors.     Boarding   houses,   senior   group   housing,   and   SRO   hotels   are   conditionally   permitted   in   the   CR   zone.   Emergency   shelters   are   permitted  in  all  commercial  zones.  The  City  does  not  regulate  supportive   or  transitional  housing  which  occurs  in  single  family  homes  and  includes  6  or   fewer  residents.  Transitional  and  supportive  shelters  for  7  or  more  that     HOUSING   II-­‐288   include   social   or   medical   services  are  permitted   in   residential   zones   with  the  same  permitting  requirements  as  similar  uses  in  those  zones.   Transitional   and   supportive   shelters   that   only   provide   housing   are   permitted  as  a  residential  use  and  only  subject  to  those  restrictions  that   apply  to  other  residential  uses  of  the  same  type  in  the  same  zone.     Table  II-­‐50   2013  Residential  Development  Standards   Development   Standard  RVL  RL  RC  RM  RMH  RH  RSP  RR   Min.  Lot  Size  for   Single-­‐Family       Dwelling   20,000  7,200  7,200    3,600  2,000  [A]  [C]   Min.  Project  Size  for   Multifamily  Projects  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A  20,00 0   20,00 0  [A]  N/A   Min.  Lot  Frontage   for  Single-­‐Family   Dwellings  (ft)   100  60  60  50  40  N/A  [A]  [C]   Min.  Frontage  for   Multifamily  Projects  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A  100  100  [A]  [C]   Max.  Structure   Height  (ft)  1  28  28  17  28  28  40  50  35   Max.  No.  of  Stories  2  2  1  2  2  3  4  2   Min.  Front  Yard   Setback  (ft)  30  20  20  20  20  20  [A]  [D]   Min.  Garage  Setback  N/A  20  20  20  20  20  [A]  [D]   Min.  Interior/Exterior   Side  Yard  Setback   (ft)   10/20  5/10  5/10  5/10  5/10  10/15  [A]  [D]     Min.  Rear  Yard   Setback  (ft)  30  20/10  10  15  15  20  [A]  [D]   Max.  Lot  Coverage   (%  of  net  lot  area)  40  50  60  60  60  60  [A]  [C]   Min.  Livable  Area   Excluding  Garage   (sf)   2,500  1,400  1,400  1,400   1,400   (MF:   750)   MF:   750  [A]  [C]   Min.  Common  Open   Area  N/A  N/A  N/A  30%  30%  30%  [A]  [C]   Min.  Perimeter   Landscape  Setbacks   (ft)   10/20  10/20  N/A  10/20  10/20  10/20  [B]  [C]   Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  Municipal  Code  2013   1  Within  150  feet  of  any  General  Plan  designated  Image  Corridor  is  17  feet  in  the  RC  zone  and  22   feet  in  other  zones.   [A]  Subject  to  a  specific  plan.   [B]  See  Section  9.90.040  of  the  Municipal  Code.   [C]  Dependent  upon  use  and  density.   [D]   Setback   criteria   shall   be   determined   based   on   the   existing   site   conditions   and   surroundings,  in  conjunction  with  the  guidelines  and  the  proposed  project  characteristics.     HOUSING   II-­‐289     Table  II-­‐51   2013  Permitted  Residential  Uses  by  Residential  Zoning  District   Land  Use   Residential  Zoning  District   Very   Low  Low  Cove  Medium   Medium   High  High   RVL  RL  RC  RM  RMH  RH   Conventional  Housing   Single-­‐Family   Detached    P  P  P  P  P  S   Duplex    S  S  S  S  P  P   Single-­‐Family   Attached    S  S  X  S  P  P   Condominium   Multifamily  S  S  X  S  P  P   Apartment   Multifamily    X  X  X  P  P  P   Mobile  Home  Park  C  C  C  C  C  C   Mobile  Home   Subdivision  and   Manufactured  Home   P  P  P  P  P  X   Resort  Residential    C  C  X  C  C  C   Special  Needs  Housing   Congregate  Living   Facility  (<6)  1  P  P  P  P  P  X   Congregate  Care   Facility  2  C  C  C  C  C  C   Emergency  Shelter  X  X  X  X  X  X   Guest  House    A  A  A  X  X  X   Residential  Care   Facility  (≥6)  5  P  P  P  P  P  P   Second  Unit  A  A  A  A  A  A   Second  Units   (multiple)  6  C  C  X  X  X  X   Senior  Citizen   Residence  (<6)    P  P  P  P  P  P   Senior  Group   Housing  (7+)  7  X  X  X  X  C  C   Single  Room   Occupancy  8  X  X  X  X  X  X   Supportive  and   Transitional  Shelter  X  X  X  C  C  C   Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  Municipal  Code  2008   P  =  Principal  use;  C  =  Conditional  use  permit;  M  =  Minor  use  permit;  S=  Specific  plan;  A  =  Accessory  use;  X  =   Prohibited  use   1  Single-­‐family  residential  facility  that  is  licensed  by  the  state  to  provide  living  and  treatment  facilities  on  a   monthly  or  longer  basis  for  six  or  fewer  developmentally  disabled  persons  or  six  or  fewer  persons   undergoing  treatment  for  alcohol  or  drug  abuse  and  that  is  permitted  in  single-­‐family  residences  by     HOUSING   II-­‐290   operation  of  state  law.     2  A  facility  providing  care  on  a  monthly  basis  or  longer  that  is  the  primary  residence  of  the  people  it  serves.  It   provides  services  to  the  residents  such  as  dining,  housekeeping,  security,  medical,  transportation  and   recreation.     5  A  residential  facility  licensed  by  the  state  to  provide  living  and  treatment  facilities  on  a  monthly  or  longer   basis  for  six  or  fewer  of  the  following:  wards  of  the  juvenile  court,  elderly  persons,  mentally  disordered   persons,  handicapped  persons  or  dependent  and  neglected  children.  Such  a  facility  is  permitted  in  all  types   of  residences  by  operation  of  state  law.     6  More  than  one  guest  house  or  second  residential  unit  may  be  permitted  on  a  lot  with  approval  of  a  CUP  in   the  Very  Low/Low  Density  zones.   7  A  residential  development  developed  or  substantially  renovated  for  and  occupied  by  seven  or  more  senior   citizens  (includes  senior  citizen  hotels,  retirement  hotels  and  senior  citizen  apartments).   8  A  residential  facility  that  is  rented  on  a  weekly  or  longer  basis  and  provides  living  and  sleeping  facilities  for   one  or  two  persons  per  unit.  Each  unit  contains  a  toilet  and  sink.  Shower,  kitchen,  and  laundry  facilities  may   be  shared.       Table  II-­‐52   2013  Permitted  Residential  Uses  by  Nonresidential  Zoning  District   Land  Use     Zoning  District   Regional   Commercial   Commercial   Park   Community   Commercial   Neighbor-­‐hood   Commercial   Tourist   Commercial   Office   Commercial   Major   Community   Facilities   Village   Commercial   CR  CP  CC  CN  CT  CO  MC  VC   Conventional  Housing   Single-­‐Family   Residential  S  X  X  X  X  X  X  V   Multifamily  Housing    AHO  AHO  AHO  AHO  AHO  AHO  AHO  AHO   Resort  Residential  S  X  C  X  C  X  X  X   RV  Rental/  Ownership   Parks  C  X  C  X  C  X  X  X   Special  Needs  Housing   Emergency  Shelter    P  P  P  P  P  P  P  P   Rooming/   Boarding  Housing    C  X  X  X  X  X  X  X   Senior  Group  Housing3  C  X  X  X  X  X  X  X   Single  Room   Occupancy  Hotel  4  C  X  X  X  X  X  X  X   Transitional  Shelter    C  X  X  X  X  X  C  X   Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  Municipal  Code  2012   P  =  Principal  use;  C  =  Conditional  use  permit;  M  =  Minor  use  permit;  S=  Specific  plan;  V  =  Village  Use  Permit;  A  =  Accessory  use;  X  =  Prohibited  use   Residential  over  commercial  mixed-­‐use  development  will  be  permitted  by  right  of  zone  in  the  CR,  CP,  CC,  CN,  CT,  and  CO  zones  (Program  1.5).  Residential  over  retail  is   already  permitted  in  the  VC  zone  with  a  Village  Use  Permit.   1  Multifamily  housing  includes  duplexes,  apartments,  and  other  types  of  housing  for  multiple  families.   3  A  residential  development  that  is  developed  or  substantially  renovated  for  and  occupied  by  seven  or  more  senior  citizens  (includes  senior  citizen  hotels,  retirement   hotels  and  senior  citizen  apartments).   4  A  residential  facility  that  is  rented  on  a  weekly  or  longer  basis  and  provides  living  and  sleeping  facilities  for  one  or  two  persons  per  unit.  Each  unit  contains  a  toilet  and   sink.  Shower,  kitchen,  and  laundry  facilities  may  be  shared.           HOUSING   II-­‐291   Density  Bonus   California   law   (Government   Code   Sec.   65915   et   seq.)   allows   for   an   increase  in  the  density  of  a  residential  development  when  a  developer   donates  land  or  constructs  affordable  housing  as  a  part  of  a  project.   The  City  updated  its  zoning  code  to  reflect  amendments  to  density   bonus  law  during  the  2006-­‐2013  planning  period.     A  density  bonus  of  20  percent  above  the  maximum  permitted  density   may  be  granted  if  a  project  includes  5  percent  of  the  units  at  rates   affordable  to  very  low  income  households  or  10  percent  of  the  units  at   rates  affordable  to  low  income  households.  If  10  percent  of  the  total   units   are   affordable   to   moderate   income   households   in   a   common   interest  development,  then  the  project  is  eligible  to  receive  a  5  percent   density  bonus.     In  addition,  a  sliding  scale  requires  additional  density  bonuses  above   the  base  20  percent.  The  maximum  density  bonus  is  35  percent  over   the   maximum   allowable   density   under   the   applicable   zoning   and   General  Plan  designation.  With  a  density  bonus,  allowable  residential   densities  range  from  2.7  units  per  acre  in  the  RVL  zone  to  32  units  per   acre  in  the  high  density  and  mixed-­‐use  zones  and  specific  plans.       Projects  that  are  restricted  to  senior  residents  are  also  eligible  to  a   density  bonus  of  20  percent  without  any  income-­‐restricted  units.  The   density  bonus  is  not  required  to  exceed  20  percent  and  is  not  subject   to   the   sliding   scale   mentioned   above   unless   a   minimum   number   of   income-­‐restricted  units  are  included.     Second  Unit  and  Guest  House/Employee  Quarter  Requirements   Second   units   are   independent   living   quarters   on   existing   home   lots   that   typically   provide   affordable   rental   opportunities   for   lower   and   moderate   income   households,   including   seniors,   disabled   persons,   single  parents,  domestic  employees,  and  extended  family  members.   Second   units   create   additional   housing   opportunities   on   already   developed  or  developing  parcels.  Second  units  are  often  referred  to  as   “casitas”  throughout  the  Coachella  Valley.     To   facilitate   affordable   housing   development   second   units   are   permitted  in  all  residential-­‐only  zones.  The  City  revised  its  Second  Unit   Ordinance  in  2007  to  remove  a  requirement  for  a  minor  use  permit  and   instead   permits   second   units   by   right   as   an   accessory   structure.   Additionally,  the  City  now  permits  the  construction  of  more  than  one   second  unit  with  the  approval  of  a  conditional  use  permit  in  the  Very   Low  and  Low  Density  Residential  zones.       HOUSING   II-­‐292     Conditions  on  the  second  unit  (or  units)  require  that  no  interest  in  the   second  residential  unit  may  be  sold  separately  from  the  remainder  of   the  property,  though  the  unit  may  be  rented;  that  the  lot  contain  an   existing  single-­‐family  dwelling  that  conforms  to  the  minimum  lot  size   requirement;  that  the  second  unit  is  no  larger  than  1,200  square  feet  or   30   percent   of   the   primary   home;   and   must   have   its   own   off-­‐street   parking  space.    More  than  half  of  the  single-­‐family  detached  homes   approved  in  La  Quinta  in  recent  years  include  a  second  unit  or  guest   house.     Guest   houses   are   detached   or   attached   units   with   sleeping   and   sanitary  facilities,  but  no  cooking  facilities.  Per  Municipal  Code  Section   9.60.100,   no   rent   may   be   charged   for   residency   or   stay   in   a   guest   house.  The  purpose  of  guest  houses  is  to  provide  free  on-­‐site  housing   for  relatives,  guests  and  domestic  employees.  This  type  of  second  unit   is  particularly  important  to  provide  housing  opportunities  for  the  City’s   extremely   low   income   workforce.   Similar   to   a   second   unit,   a   guest   house  may  not  exceed  30  percent  of  the  square  footage  of  the  primary   structure  and  must  conform  to  lot  coverage  requirements.  The  City  has   also  amended  its  zoning  code  to  remove  the  requirement  for  a  minor   use  permit,  and  to  allow  cooking  facilities  in  guest  houses,  similar  to   second  units.     Manufactured  Housing  Requirements   Manufactured   housing   and   mobile   homes   are   considered   housing   alternatives,   especially   for   serving   the   needs   of   lower-­‐income   households.  Manufactured  homes  and  mobile  home  subdivisions  are  a   permitted   use   in   any   residential-­‐only   zone   except   for   High   Density   Residential.  Manufactured  housing  on  a  single-­‐family  lot  must  obtain  a   minor  use  permit  by  approval  of  the  Planning  Commission  to  ensure   that  it  is  consistent  with  the  development  standards  in  single-­‐family   zones.       Parking  Requirements   Parking  requirements  in  the  City  of  La  Quinta,  shown  in  Table  II-­‐53,  are   typical   for   a   city   of   its   size   with   resort   oriented   characteristics.   Additionally,   the   parking   requirements   for   special   needs   uses   are   relatively   minimal   and   facilitate   the   construction   of   such   uses.   Reductions  required  parking  spaces  is  often  a  concession  granted  to   affordable   housing   developers   through   the   City’s   density  bonus   provisions.  Overall,  the  parking  requirements  do  not  directly  constrain   the  development  of  housing.         HOUSING   II-­‐293   The   City  is   currently   updating   the   Zoning   Ordinance   to   allow  the   reduction   or   modification   of   parking   requirements   associated   with   multi-­‐family  development.     Table  II-­‐53   Parking  Requirements  for  Residential  Uses   Land  Use  Minimum  Off-­‐Street   Parking  Spaces   Guest  Spaces   Single-­‐Family  Units   Single-­‐Family  Detached,   Single-­‐Family  Attached   and  Duplex     2  spaces  per  unit  in  a  garage   Tandem  garages  allowed  in   RC  zone     0.5  guest  space  per  unit  if   no  on-­‐street  parking  is   available     Townhome  2  spaces  per  unit  in  a  garage    0.8  guest  space  per  unit   Mobile  Home  Park    2  covered  spaces  per  unit   (tandem  permitted)   0.8  guest  space  per  unit   Multifamily  Units   Studio    1  covered  space  per  unit  0.5  guest  space  per  unit     One  Bedroom    1.2  covered  spaces  per  unit    0.5  guest  space  per  unit     Two  Bedrooms    2  covered  spaces  per  unit    0.5  guest  space  per  unit     Three  or  More  Bedrooms    3  covered  spaces  per  unit,   plus  0.5  covered  space  per   each  bedroom  over  three   0.5  guest  space  per  unit     Special  Needs     Guest  House/Employee   Quarters     1  covered  or  uncovered   space.  This  space  shall  not   be  tandem.       Second  Unit  1  covered  or  uncovered   space.  This  space  shall  not   be  tandem.       Senior  Group  Housing,   Senior  Citizen  Hotel,    and   Congregate  Care  Facility   5  covered  spaces  per  unit    0.5  guest  space  per  unit     Single  Room  Occupancy   Hotel   1  space  per  sleeping  room         Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  Municipal  Code  2008     Subdivision  Improvement  Requirements   The   City   maintains   subdivision   improvement   requirements   that   contribute  to  the  cost  of  housing.  In  many  cases,  a  developer  may  be   required  to  provide  any  or  all  of  the  required  improvements  within  a   subdivision  or  a  single  residential  project.  Although  the  provision  of   these   improvements   or   actions   required   to   meet   subdivision   requirements  may  cumulatively  add  costs  to  the  provision  of  housing,   they  are  not  considered  a  deterrent,  as  they  are  required  throughout   California  with   public   safety   as   the   underlying   factor.   Pertinent   improvements  include:       HOUSING   II-­‐294    Full-­‐width   street   improvements   for   all   internal   subdivision   streets  and  alleys  shall  be  installed,    Where  a  subdivision  borders  a  public  street,  the  developer  shall   provide   half-­‐width   right-­‐of-­‐way   improvements,  plus   one   additional  travel  lane  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  centerline  if  it   does  not  already  exist,    Additional   rights-­‐of-­‐way   or   easements   shall   be   provided   to   accommodate  roadway  slopes,  multi-­‐purpose  paths,  and  other   required  facilities,    Minimum  landscape  setback   widths   shall   be   20   feet   from   primary  arterial  streets,  10  feet  from  secondary  arterial  streets,   and  10  feet  from  collector  streets.    Local  streets  shall  be  a  minimum  of  60  feet  in  width  with  36–40   feet  curb  to  curb,  and  10-­‐12  feet  for  landscape  parkway  and  cul-­‐ de-­‐sacs  shall  be  a  minimum  width  of  50  feet  with  32–36  feet   curb  to  curb  and  7-­‐9  feet  for  landscape  parkway,    Private  streets  are  limited  to  36  feet  in  width  when  parking  is   double  loaded,  32  feet  when  single  loaded,    Sidewalks   are   required   to  be   provided   on   both   sides   of   the   street  within  public  rights-­‐of-­‐way  of  all  General  Plan  designated   arterial   and   collector   streets;   for   local   streets   in   residential   areas  and  in  areas  designated  rural  residential  overlay  where   densities  exceed  3  du/ac,    Transit  facilities  such  as  bus  turnouts  and  covered  bus  shelters   and  benches  are  required  if  a  bus  stop  occurs  adjacent  to  the   development   site,  on   General   Plan   designated   arterial   and   collector  streets,    street   width   transitions;   pavement   elevation   transitions  and   other  incidental  work  deemed  necessary  for  public  safety  may   be  required  immediately  adjacent  to  the  development  site,    Other  improvements  required  to  be  provided  by  the  developer   may  include  traffic  signs;  channelization  markings/devices;  street   name  signs;  medians;  and  mailbox  clusters,      The   developer  shall   provide   improvements   connecting   the   subdivision   to   the   domestic   water   supply   and   distribution   system  operated  by  the  Coachella  Valley  Water  District,  and  is   required  to  connect  to  an  existing  sewer  collection  system.     Local  Processing  and  Permit  Procedures   The   cost   of   holding   land   by   a   developer   during   the   evaluation   and   review  process  is  frequently  cited  by  builders  as  a  contributing  factor   to   the   high   cost   of   housing.   The   California   Government   Code   establishes  permitted  time  periods  for  local  agencies  to  review  and  act   upon   private   development   proposals.   Typical   local   development     HOUSING   II-­‐295   application  processing  times  identified  in  Table  II-­‐54  reflect  both  single-­‐   and   multifamily   uses.   Multifamily   projects   generally   have   shorter   processing   times   than   single-­‐family   tract   maps   because   Site   Development   Permits   are   approved   at   Planning   Commission,   while   tract  maps  have  to  go  to  City  Council  for  review.  State-­‐imposed  time   restrictions  are  identified  in  Table  II-­‐55.       Table  II-­‐54   Local  Development  Processing  Times   Item   Typical  Length  of  Time   From  Submittal  to  Public  Hearing   Minor  Use  Permit  1–2  weeks   Village  Use  Permit  9–12  weeks   Site  Development  Permit  8–10  weeks   Conditional  Use  Permit  9–12  weeks   Tentative  Tract  Map  10–12  weeks   Variance  8–10  weeks   Zoning  Amendments  or  Zone  Change  9–12  weeks   General  Plan  Amendment  12–16  weeks   Specific  Plan  12–16  weeks   Environmental  Documentation  Runs  with  application   Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  2008     Table  II-­‐55   State  Development  Processing  Time  Limits   Item  State  Maximum   General  Plan  Amendment  None   Zone  Change  None   Subdivision  Action  on  Tentative  Map  50  Days   Environmental  Documentation/CEQA     Review  of  Application  for  Completeness  30  Days   Determination  of  NEG  DEC  or  EIR   Requirement  1   30  Days   Completion  of  NEG  DEC  Requirement  105  Days   Certification  of  Final  EIR  1  Year   Source::  City  of  La  Quinta  2008   1  The  City  attempts  to  process  the  Negative  Declaration  so  that  it  runs  with  application     Site  Development  Permit   The   purpose   of   the   site   development   permit  process  is   to   review   detailed  plans  for  proposed  development  projects  to  ensure  that  the   standards  of  the  Zoning  Code,  including  permitted  uses,  development   standards  and  supplemental  regulations  are  satisfied.  If  the  proposed   project  is  part  of  a  previously  adopted  Specific  Plan,  the  review  and   approval  of  Site  Development  Permit  application  may  be  streamlined   as  called  for  in  the  Specific  Plan.  The  site  development  permit  process     HOUSING   II-­‐296   enables   the   Architecture   and   Landscape   Review   Committee   and   Planning  Commission  to  review  the  site  plan;  architectural,  lighting  and   landscape  plans;  related  development  plans;  and  sign  programs.  The   Architecture  and  Landscape  Review  Committee  is  a  technical  advisory   group   that   is   allowed   one   opportunity   to   make   design   recommendations,   but   they   cannot   establish   conditions   or   grant   approvals.  The  Planning  Commission  does  not  exercise  discretionary   review  over  the  proposed  land  use;  the  focus  on  the  Site  Development   Permit  is  on  issues  of  site  planning  and  design.     A  Site  Development  Permit  may  take  a  minimum  of  6  weeks  for  review,   but  the  process  could  take  as  long  as  almost  3  months,  if  unforeseen   complications  arise.  To  reduce  the  amount  of  time  required  for  plan   review,  the  City  provides  no-­‐cost  preliminary  project  review  to  give  the   applicant  information  on  City  requirements  and  project  feedback  prior   to  committing  to  the  application  process.  Preliminary  review  can  save   the   applicant   both   time   and   money,   making   the   proposed   development  more  cost  effective.     Minor  Use  Permit   The   only   residential   use   requiring   a   MUP   is   manufactured   housing   established   on   a   single-­‐family   lot.   Most   MUPs   are   administratively   approved  by  Planning  Department  staff.  On  rare  occasions,  the  project   may  be  reviewed  by  the  Planning  Commission  at  a  public  hearing  to   ensure  that  it  is  consistent  with  the  development  standards  in  single-­‐ family  zones.       Conditional  Use  Permit   A  conditional  use  permit  is  required  for  senior  group  housing  proposed   in  a  CR,  RMH,  or  RH  zones,  and  for  congregate  care  facilities  in  any   residential   designation.   The   CR   zone   also   permits   single-­‐family   residential   and   mixed-­‐use   office/residential   with   a   specific   plan   and,   multifamily  uses  and  SRO  uses  with  a  CUP.     The   requirement   for   a   CUP  requires  a   public   hearing   before   the   Planning  Commission.  However,  a  CUP  is  often  processed  concurrently   with  an  SDP;  therefore  no  additional  time  is  required  for  the  processing   of  the  CUP.       Typical  findings  required  to  approve  a  CUP  are  consistency  with  the   goals,  objectives,  and  policies  of  the  General  Plan,  consistency  with  the   Zoning   Code,   compliance   with   CEQA,  and   certification   that   the   proposed   project   is   neither   detrimental   to   the   health,   safety,   and   welfare  of  the  public  nor  injurious  to  adjacent  uses.  The  most  common     HOUSING   II-­‐297   specific   conditions   of   approval   relate   to   mitigating   environmental   impacts   such   as   erosion,  storm   water   runoff,   and   traffic.   These   conditions  are  necessary  to  protect  environmental  integrity  and  public   health   and   safety   and   are   not   considered   a   constraint   to   housing   development.   Discussions   with   affordable   housing   developers   have   consistently  indicated  that  the  City’s  CUP  process  does  not  inhibit  the   process  or  cost  of  building  affordable  housing.       Specific  Plan   Specific   plans   are   unique   regulations   designed   to   provide   more   flexibility  than  permitted  through  the  Municipal  Code.  The  processing   of  a  specific  plan  can  add  6  weeks  to  the  project  schedule.  However,   the   additional   entitlement   rights,   flexibility   in   design   and   use,   and   infrastructure  negotiations  obtained  through  the  specific  plan  process   generally  outweigh  the  impacts  of  the  additional  time  expenditure.     Specific  plans  must  be  reviewed  by  the  Planning  Commission  and  City   Council  at  a  public  hearing.  In  La  Quinta  specific  plans  are  adopted  by   resolution.  The  required  findings  for  approval  are  consistency  with  the   goals,  objectives,  and  policies  of  the  General  Plan;  certification  that  the   project   does   not   create   conditions   that   are   detrimental   to   public   health,  safety,  and  welfare;  and  proof  that  uses  are  compatible  with   nearby  uses  and  the  property  is  suitable  for  the  proposed  project.     The  City  allows  the  concurrent  processing  of  applications  to  accelerate   the  process.  For  example,  for  a  Specific  Plan  that  also  requires  a  CUP   both  permits  would  be  processed  at  the  same  time  so  no  additional   review   time   is   necessary.  The   City   also   provides  for     discounted   application  fees  when  multiple  applications  are  filed  concurrently.     Overall,  the  processing  periods  and  procedures  are  not  considered  a   constraint   to   the   production   of   housing   by   the   development   community.   The   City   processes   residential   projects   within   statutory   time  frames.  The  processing  period  is  actually  expedited  for  projects   within  adopted  specific  plan  areas,  as  environmental  review  has  been   conducted   and   standards   have   been   imposed,   e.g.,   exactions   and   payment  schedules,  design,  etc.,  for  the  entire  area  and  in  itself  does   not  significantly  impact  housing  construction  costs.     Village  Use  Permit   The  purpose  of  the  Village  Use  Permit  (VUP)  is  to  provide  the  City  with   an  opportunity  to  review  new  development  projects  proposed  in  the   Village  Commercial  (VC)  zone.  Any  potential  project  applicant  in  the   Village  area  has  the  option  to  file  a  preliminary  development  plan  to     HOUSING   II-­‐298   ascertain   anticipated   conditions,   requirements,   and   costs   associated   with  a  proposal.  The  preliminary  development  plan  process  is  free  of   charge   and   encouraged   as   a   means   of   providing   clarity   to   the   development  community.       All  uses  allowed  as  primary  uses  in  the  VC  zone  are  permitted  by  right.   The  VUP  is  not  a  review  of  the  actual  use,  rather  it  is  a  development   review  process  used  in  the  Village.  Residential  uses  are  permitted  in   the  VC  zone  with  a  VUP.  Most  projects  in  the  VC  zone  are  infill  and  are   exempt  from  CEQA  and  associated  fees,  thus  streamlining  the  process   and   reducing   development   costs.   The   Village   at   La   Quinta  Design   Guidelines  (Guidelines)  encourages  the  development  of  residential  and   mixed  uses  in  the  Village,  and  provides  a  greater  level  of  flexibility  for   the  applicant.  The  land  use  section  sets  forth  the  following  general   guidelines:      The  Village  shall  include  residential  mixes    Residential  uses  shall  locate  above  commercial  uses  in  common   buildings  or  may  be  in  stand-­‐alone  multifamily  buildings    Mixed  use  projects  are  not  subject  to  any  floor  area  ratio  or  lot   coverage  standards    Compact   groupings   are  encouraged   to   promote   pedestrian   mobility     The  Guidelines   provide   more   flexible   design   standards   and   do   not   contain  requirements  or  standards  that  constrain  the  development  of   affordable  or  market  rate  housing.       Village   Use   Permits   are   approved   at   regularly   scheduled   Planning   Commission  hearings.  Typical  findings  for  approval  include  consistency   with  the  City’s  General  Plan,  Zoning  Code,  CEQA,  Village  at  La  Quinta   Design  Guidelines,  and  a  determination  that  the  proposed  project  will   not  be  detrimental  to  public  health,  safety,  and  welfare  or  injurious  to   adjacent  uses.       Permitting  Mixed  Use  Development   Mixed  use  development  can  provide  a  lively,  walkable,  and  convenient   living  and  visiting  experience.  Mixed  Use  is  allowed  in  most  commercial   zones   in   the   City.  The   City   has   not   determined   any   conditions   of   approval   specific   to   mixed   use   development;   conditions   are   determined  on  a  case-­‐by-­‐case  basis,  reflecting  the  context  and  design   of   each   project.     Affordable   housing   developers   in   the   area   have   indicated  that  the  process  in  La  Quinta  has  not  posed  a  constraint  to   affordable  housing  projects.     HOUSING   II-­‐299     Development  and  Processing  Fees   Development  fees  set  by  the  City  and  other  regional  fees,  cover  the   costs  for  infrastructure,  environmental  protection,  public  services,  and   utilities   incurred   by   residential   development.   These   fees   impact   the   cost  of  housing,  and  may  therefore  reduce  the  ability  for  unassisted   market-­‐rate   housing   to   provide   units   affordable   to   low   income   households.     In  addition  to  City  fees  and  assessments,  developers  of  new  dwellings   will  be  obligated  to  pay  Multi-­‐Species  Habitat  Conservation  Plan  fees,   Fish  and  Game  fees,  Art  in  Public  Places  fees,  development  impact  fees   (Table   II-­‐56),   and   other   special   district   assessments   that   will   impact   residential   projects.   City   fees   either   pay   for   the   processing   of   an   application  or  the  funding  of  a  proportional  share  of  major  facility  fees   associated   with   delivery   of   essential   public   services   such   as   sewer,   water,  fire  protection,  stormwater  drainage,  and  parks.       Costs  associated  with  the  permitting  process  are  a  potential  constraint   to   the   development   of   low-­‐income   housing.  Table   II-­‐57  presents   an   overview  of  City  fees  for  an  average  1,500-­‐square-­‐foot  tract  home  with   a   two-­‐car   garage   in   a   low   density   subdivision   and   an   average   950-­‐ square-­‐foot   multifamily   home   with   a   two-­‐car   garage.  In   addition   to   these   fees,   all   residential   development   whether   in   La   Quinta   or   elsewhere  in  California  is  required  to  pay  the  State  mandated  school   impact  fee,  which  varies  from  year  to  year.  In  general,  for  residential   development,  the  school  impact  fee  is  approximately  $2.65  per  square   foot.  The  City  has  no  control  over  this  fee,  and  as  it  is  charged  in  all   cities,   it   cannot   be   considered   a   constraint   on   development   in   La   Quinta.       The  City  has  recently  overhauled  its  planning  fee  schedule,  and  also  has   joined  into  the  regional  Transportation  Uniform  Mitigation  Fee  (TUMF)   program   administered   through   CVAG.   These  fees   and   assessments   correspond  to  and   pay   for   the   cost   of   processing   various   types   of   applications,   as   shown   in  Table   II-­‐58.   However,   the   City   offers   a  75   percent   cost   reduction   on   fees   when   multiple   applications   are   simultaneously   processed,   such   as   for   a   specific   plan,   EIR,   and   development  agreement  running  concurrently  on  the  same  property.   In  such  a  case,  the  highest  fee  is  charged  in  full,  with  the  remaining   fees  charged  at  75  percent  discount.  The  City  is  also  now  tracking  its   applications  on  a  time  and  deposit  basis,  as  part  of  implementing  the   new  fee  schedule.       HOUSING   II-­‐300   While  the  fees  charged  by  the  City  add  to  the  cost  of  housing  and   therefore   are   a   constraint   to   the   provision   of   affordable   housing,   infrastructure   improvements   and   processing   must   be   paid.   A   comparison  of  the  City’s  fees  with  other  communities  in  the  Coachella   Valley   indicates   that   the   City   generally   charges   comparable   fees   to   other  cities.     Table  II-­‐56   Impact  Fees  Per  Unit  of  Development   Land  Use  Type  Development  Units  Fee   Residential  (SFD)  1  Dwelling  Unit  $6,894   Residential  (SFA)  2  Dwelling  Unit  $6,681   Residential  (MFA)  3  Dwelling  Unit  $5,030   Office/Hospital  1,000  SF    $5,379   General  Commercial  1,000  SF  $6,456   Tourist  Commercial  Room  $2,185   Golf  Courses  Acre  $957   Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  2008   1  Residential-­‐single-­‐family  detached,  fee  amount  expected  to  be  adopted  in  2010.   2  Residential-­‐single-­‐family  attached,  fee  amount  expected  to  be  adopted  in  2010.   3  Residential-­‐multi-­‐family  and  other       HOUSING   II-­‐301   Table  II-­‐57   Development  Fees  for  Typical  Single-­‐Family  and  Multifamily  Homes   Type  of  Fee   Cost  Per  Unit   Multifamily  1  Single-­‐Family  2   Building  Fees   Construction  $422  $591   Plan  Check  (Standard  Plan)  $616  $818   Mechanical  $69  $75   Plumbing  1  Bath  =  $120  2  Bath  =  $144   Electrical  $126  $176   Strong  Motion  Instrumentation  $5  $9   Grading  $20  $20   CVWD  Water/Sewer  Fee  $4,325  $4,325   TUMF*  $1,276.80  $1,837.44   Other  Fees  (Location)   Development  Impact  Fee  $5,030  $6,894  SFD   Multi-­‐Species  Habitat  Conservation  Plan  3    $521  $1,284     Fish  and  Game  Fee  (unfinished  lot)   Negative  Declaration–flat  $2,057  fee  $2,052  $2,052   Art  in  Public  Places  (Total  Value)  Based   on  project  valuation  charged  at  one-­‐ quarter  of  1  percent  of  anything  over   $200,000  or  $20  minimum   $20  $20   Quimby  fees  (if  in-­‐lieu  of  land   dedication—fee  payment  only  option  for   tracts  of  <50  lots/units)   Based  on  per-­‐acre   FMV  of  land   Based  on  per-­‐acre   FMV  of  land   Total    $13,326  $16,408   Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  2013   1  Calculated  on  a  950-­‐square-­‐foot  unit  for  both  8  units  per  acre  and  16  units  per  acre  on  a  one-­‐ acre  parcel.   2  Calculated  on  a  1,500-­‐square-­‐foot  home  for  both  single-­‐family  detached  and  single-­‐family   attached  at  3  units  per  acre  on  a  one-­‐acre  parcel.   3  $1,284/unit  at  0–8  DU/AC,  $521/unit  at  8.01–14  DU/AC,  and  $235/unit  at  >14  DU/AC   *Based  on  trips  generated  per  unit           HOUSING   II-­‐302   Table  II-­‐58   Planning  Department  Fee  Schedule    Item/Type  Permit  Base  Fee   General   Conditional  Use  Permit    General1    Amendment     $3,968   $1,859   Site  Development  Permit    Amendment*    Time  Extensions*   $5,577   $2,850   $1,359   Village  Use  Permit  $5,577   Minor  Use  Permit*  $200   General  Plan  Amendment  $6,149   Specific  Plan  $6,292   Specific  Plan  Amendments  $2,360   Temporary  Use  Permit*  $200   Variance  $1,359   Certificate  of  Zoning  Compliance*  $572   Change  of  Zone  $6,149   Zoning  Text  Amendment  $6,149   Sign  Permit*  $200   Sign  Program  -­‐  When  submitted  after  Site   Development  Permit  approval   $2,181   Land  Division   Parcel  Map    Waiver*    Amendment*    Revision*    Time  Extension*   $3,432   $1,216   $2,038   $2,038   $715   Subdivision    Tentative  Tract  Map    Tentative  Tract  Amendment    Time  Extension*     $5,577   $2,681   $787   Statutory  Condominium  Subdivision  $3,861   Certificate  of  Compliance*  572   Other  Permits  and  Fees   Appeals*  $1,573   Environmental  Assessment  $286   Development  Agreement  $1,859   Source:  City  of  La  Quinta  2013   *  =  Permit  usually  does  not  require  CEQA  review.         HOUSING   II-­‐303   Building  Codes  and  Enforcement   The   City   of   La   Quinta   has   adopted  the   following   State   Codes:   2010   California   Building   Code,   2010  California   Mechanical   Code,   2010   California  Plumbing  Code,  2010  California  Energy  Code,  and  the  2010   California   Electrical   Code.  In   addition,   the   City   enforces   the   2010   California  Code  Fire  Code,  Residential  Code,  and  Green  Code.  Starting   in  2014,  the  City  will  begin  enforcing  the  respective  2013  Codes.     Overall,  the  Building  Codes  adopted  by  the  City  of  La  Quinta  do  not   pose  any  special  constraints  on  the  production  or  cost  of  housing.  The   City  has  not  made  substantive  amendments  to  the  code  that  would   adversely  affect  housing.     The   City   of   La   Quinta   enforces   the   Housing   Code  which  provides   minimum   health   and   safety   standards   for   the   maintenance   of   the   existing  housing  supply.  These  standards  are  intended  to  provide  for   safe   and   sanitary   housing   that   is   fit   for   human   habitation.   The   enforcement  of  the  Housing  Code  is  normally  handled  on  a  complaint-­‐ response  basis.       The  most  common  housing-­‐related  problem  is  illegal  additions/garage   conversions.  Warnings  are  issued  with  a  referral  to  the  City  and  other   agencies  for  remediation  assistance.  The  Housing  Code  mandates  that   health   and   safety   deficiencies   be   corrected   in   accordance   with   construction  standards  that  were  in  effect  at  the  time  the  structure   was   built.   In   cases   where   property   owners   refuse   to   correct   deficiencies,  enforcement  of  the  Housing  Code  relies  on  civil  sanctions.     Constraints  to  the  Provision  of  Housing  for  Persons  with  Disabilities     State  law,  per  Senate  Bill  520,  requires  that  in  addition  to  an  analysis  of   special   housing   needs   for   persons   with   disabilities,   the   Housing   Element   must   analyze   potential   governmental   constraints   to   the   development,  improvement  and  maintenance  of  housing  for  persons   with  disabilities.  Programs  must  be  included  to  remove  constraints  to   providing  adequate  housing  for  persons  with  disabilities.       The  City  maintains  general  processes  for  individuals  with  disabilities  to   make   requests   for   reasonable   accommodation   through   the   Zoning   Code,   the   permit   processing  process,   and   building   codes.  The   City   integrated   a   reasonable   accommodation   process   into   its   Zoning   Ordinance  during  the  last  planning  period.         HOUSING   II-­‐304   The   updated   Zoning   Code   does   not   restrict   the   location   of   group   homes.  Group  homes  (congregate  care)  with  six  or  fewer  persons  are   permitted  by  right  in  all  residential  zones  except  High  Density;  group   homes  of  seven  or  more  are  permitted  with  a  conditional  use  permit  in   all   residential   zones   and   the   CR   zone.   Furthermore,   senior   group   homes  of  six  or  fewer  are  permitted  in  all  residential  zones.  Senior   homes  of  more  than  six  are  permitted  subject  to  a  CUP  in  the  RMH,  RH,   and  CR  zones.       The  Zoning  Code  also  includes  provisions  for  the  reduction  of  parking   requirements   for  affordable,   senior   and  special   needs   housing,   including   senior   and/or   group   homes,   if   a   project   proponent   can   demonstrate  a  reduced  need  for  parking.  The  City  also  enforces  ADA   standards  for  the  number  of  parking  spaces  required  for  persons  with   disabilities.       There   are   no   conditions   or   requirements   imposed   for   group   homes   that   would   affect   the   development   or   conversion   of   residences   to   meet  the  needs  of  persons  with  disabilities.  With  the  exception  of  the   minimum  age  requirement  established  by  the  federal  government,  the   conditions   for   senior   housing   in   both   residential   and   nonresidential   zones   do   not   affect   the   development   of   housing   for   persons   with   disabilities.       There   are   no  minimum   distance  standards  between   two   or   more   special  needs  housing  developments.     The  City  of  La  Quinta  has  adopted  the  2010  California  Building  Code,  as   well   as   the   2010  California   Mechanical,   Electrical,   Energy,  Fire,   Residential,  Green  and  Plumbing  Codes.  No  amendments  have  been   made  to  the  codes  that  would  diminish  the  ability  to  accommodate   persons  with  disabilities.  Starting  in  2014,  the  City  will  begin  enforcing   the  respective  2013  Codes.  There  are  no  restrictions  on  requests  for   retrofitting   of   homes   for   accessibility,   such   as   ramps   and   handrails.   Requests   for   such   retrofits   are   handled   as   any   other   minor   improvement   to   a   home   necessitating   a   building   permit,   with   the   exception  that  the  design  must  meet  all  applicable  standards  and  ADA   requirements,   and   is  reviewed  at   the   inspection   phase   for   conformance  to   construction   requirements.   Although   requests   for   retrofit  of  existing  homes  have  been  extremely  limited  in  the  past  few   years,  a  number  of  homes  advertised  for  resale  in  the  Cove  area  have   been   retrofitted   or   built   specifically   for   persons   with   physical   disabilities  and  are  described  as  such.       HOUSING   II-­‐305   The  public  review  process  for  the  approval  of  group  or  senior  homes  is   no   different   from   any   other   permitted   use   in   the   applicable   zone.   Where  a  group  or  senior  home  is  permitted  by  right,  no  public  hearing   is  required.  The  project  is  brought  to  the  Planning  Commission  if  a  CUP   is  required,  and  is  subject  to  consideration  and  approval  as  any  other   use  permitted  by  CUP.  Where  a  senior  group  home  may  be  requested   with  a  CUP  as  part  of  a  specific  plan  ,  the  use  would  be  considered  and   approved  within  the  established  public  hearing  process  as  part  of  the   total   specific   plan   and   subject   to   the   applicable   Zoning   Code   provisions.     Environmental  and  Infrastructure  Constraints   Development  of  new  housing  in  La  Quinta  will  continue  to  take  place   both  north  and  south  of  Highway  111.  Public  services  and  infrastructure   are  being  upgraded  and  expanded  within  the  City.  Major  flood  control   programs   have   been   funded   by   the   City  and  constructed   by  the   Coachella  Valley  Water  District  (CVWD)  for  the  protection  of  the  Cove   Area.  In  response  to  growth,  Desert  Sands  and  Coachella  Valley  Unified   School  Districts  operate  several  elementary  schools,  middle  schools,   and   high   schools   that   serve   La   Quinta   residents.   Three   Riverside   County  Fire  Department  stations  serve  the  City.     The  potable  water  system  in  the  City  is  operated  and  administered  by   CVWD.  The  sanitary  sewage  collection  and  treatment  system  in  the  City   is  operated  and  administered  by  CVWD,  which  extends  service  based   upon  approved  designs  and  improvements  constructed  by  the  private   developer.       The  City  of  La  Quinta  is  served  by  Southern  California  Gas  Company.   The   Southern   California   Gas   Company   has   indicated   that   the   future   supply   of   natural   gas   will   meet   demand   generated   by   additional   development  in  the  City.       Major  infrastructure  improvements,  including  full-­‐width  streets,  water   and  sewer  mains,  and  stormwater  systems,  are  the  responsibility  of   the   developer   to   install   with  any  development.   Developers   are   required   to   provide   parks   or   in-­‐lieu   fees   as   part   of  a  residential   development.   When   infrastructure   improvements   are   made   that   benefit  other  properties,  the  subdivider  is  reimbursed  from  the  area   fund  when  other  properties  in  the  area  are  developed.       HOUSING   II-­‐306   Opportunities  for  Energy  Conservation   The   City  has   adopted  a   comprehensive   Green  and  Sustainable  La   Quinta  Program  to  enhance  the  City’s  conservation  of  resources  and  to   reduce  environmental  impacts  of  existing  and  future  conditions.  This   program  will  allow  the  City  to  consider  a  wide  range  of  programs  that   will   address   energy,   water,   air   quality,   solid   waste,   land   use,   and   transportation.     Current  Regulations  and  Programs     Title  24  Regulations     On  a  regulatory  level,  the  City  enforces  the  State  Energy  Conservation   Standards  (Title  24,  California  Code  of  Regulations).  These  standards   incorporated   into   the   City’s   Building   Code   provide   a   great   deal   of   flexibility   for   individual   builders   to   achieve   a  minimum   “energy   budget”   through   the   use   of   various   performance   standards.   These   requirements  apply  to  all  new  residential  and  commercial  construction   as   well   as   remodeling   and   rehabilitation   construction   where   square   footage   is   added.   Compliance   with   Title   24   on   the   use   of   energy-­‐ efficient   appliances   and   insulation   has   reduced   energy   demand   stemming  from  new  residential  development.       Green  Building  Programs   The  two  most  prominent  green  building  programs  are  California  Green   Builder,  sponsored  by  the  California  Building  Industry  Association,  and   Leadership   in   Energy   and   Environmental   Design   (LEED),   which   is   sponsored  by  the  US  Green  Building  Council.  Both  programs  involve  a   third-­‐party  certification  process,  have  different  environmental  goals,   and  apply  to  different  types  of  development.     Green  Builder  is  a  voluntary  environmental  building  and  certification   program  for  residential  construction.  Certified  homes  will  incorporate   water-­‐efficient   landscaping   and   fixtures,   utilize   high   efficiency   insulation   and   ventilation   systems,   contain   environmentally   sound   building   materials,   initiate   waste   reduction   methods   during   construction,  and  be  15  percent  over  existing  Title  24  energy  efficiency   standards.       Green   Builder   has   an   existing   partnership   with   Imperial   Irrigation   District  (IID)  and  Burrtec  Waste  and  Recycling  Services  (Burrtec)  for   builder  and  homeowner  incentives.  IID  provides  efficiency  diagnostics,   inspections,  and  a  certification,  which  lead  to  financial  incentives;  and   Burrtec  provides  a  15  percent–30  percent  discount  to  builders  for  bin   removal  services.       HOUSING   II-­‐307     LEED  is  a  national  rating  system  for  green  buildings.  Primarily  focused   on  commercial  and  multifamily  residential  projects,  LEED  requires  the   developer  to  register  their  project  with  the  US  Green  Building  Council,   who  in  turn  reviews  the  project  for  conformance  and  assigns  points   based  upon  various  efficiency,  materials  quality,  and  design  factors.   Once   the   Council   has   reviewed   the   project,   it   issues   a   certification   based  upon  the  number  of  points  achieved  in  each  category.       City  Projects   The   City   has   undertaken   an   aggressive   series   of   green   building   programs  that  demonstrate  the  opportunities  available  to  reduce  the   overall   environmental   impact   of   new   developments.   The   Title   24   energy  efficiency  requirements  significantly  increase  the  overall  energy   efficiency  of  all  new  construction.     Vista  Dunes  Courtyard  Homes   Located  at  78-­‐990  Miles  Avenue  (just  west  of  Adams  Street),  the  Vista   Dunes   project  consists   of   80   courtyard-­‐oriented   single-­‐family   and   duplex  homes.     This  LEED  Platinum  certified  development  includes  photovoltaic  cells   to  generate  electrical  power.  This  feature  will  annually  save  $720  per   unit   in   electric   utility   costs.   Water   saving   improvements   will   reduce   water  usage  by  1,900,000  gallons  per  year  for  the  entire  project.  It  is   estimated  that  this  project  exceeds  Title  24  by  28  percent.  Some  of  the   units  will  exceed  Title  24  requirements  by  30  percent  or  more.     At  the  time  of  its  development,  Vista  Dunes  Courtyard  Homes  was  the   first   LEED   Platinum   certified   multifamily   affordable   housing   development  of  its  size  in  the  country.     The  City  maintains  a  photographic  history  of  the  project  and  produced   a  video  for  educational  purposes.  Further,  tenants  will  be  educated  on   energy  efficiencies  through  written  materials,  a  DVD  and  the  project   operator,  CORE  Housing  Management.     Wolff  Waters  Place  Housing  Project   This  development  exceeds  Title  24  requirements  by  24  percent  and  will   save  approximately  2,000,000  gallons  of  water  from  interior  water  use   alone.  Compliance  with  the  new  CVWD  Ordinance  will  further  reduce   exterior  water  use.       HOUSING   II-­‐308   The  project  is  LEED  certified  and  includes  solar  hot  water  for  laundry   buildings,   a   transit   friendly   location   with   a   bus   stop   and   shopping   within  walking  distance,  low-­‐water-­‐use  landscape  and  irrigation,  dual   flush  toilets,  low-­‐flow  water  fixtures,  energy-­‐efficient  lights,  ENERGY   STAR  appliances,  recycled  building  materials,  paint  with  low  volatile   organic  compounds,  reduced  construction  waste,  advanced  indoor  air   handling   systems,   underground   parking,   high   efficiency   air   conditioning  units,  and  a  tenant  training  program.       Greenhouse  Gas  Reduction  Plan   In   conjunction   with   the   adoption   of   its   2013   General   Plan,   the   City   adopted   a   Greenhouse   Gas   Reduction   Plan.   The   Plan   provides   residents,   business   owners   and   land   owners   with   a   broad   range   of   measures  designed  to  reduce  energy  use  and  the  use  of  fossil  fuels.   The  Plan  will  be  effective  in  reducing  costs  for  existing  homes  and  for   new   residential   development.   It   will   also   allow   changes   in   driving   patterns,   transit   use   and   other   measures   that   will   reduce   the   City’s   dependence  on  traditional  energy  sources.     Future  City  Programs/Actions   The  City  seeks  to  encourage  and  enforce  regulations  or  incentives  that   do  not  serve  as  constraints  to  the  development  or  rehabilitation  of   housing.  The  City  should  focus  on  measures  and  techniques  that  assist   the  occupant  in  reducing  energy  costs,  thereby  increasing  the  amount   of  income  that  can  be  spent  on  housing,  child  care,  health  care,  or   other  necessary  costs.       The   implementation   of   a   formal   Green   and  Sustainable  La   Quinta   Program   will   require   participation   of   many   city   departments   and   agencies.   Program   costs   could   include   energy   audit   upgrades   for   existing  facilities  and  buildings,  irrigation  and  landscape  modifications   to  City-­‐maintained  properties,  City  fleet  vehicles,  and  City  maintenance   equipment.     The  City’s  2013  General  Plan  includes  a  Livable  Community  Element  that   provides   direction   on   building   siting,   mixed   use   site   planning,   and   energy   reduction   techniques.   The   element   also   includes   a   suite   of   policies   and   programs   designed   to   lower   energy   costs,   promote   healthy  living,  and  encourage  high  quality  design.     Under   the   direction   of   the   City   Manager’s   Office,  Community   Development  and   Community   Services  Department   staff   play   an   instrumental  role  in  educating  the  community  on  water  conservation   programs  and  resources.       HOUSING   II-­‐309     Energy  Conservation  Partners     In  developing  a  better  La  Quinta  the  City  cannot  be  successful  without   a   sound   relationship   with   Coachella   Valley   Water   District,   Imperial   Irrigation   District,   Southern   California   Gas,   Burrtec   Waste   and   Recycling  Services,  Sunline  Transit  District,  Coachella  Valley  Association   of  Governments,  SCAG,  and  other  entities.  Additionally,  many  of  the   areas   of   concern,   such   as   air   quality   and   regional   transportation,   cannot   be   addressed   without   strong   regional,   state   and   federal   programs.     Utility  Programs   The   City   of   La   Quinta   has   a   strong   working   relationship   with   the   Imperial   Irrigation   District   (IID).   IID   is   proactive   in   creating   energy   savings  via  conservation  programs,  product  rebates,  and  general  tips.   IID  indicates  that  an  average  home  owner  can  reduce  energy  use  by  10   percent  more  by  taking  advantage  of  IID  programs.  IID  offers    rebate   programs  on   the   purchase   of   higher   efficiency   air   conditioning   units,the  purchase  of  high  efficiency  refrigerators,  and  programmable   thermostats.   Additionally,   product   rebates   are   offered   on   ENERGY   STAR  equipment  such  as  home  and  office  electronics.  IID  also  offers   free  in-­‐home  energy  audits  to  its  residential  customers.     IID  also  provides  commercial  programs  such  as  audits  for  both  older   facilities  and  new  construction;  for  new  construction,  IID  offers  design   assistance.  Rebate  programs  have  been  offered  for  solar  panels  and   energy-­‐efficient  motors.           HOUSING   II-­‐310   HOUSING  RESOURCES   The  City’s  RHNA  is  364  units  for  the  2014–2021  planning  period.  The   RHNA  includes  housing  planning  goals  for  four  different  income  and   affordability  levels:  very  low,  low,  moderate,  and  above  moderate.  The   City’s  RHNA  by  affordability  level  is  91  units  of  housing  affordable  to   very  low  income  households,  61  affordable  for  low  income  households,   66  affordable   for   moderate   income   households,   and  146  above   moderate  income  units.     California   housing   element   law   allows   local   governments   to   obtain   credit  toward  its  RHNA  housing  goals  in  three  ways:  constructed  and   approved  units,  vacant  and  underutilized  land,  and  the  preservation  of   existing  affordable  housing.  The  City  will  rely  on  the  construction  of   new  units  on  vacant  lands  to  meet  its  housing  needs  between  2014  and   2021.     Constructed  and  Approved  Housing  Units   During   the   2014-­‐2021   planning   period,   the   City   anticipates   the   rehabilitation   and   expansion   of   the   Washington   Street   apartments.   This  project,  which  currently  provides  72  affordable  housing  units,  is   planned  to  expand  by  constructing  an  additional  68  units  affordable  to   very   low   income   seniors.  Of   these   68   units,   26   are   planned   for   extremely  low  income  households.  The  project  has  been  entitled,  and   is   securing   tax   credit   financing   in   2013.   Construction   is   expected   to   begin  in  2014.     Coral   Mountain   Apartments  consists   of  176   units,   of   which   36   are   proposed  to  be  affordable  to  very  low  income  households,  138  to  low   income  households,  and  2  units  will  be  affordable  to  moderate  income   households.  The   apartments   will   be   completed   in   2014,   early   in   the   2014-­‐2021  planning  period.     With  the  construction  of  these  two  projects,  the  City  will  meet  all  of  its   RHNA   requirements   for   very   low   and   low   income   households.   The   projects  will  result  in  the  construction  of  104  very  low  income  units  (13   more  than  the  RHNA),  and  138  low  income  units  (72  more  than  the   RHNA).       As   discussed   earlier   in   this   Element,   current   conditions   in   the   real   estate  market  make  it  possible  for  a  moderate  income  household  to   afford  market  rate  housing.  Further,  the  rental  market  offers  a  broad   range  of  units  at  rental  rates  of  up  to  $1,285  per  month.    Table  II-­‐59     HOUSING   II-­‐311   demonstrates   the   affordability   of   market   rate   rentals   and   home   purchases  in  La  Quinta  for  a  moderate  income  four  person  household.     Table  II-­‐59   Affordability  of  Housing  2013    Ownership  Rental     Median  Existing   Single  Family   Purchase  Price     $330,000     N/A     Mortgage  Costs   (PITI)     $1,762  N/A   Rental  Rate  N/A  $1,285   30%  of  Moderate   Household  Income   $1,950  $1,950   Affordability   Gap/Overage   $188  $665     As  shown  in  the  table,  the  rental  and  resale  market  can  accommodate   some  of  the  City’s  expected  moderate  income  households  during  the   2014-­‐2021  planning  period.  Altogether,  the  City  has  a  moderate  income   RHNA   of   66.   Two  units   will   be   available   for   moderate   income   households  at  the  Coral  Mountain  Apartments,  and  market  rate  rentals   and   resales   will   likely   address   the   remaining   need.   The   City   had   a   vacant  rental  and  ownership  inventory  of  1,660  units  (see  Table  II-­‐12)  in   2010.   The   DOF   estimates   a   similar   vacancy   rate   in   2013.   There   is   therefore  considerable  inventory  available  to  meet  the  City’s  moderate   and  above  moderate  income  RHNA  of  180  units.  The  inventory  of  sites   includes   additional   parcels   (see   below)   that   could   accommodate   moderate  income  housing.     With  the  elimination  of  Redevelopment  by  the  State,  the  City’s  ability   to   provide   affordable   housing   in   the   future   has   essentially   been   eliminated.  Given  the  City’s  active  participation  in  affordable  housing   projects,  this  loss  will  be  difficult  to  fill.  The  affordable  housing  needs   of  the  community  will  forcibly  require  third  party  investment,  whether   from  governmental  or  private  sector  sources.                   HOUSING   II-­‐312       Table  II-­‐60   Constructed,  Approved,  and  Pending  Residential  Projects       Project   Very   Low  Low  Moderate   Above   Moderate  Total   Market  Rate  Projects   Above  Moderate   Income  Projects  1  0  0  0  4,752  4,752   Income-­‐Restricted  Projects   Coral  Mountain   Apartments  36  138  2  0  176   Washington  Street   Apartments  2  68  0  0  0  68   Total   Constructed/Approved   Projects  104  138  2  4,752  4,996   2006–2014  RHNA  91  61  66  146  364   Balance  of  RHNA   Allocation  (13)  (77)  64  (4,683)  64   Source:  SCAG  RHNA,  City  of  La  Quinta   1  Based  on  vacant  land  available  in  the  Low  Density  Residential  General  Plan  category.   2  The  units  shown  are  new  units  and  are  in  addition  to  72  existing  units  that  will  be      rehabilitated  as  a  part  of  the  project.       Available  Land  for  Housing     With  the  previously  described  housing  production  credits,  the  City  of   La   Quinta   has   a   remaining   unmet   RHNA   of  64   units   for   moderate   income  households.  The  Housing  Element  must  identify  available  sites   within  the  City  that  can  accommodate  the  remaining  unmet  RHNA.       The  land  inventory  includes  an  analysis  of  the  realistic  capacity  of  the   sites.   An   evaluation   of   zoning,   densities,   market   demand,   record   of   affordable  housing  development,  and  financial  feasibility  will  establish   the  ability  of  available  sites  to  provide  housing  for  all  income  levels.     Available  Vacant  Land     The   vacant   land   inventory   only   includes   parcels   that   the   City   has   identified   as   having   the   potential   to   develop   during   the  2014-­‐2021   planning  period.  Additional  vacant  sites  are  located  in  the  City,  but  are   not  assumed  to  have  the  potential  to  satisfy  the  current  RHNA.  The   development  potential  for  Village  Commercial  (VC)  sites  is  assumed  to   be  improved  through  logical  consolidation  with  adjacent  vacant  lots.   The  City  will  encourage  and  facilitate  lot  consolidation  in  this  district   through  incentives  provided  in  Programs  1.5  and  3.5.  The  City’s  flexible     HOUSING   II-­‐313   development  and  use  standards  further  facilitate  the  development  of  a   range  of  housing  types.       Table   II-­‐61  provide   a   summary   and   illustration   of   the   vacant   land   development  potential  within  the  City.  All  these  sites  were  included  in   the  City’s  inventory  for  the  2006-­‐2013  planning  period,  but  were  not   utilized.       Table  II-­‐61   Vacant  Land  Inventory   Map   Key   Owner  APN  Acres     Existing   GP/Zoning   Projected   Density   Projected   Yield   RMH  Sites    14.0      280   1  1  AH  646-­‐ 070-­‐013  14.0  DR/RMH(AH O)  20  280                        Village  Sites   2a  X   770-­‐122-­‐ 015  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   2b  Y   770-­‐122-­‐ 014  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   2c  Y   770-­‐122-­‐ 013  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   2d  Z   770-­‐122-­‐ 012  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   2e  Z   770-­‐122-­‐ 011  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   2f  Z   770-­‐122-­‐ 010  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   2g  AA   770-­‐122-­‐ 009  0.1  VC/VC  14  2      Site  2  Subtotal   0. 5      8   3a  AB   770-­‐152-­‐ 005  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   3b  AB   770-­‐152-­‐ 006  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   3c  AC   770-­‐152-­‐ 007  0.1  VC/VC  14  2    Site  3  Subtotal  0.34      6   4  AD   770-­‐155-­‐ 001  0.40  VC/VC  14  6   5a  AE   770-­‐156-­‐ 007  0.23  VC/VC  14  3   5b  AF   770-­‐156-­‐ 006  0.28  VC/VC  14  4   5c  AG   770-­‐156-­‐ 010  0.39  VC/VC  14  5   5d  AG  770-­‐181-­‐0.36  VC/VC  14  5     HOUSING   II-­‐314   Table  II-­‐61   Vacant  Land  Inventory   Map   Key   Owner  APN  Acres     Existing   GP/Zoning   Projected   Density   Projected   Yield   009    Site  5  Subtotal  1.26      18   6a  M  73-­‐101-­‐013  0.7  VC/VC  14  10   6b  N   773-­‐094-­‐ 013  0.6  VC/VC  14  8   6c  N   773-­‐094-­‐ 004  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   6d  N   773-­‐094-­‐ 003  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   6e  N   773-­‐094-­‐ 002  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   6f  N   773-­‐094-­‐ 001  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   Site  6  Subtotal  1.6      24   7a  O  73-­‐072-­‐019  0.3  VC/VC                                                          14  5   7b  P   773-­‐072-­‐ 005  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   7c  P   773-­‐072-­‐ 027  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   7d  P   773-­‐072-­‐ 026  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   7e  P   773-­‐072-­‐ 025  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   7f  P   773-­‐072-­‐ 024  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   7g  P   773-­‐072-­‐ 023  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   7h  P   773-­‐072-­‐ 022  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   7i  P  73-­‐072-­‐021  0.1  VC/VC  14  1   7j  Q   773-­‐073-­‐ 004  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   7k  R   773-­‐073-­‐ 005  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   7l  S   773-­‐075-­‐ 008  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   7m  S   773-­‐075-­‐ 009  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   7n  T  73-­‐077-­‐014  0.8  VC/VC  14  11   7o  M  73-­‐077-­‐013  0.4  VC/VC  14  5   Site  7  Subtotal  2.7      38   8a  U   773-­‐078-­‐ 005  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   8b  V   773-­‐078-­‐ 006  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   8c  V  773-­‐078-­‐0.1  VC/VC  14  2     HOUSING   II-­‐315   Table  II-­‐61   Vacant  Land  Inventory   Map   Key   Owner  APN  Acres     Existing   GP/Zoning   Projected   Density   Projected   Yield   007   8d  W   773-­‐078-­‐ 016  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   8e  W   773-­‐078-­‐ 017  0.1  VC/VC  14  2   Site  8  Subtotal  0.6      8    Total  All  Sites  21.4      388     Site  Adequacy  Analysis   The   sites   shown   in  Table   II-­‐43,  above,   all   accommodate   residential   development  at  various  densities.  Site  1  is  residentially  designated,  and   benefits   from   the   Affordable   Housing   Overlay,   which   increases   its   density  potential  (please  see  below).       During   the   previous   planning   period,   residential   development   in   La   Quinta  was  built   at   or   near   the   maximum   allowable   densities.   For   example,   development   in   the   RM   zone   generally   occurred  at   the   maximum  density  of  8  units  per  acre  or  above  through  density  bonus   provisions.  Centerpointe,  an  approved  224-­‐unit  project    will  be  built  at   densities  of  7.6  units  per  acre  in  the  RM  zone.  Older  examples  include   the  Miraflores  Apartments,  which  were  constructed  at  a  density  of  11.2   units   per   acre   in   the   RM   zone   in   2003.   In   2004,   Hadley   Villas   Apartments  were  developed  at  a  density  of  7.8  units  per  acre  in  the  RM   zone.  In  2001,  the  Aventine  Apartments  were  constructed  at  a  density   of  14.3  units  per  acre  in  the  RH  zone.  In  2004  Silverhawk  Apartments   were  constructed  in  the  VC  zone—which  currently  permits  residential   projects  up  to  16  units  per  acre,  with  the  potential  for  24  units  per  acre   if  the  Affordable  Housing  Overlay  is  applied—at  a  density  of  19.3  units   per   acre   under   density   bonus   provisions.   The   Silverhawk   project   provides  214  units,  14  of  which  are  located  above  9,435  square  feet  of   retail  space.       Restricted-­‐affordable  projects  such  as  Wolff  Waters  Place  was  built  at   14.7  units  per  acre.     Although  the   Washington   Street   Apartments   expansion   and   Coral   Mountain   Apartments   construction   will   exceed   the   City’s   RHNA   for   very  low  and  low  income  households,  and  current  economic  conditions   allow  moderate  income  households  to  afford  market  rate  rental  and   resale   properties,,   additional   sites   have   been   identified   to   increase   residential  development  potential.       HOUSING   II-­‐316     Based  on  these  existing  development  trends,  vacant  sites  are  assumed   to  build  out  at  densities  near  or  at  the  maximum  density  permitted  in   each  zone  during  the  planning  period.  Unit  yield  projections  for  vacant   sites  do  not  include  a  density  bonus  or  second  units.     Environment  and  Infrastructure  Analysis   None  of  the  parcels  identified  in  the  vacant  land  inventory  are  located   in   areas   of   topographic  constraint   or   have   known   environmental   hazards.     The  sites  identified  in  the  vacant  land  inventory  are  adjacent  to  existing   urbanized   development   and   are   within   service   hook-­‐up   distance   of   existing  water  and  sewer  systems.  According  to  the  latest  Coachella   Valley  Water  Management  Plan  (2002),  the  implementation  of  water   conservation,   groundwater   recharge,   and   water   source   substitution   management  strategies  will  ensure  that  adequate  water  resources  are   available  to  existing  and  future  residents  of  La  Quinta.       Capacity  Analysis   The  City  will  meet  its  RHNA  for  very  low  and  low  income  households   with  the  construction  of  the  Washington  Street  Apartment  expansion   and   the   Coral   Mountain   Apartments.   Further,   the   Coral   Canyon   Apartments  will  provide  two  units  for  moderate  income  households.   This  leaves  a  RHNA  need  of  64  units  for  moderate  income  households.   As   described  above,   the  median  sales   price   for   a  resale  home   was   approximately  $330,000  and  the  highest  rent  for  an  apartment  unit   was   approximately   $1,285  per   month.   In   comparison,   the   maximum   affordable  sales  price  for  a  moderate  income  family  of  four  is  $328,900   and  the  maximum  affordable  rent  for  a  moderate  income  couple  is   $1,560  per  month.  Moderate  income  households,  therefore,  can  afford   to  rent  in  the  City,  and  are  able  to  afford  purchasing  resale  homes  that   are   lower   than   the   median   price   currently.   Some   moderate   income   households,   especially   one   and   two   person   households   or   larger   families,  will  need  assistance  to  purchase  a  home.     The  subsidy  can  be  provided  by  affordable  housing  developers,  which   have  constructed  thousands  of  affordable  units  in  La  Quinta  and  the   Coachella  Valley  in  the  past.  Affordable  housing  developers  often  have   access  to  government  funds,  grants,  and  tax  subsidies  that  market-­‐rate   developers   do   not.   Additionally,   affordable   housing   developers   are   driven   by   the   goal   of   providing   affordable   housing   rather   than   maximizing  profit.  Affordable  housing  developers  still,  however,  seek  a   lower  internal  rate-­‐of-­‐return.     HOUSING   II-­‐317     General  proforma  analyses  were  conducted  using  land  costs  ($75,000– $150,000   per   acre   outside   of   the   City’s   developed   center   and   approximately   $1   million   in   the   Village   area)   and   construction   costs   ($150   per   square   foot   according   to   affordable   housing   developers   contacted  in  the  preparation  of  this  Update)  to  estimate  the  capacity   of  land  in  La  Quinta  to  support  affordable  housing.  The  results  indicate   that   homeownership   products   will   remain   available   to   moderate   income  households  without  a  very  large  subsidy.  The  developers  of   ownership  projects  require  financial  returns  through  the  one-­‐time  sale   of  the  housing  units.       A   generally   accepted   minimum   project   size   for   affordable   housing   development  is  50  units.  Like  their  higher  density  counterparts,  lower   density   sites   able   to   accommodate   50   units   are   eligible   for   funding   mechanisms  such  as  Low  Income  Housing  Tax  Credits  (LIHTCs),  a  type   of   restricted   development   that   must   meet   strict   size   and   amenity   guidelines   to   compete   for   funding.   High   density   is   also   not   a   determining  factor  in  obtaining  other  resources,  such  as  HOME  funds   and  Community  Development  Block  Grant  program  funding.  The  RM   and   RMH   sites  identified   in  Table   II-­‐61  above,  would   both   allow   a   minimum  project  size  consistent  with  these  requirements.     Financial  and  Regulatory  Subsidies     A  subsidy  can  be  financial  or  regulatory  in  nature.  Financial  subsidies   are   found   in   federal,   state,   local,   and   private   programs   and   organizations   focused  on   the   production   of   affordable   housing.   Developers  in  La  Quinta  use  and  leverage  many  sources  of  financial   assistance.  Projects  may  seek  funding  from  Low  Income  Housing  Tax   Credits,   tax-­‐exempt   bonds,   Community   Development   Block   Grants,   HOME   funds,   other   HUD   grant   programs,   and   commercial   banking   resources.       Regulatory   subsidies   can   take   many   forms,   including   fee   waivers   or   deferrals,   flexible   development   standards,   and   increased   densities.   Higher   densities   generally   increase   the   financial   feasibility   of   a   residential  project  as  a  developer  is  able  to  sell  more  housing  units  on   the  same  amount  and  cost  of  land  (even  with  slightly  lower  sales  prices   associated  with  smaller,  attached  units).       The   City’s   vision   recognizes   the   importance   of   providing   affordable   housing  for  its  residents  and  employees.  Accordingly,  the  City  supports   affordable   housing   development   through   financial   and   regulatory   subsidies   and   permits  densities   up   to   24   units   per   acre  with   the     HOUSING   II-­‐318   Affordable  Housing  Overlay  (higher  densities  are  permitted   through   density  bonus  provisions).  The  City  is  thereby  able  to  achieve  both  the   goal   of   maintaining   lower   density   community   character   while   also   producing  its  fair  share  of  affordable  housing.     Vacant  Land  Opportunities   In  the  last  decade  the  City  has  established  a  strong  record  of  providing   assistance  to  affordable  multifamily  housing  projects  (townhomes  and   apartments),   ranging   in   density   from   7.8   to   over   20   units   per   acre.   Single-­‐family  detached  assisted  housing  was  also  developed,  with  City   assistance,  at  densities  as  low  as  4.4  units  per  acre  and  up  to  7.8  units   per  acre.       La  Quinta  is  able  to  achieve  market-­‐driven  moderate  income  housing   through  the  relative  affordability  of  land,  the  local  market  demand  for   lower  maintenance  housing  types,  the  depressed  state  of  the  housing   market,  and  reasonable  development  impact  and  entitlement  fees.  La   Quinta   has   a   solid   record   of   working   with   local   nonprofits   and   affordable  housing  developers  to  accommodate  the  housing  needs  of   its  lower  income  residents.  The  vacant  land  inventory  provides  the  City   and  affordable  housing  developers  with  a  map  of  opportunity  areas.       The  moderate  income  housing  need  can  be  met  without  any  mixed-­‐use   development.   However,   the   City   recognizes   that   mixed-­‐use   developments   will  play   a   role   in   moderate   and   above   moderate   housing   opportunities   in   the   future.   Both   the   General   Plan   and   the   Zoning   Ordinance   have   been   modified   to   encourage   Mixed   Use   development.  Because  of  the  current  economy,  however,  there  has   been  no  such  development  proposal  constructed  in  the  City.  Mixed   Use  properties  are  therefore  not  included  in  this  inventory.           HOUSING   II-­‐319   PRESERVATION  OF  AT  RISK  UNITS   State  Government  Code  requires  that  localities  identify  and  develop  a   program  for  their  Housing  Elements  for  the  preservation  of  affordable   multifamily   units   assisted   under   various  federal,   state   and   local   programs.   In   the   preservation   analysis,   localities   are   required   to   provide  an  inventory  of  assisted,  affordable  units  that  are  eligible  to   convert  to  market  rate  within  five  years  of  the  end  of  the  planning   period  (2026).  Income-­‐restricted  housing  units  sometimes  change  to   market  rate  due  to  expiration  of  subsidies,  mortgage  prepayments,  or   expiration  of  affordability  restrictions.       The  earliest  possible  date  of  conversion  for  any  of  the  City’s  restricted   multifamily   housing   stock  is   2024   for   the   45   very   low   and   46   low   income   units   at   Seasons   Senior   Apartments.   An   inventory   of   all   assisted  multifamily  projects  is  provided  in  Table  II-­‐62.     Table  II-­‐62   Assisted  Multifamily  Project  Inventory   Project   Earliest   Date  of   Conversion   Very   Low  Low  Moderate   Above   Moderate  Total   Aventine   Apartments  2056  0  10  10  180  200   Hadley  Villas   Senior   Apartments  2059  81  0  0  0  81   Miraflores   Senior   Apartments  2029  35  83  0  0  118   Seasons   Senior   Apartments  2024  45  46  0  0  91   Vista  Dunes   Courtyard   Homes  2063  79  0  1  0  80   Washington   Street   Apartments   1  2066  72  0  0  0  72   Wolff   Waters   Place  2065  216  0  2  0  218   Total  N/A  528  139  88  305  1,060   Source:  City  of  La  Quinta   1  The  existing  73  units  will  be  rehabilitated.  Covenants  for  the  entire  project  will  run  for  55  years   (2066).     HOUSING   II-­‐320     Maintenance   of   the   at-­‐risk   housing   units   as   affordable   will   depend   largely  on  market  conditions,  the  status  of  HUD  renewals  of  Section  8   contracts,  and  the  attractiveness  of  financial  incentives,  if  warranted.   The  cost  to  replace  the  91  units  at  the  Seasons  Apartments  will  vary   based  on  the  timing  of  replacement  and  the  economic  conditions  in   the   region.   The   Building   Industry   Association   estimates   that   new   multiple-­‐family  projects  cost  $125  to  $130  per  square  foot.  Using  the   average   square   footages   of   1,000  square   feet,   the   building   replacement  cost  would  be  $11.83  million  dollars.       Perhaps  the  most  effective  means  for  preserving  affordable  units  at   risk   of   conversion   to   market   rates   units   would   be   the   transfer   of   ownership.   A   nonprofit   housing   corporation  could   purchase   the   project,  rehabilitate  it  using  Low  Income  Housing  Tax  Credits,  and  then   extend  the  affordability  controls.  Qualified  entities  who  could  take  on   these  projects  include  Habitat  for  Humanity  and  the  Coachella  Valley   Housing  Coalition,  both  of  whom  have  been  actively  participating  in   affordable  housing  projects  in  the  City.  The  City  could  facilitate  this   effort   through   a   reduction   in   building   permit   fees,   impact   fees,   or   other   indirect   assistance.     However,   because   of   the   elimination   of   redevelopment,  the  City  will  be  unable  to  consider  the  purchase  of   these  properties,  and  will  have  to  rely  on  third  party  private  sector   involvement   for   the   preservation   of   these   units.   Program  H-­‐2.3.c   addresses  the  preservation  of  these  units.     HOUSING   II-­‐321   GOALS,  POLICIES,  AND  PROGRAMS     The  following  goals,  policies,  and  programs  set  forth  a  comprehensive   housing  plan  for  the  City  of  La  Quinta  during  the  2014-­‐2021  planning   period.     Adequate  Sites  for  Housing     GOAL  H-­‐1     Provide   housing   opportunities   that   meet   the   diverse   needs   of   the   City’s  existing  and  projected  population.     v Policy  H-­‐1.1     Identify   adequate   sites   to   accommodate   a   range   of   product   types,   densities,  and  prices  to  address  the  housing  needs  of  all  household   types,  lifestyles,  and  income  levels.      Program   1.1.a:  To   address   the   City’s   RHNA   allocation   for   extremely  low  income  households,  26  of  the  68  new  units  at   the   Washington   Street   Apartments   will   be   designated   for   extremely   low   income   households.   The   additional   19   units   identified   in   the   RHNA   will   be   given   priority   either   at   Washington  Street  Apartments,  or  at  projects  on  sites  identified   in  the  Vacant  Land  Inventory  (Table  II-­‐43).     § Objective:   Encourage   the   provision   of   45   extremely   low   income  units  in  new  projects  during  the  planning  period.   § Timing:   2015   for   26  units,   2015-­‐2021   as   projects   are   constructed  for  19  units   § Funding   Source:   Private   Funding,   Tax   Credit   Financing,   Other  sources  as  identified   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department     v Policy  H-­‐1.2   Focus   housing   growth   within   existing   City   boundaries   until   it  is   necessary  to  pursue  annexation  or  development  in  planning  areas  for   affordable  housing.     v Policy  H-­‐1.3   Direct  new  housing  development  to  viable  areas  where  essential  public   facilities  can  be  provided  and  employment  opportunities,  educational   facilities,  and  commercial  support  are  available.     HOUSING   II-­‐322   Assist  in  the  Development  of  Affordable  Housing     GOAL  H-­‐2     Assist  in  the  creation  and  provision  of  resources  to  support  housing  for   lower  and  moderate  income  households.       v Policy  H-­‐2.1   Increase  housing  choices  for  lower  and  moderate  income  households.     v Policy  H-­‐2.2   Support  public,  private,  and  nonprofit  efforts  in  the  development  of   affordable  housing.   v Policy  H-­‐2.3   Pursue  a  variety  of  forms  of  private,  local,  state,  and  federal  assistance   to  support  development  of  affordable  housing.    Program  H-­‐2.3.a:  Collaborative  Partnerships   The  City  shall  meet  with  parties  interested  in  affordable  housing   development   to   discuss   types   of   incentives   available   and   requirements  for  obtaining  assistance,  discuss  appropriate  sites   for   affordable   housing,   and   foster   professional   collaboration   between  the  City  and  affordable  housing  stakeholders.       § Objective:  Continue  to  collaborate  with  nonprofits  and  the   development  community  to    develop  affordable  housing.   § Timing:  Project-­‐by-­‐project  basis,  by  request,  or  on  an  annual   basis.   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department        Program  H-­‐2.3.b:  Affordable  Housing  Renter-­‐to-­‐Owner  Transition   Low  Income  Housing  Tax  Credit  (LIHTC)  provides  federal  tax   credits  for  private  developers  and  investors  that  agree  to  set   aside  all  or  a  portion  of  their  units  for  low  income  households.   LIHTC  projects  can  transition  from  rental  to  ownership  units.   The  units  must  remain  rentals  for  15  years,  at  which  time  some   projects  convert  to  ownership  units.  Typically  a  portion  or  all  of   the   rent   paid   for   the   5   years   prior   to   the   conversion   is   put   toward   the   purchase   of   the   unit.   This   enables   lower   income   households  to  invest  in  the  property  in  which  they  have  been   living  and  benefit  from  its  appreciation.         HOUSING   II-­‐323   Existing  stalled  condominium  and  townhome  projects  are  prime   opportunities  for  low  income  tax  credits  to  be  used  for  renter-­‐ to-­‐owner  programs.     § Objective:   Investigate   the   use   of   LIHTCs   to   finance   affordable   single-­‐family   attached   rental   development   that   can   transition,   after   15   years,   into   moderate   income   ownership  housing.   § Timing:  Complete  study  by  end  of  fiscal  2015   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department      Program  H-­‐2.3.c:  Affordable  Housing  Renter-­‐to-­‐Owner  Transition   There  are  many  resources  that  the  City,  nonprofits,  or  for-­‐profit   developers   may   utilize   to   subsidize   the   construction   and   maintenance   of   affordable   housing.   Some   of   the   most   prominent  resources  are  described  below.     § Objective:  Advertise  other  financial  resources  through  the   affordable   housing   page   of   the   City’s   website,   apply   for   grants  and  competitive  loans,  and  form  partnerships  with   the  development  community  to  obtain  additional  financial   resources.   § Timing:   Update   website   with   funding   information   and   partnership   opportunities   every   six   months   or   earlier   if   appropriate.     § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department   Low  Income  Tax  Credits   Low  Income  Housing  Tax  Credit  (LIHTC)  provides  federal  tax  credits  for   private  developers  and  investors  that  agree  to  set  aside  all  or  a  portion   of  their  units  for  low  income  households.  A  minimum  of  20  percent  of   the  units  must  be  affordable  to  low  income  households  and  40  percent   of  the  units  must  be  affordable  to  moderate  income  households.     Community  Reinvestment  Act   The   Community   Reinvestment   Act   provides   favorable   financing   to   affordable   housing   developers.   The   Redevelopment   Agency,   development  community,  and  local,  regional,  and  national  banks  are   encouraged  to  work  together  to  meet  their  obligations  pursuant  to  the   Community  Reinvestment  Act.     HOUSING   II-­‐324   California  Housing  Finance  Agency  Program   The  California  Housing  Finance  Agency  (CHFA)  has  three  single-­‐ family   programs   for   primarily   moderate   and   middle   income   homebuyers:  the  Home  Ownership  Assistance  Program  and  the   Affordable   Housing   Partnership   Program.   Each   provides   permanent   mortgage   financing   for   first-­‐time   homebuyers   at   below-­‐market  interest  rates.   HOME  Funds   HOME  is  the  largest  Federal  block  grant  distributed  to  state  and   local  governments  for  the  creation  of  lower  income  housing.   Cities  apply  when  Notices  of  Funding  Availability  are  issued.   Neighborhood  Stabilization  Program     HUD’s  Neighborhood  Stabilization  Program  makes  emergency   assistance   grants   available   to   local   governments   for   the   acquisition,  redevelopment,  and  renting  or  resale  of  foreclosed   properties  at-­‐risk  of  abandonment.     Riverside  County  First-­‐Time  Homebuyers  Program   Continue   participation  in   the   Riverside   County   First-­‐Time   Homebuyers   Program   for   low   and   moderate   income   households.     Mortgage  Credit  Certificate     The   Riverside   County   Mortgage   Credit   Certificate   Program   is   designed   to   assist   low   and   moderate   income   first   time   homebuyers.  Under  the  Mortgage  Credit  Certificate  Program,   first-­‐time   homebuyers   receive   a   tax   credit   based   on   a   percentage   of   the   interest   paid   on   their   mortgage.   This   tax   credit  allows  the  buyer  to  qualify  more  easily  for  home  loans,  as   it  increases  the  effective  income  of  the  buyer.  Under  federal   legislation,  20  percent  of  the  funds  must  be  set  aside  for  buyers   with  incomes  between  75  and  80  percent  of  the  county  median   income.   Finance  Agency  Lease-­‐Purchase  Program   Riverside/San  Bernardino  County  Housing  Finance  Agency  L ease   Purchase   Program   provides   down   payment   assistance   and   closing  costs  for  eligible  households  up  to  140  percent  of  the   area  median  income.     HOUSING   II-­‐325   Housing  Choice  Voucher  (formerly  Section  8)  Referrals     Housing  Choice  Vouchers  allow  lower  income  households  to  use  rental   subsidies  anywhere  in  the  County,  including  La  Quinta.    Program  H-­‐2.3.d:  Sweat  Equity  and  Shared  Equity   Sweat  equity  and  shared  equity  programs  provide  lower  and   moderate  income  households  with  ownership  assistance.  Sweat   equity  refers  to  the  exchange  of  time  and  effort,  usually  in  the   form   of   construction   activities,   for   an   affordable   ownership   opportunity.     § Objective:  Continue  to  work  with  organizations  that  offer   sweat   and   shared   equity   housing   programs   to   lower   and   moderate  income  households  in  La  Quinta.     § Timing:   Meet   with   organizations   annually   or   more   frequently   (if   requested   or   advantageous)   to  identify   opportunities  for  coordinated  efforts  or  potential  housing   projects.   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department     Removal  of  Governmental  Constraints  to  Housing     GOAL  H-­‐3     Create   a   regulatory   system   that   does  not   unduly   constrain   the   maintenance,  improvement,  and  development  of  housing  affordable   to  all  La  Quinta  residents.       v Policy  H-­‐3.1   Remove  unnecessary  regulatory  constraints  to  enable  the  construction   or   rehabilitation   of   housing   that   meets   the   needs   of   La  Quinta   residents,  including  lower  income  and  special  needs  residents.       v Policy  H-­‐3.2   Coordinate  the  development  of  affordable  housing  with  the  provision   of  key  utilities  to  ensure  prompt  and  adequate  service.     v Policy  H-­‐3.3   Incentivize   the   development   of   affordable   housing   to   facilitate   the   development   of   housing   for   the   City’s   lower   and   moderate   income   households.       HOUSING   II-­‐326    Program  H-­‐3.3.a:  Priority  Water  and  Sewer  Service   In  compliance  with  state  law,  the  Coachella  Valley  Water  District   (CVWD)  must  create  procedures  to  provide  priority  water  and   sewer  service  to  lower  income  residential  project.  The  law  also   prohibits   the   denial   or   conditioning   the   approval   of   service   without   adequate   findings,   and   requires   future   water   management  plans  to  identify  projected  water  use  for  lower   income  residential  development.       § Objective:  Route  the  adopted  Housing  Element  to  the  CVWD   and   notify   them   of   changes   and   future   updates   to   the   Housing  Element.     § Timing:  Upon  Housing  Element  adoption   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department      Program  H-­‐3.3.b:  Reduced  Parking  Standards   There   are   several   potential   opportunities   to   reduce   parking   standards  for  special  types  of  development  in  La  Quinta.  While   the  City  already  has  special  parking  standards  for  multifamily   senior   housing,   there   is   potential   to   further   reduce   those   requirements,   particularly   for   lower   and   moderate   income   senior  housing.       The  compact,  mixed-­‐use  character  of  the  Village  area  may  also   foster   opportunities   for   parking  reductions   or   joint-­‐use   opportunities.   Lower   and   moderate   income   households   may   own  fewer  vehicles  than  above  moderate  income  households,   and   be   more   inclined   to   walk   or   use   public   transportation.   Incentives   such   as   reduced   parking   requirements   could   be   offered  for  affordable  housing  developments.     § Objective:  Study  the  potential  impacts  of  adopting  reduced   parking  requirements  or  shared  parking  standards  for  senior   housing  and  housing  in  the  Village,  particularly  for  projects   serving  lower  and  moderate  income  households.   § Timing:  Zoning  Ordinance  Update  2014   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department      Program  H-­‐3.3.c:  Encourage  Lot  Consolidation   Several   small   lots   in   the  Village   Commercial  would   have   improved  development  potential  through  lot  consolidation.  The   City   will   study,   identify,   and   adopt   regulatory   incentives   to     HOUSING   II-­‐327   encourage  and  facilitate  lot  consolidation.  Potential  incentives   include   fee   deferral   or   reductions,   parking   requirement   reduction,  and  relief  from  various  other  development  standards   that  could  potentially  increase  the  cost  of  the  project.     § Objective:   Identify   opportunities   and   adopt   incentives   for   lot  consolidation  in  the  Village  Commercial  zone   § Timing:  July  1,  2015   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department     GOAL  H-­‐4       Conserve  and  improve  the  quality  of  existing  La  Quinta  neighborhoods   and  individual  properties.     v Policy  H-­‐4.1   Protect   the   quality   of   La   Quinta’s   neighborhoods   through   the   rehabilitation  of  both  affordable  and  market-­‐rate  homes.       v Policy  H-­‐4.2   Promote   financial   and   technical   assistance   to   lower   and   moderate   income  households  for  housing  maintenance  and  improvements.       v Policy  H-­‐4.3   Encourage   the   retention   and   rehabilitation   of   existing   single-­‐family   neighborhoods   and   mobile   home   parks   that   are   economically   and   physically  sound.     v Policy  H-­‐4.4   Enhance   neighborhoods   that   presently   provide   affordable   housing   with   drainage,   lighting   and   landscape   amenities,   and   parks   and   recreation  areas.        Program  H-­‐4.4.a:  Housing  Condition  Monitoring   To  better  understand  the  City’s  housing  needs  the  quality  and   condition  of  the  housing  stock  must  be  inventories  on  a  regular   basis.  The  inventory  should  focus  on  older  neighborhoods,  such   as  those  south  of  Calle  Tampico,  west  of  Washington  Street,   and  north  of  Highway  111.       § Objective:   Maintain   an   inventory   of   housing   conditions   (updated  approximately  every  five  years)  to  enable  the  City     HOUSING   II-­‐328   to  properly   target   Code   Compliance   and   rehabilitation   resources.   § Timing:  Complete  by  June  30,  2014   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department        Program   H-­‐4.4.b:  County   of   Riverside   Senior   Residential   Rehabilitation     The  Minor  Senior  Home  Repair  program  allocates  grants  up  to   $250   per   year   for   lower   income   seniors   for   minor   housing   repairs,  such  as  painting  doors  or  trim,  or  repairing  a  window.   The   Enhanced   Senior   Home   Repair   Program   provides   major   rehabilitation   and   repair   for   low   income   seniors,   providing   a   one-­‐time  grant  for  repairs  to  homes  owned  and  occupied  by   seniors  and/or  persons  with  disabilities.  The  maximum  level  of   assistance  for  this  program  is  $3,000  per  year.     § Objective:  Continue  to  refer  code  violators  and  interested   parties   to   the   County   of   Riverside   Minor   and   Enhanced   Senior   Home   Repair   programs   and   other   local   resources.   Assist  homeowners  in  completing  applications  as  necessary.     § Timing:  Throughout  planning  period,  on  a  case-­‐by-­‐case  basis   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department        Program  H-­‐4.4.c:  County  of  Riverside  Home  Repair  Grant   The  County  of  Riverside  Economic  Development  Agency  Home   Repair  Program  provides  lower  income  households  with  up  to   $6,000   for   home   repairs   such   as   a   new   roof,   new   air-­‐ conditioner,  or  a  handicap  ramp.  As  a  jurisdiction  in  Riverside   County,  lower  income  La  Quinta  households  are  eligible  for  this   grant.     § Objective:  Refer  code  violators  and  interested  parties  to  the   County  of  Riverside  for  home  repair  grants.     § Timing:  Throughout  planning  period,  on  a  case-­‐by-­‐case  basis   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department        Program  H-­‐4.4.d:  Rehabilitation  Resources  List   Lower  and  moderate  income  homeowners  may  need  assistance   in   affording   important   home   repairs   and   improvements.   The   City   can   assist   these   households   by   compiling   and   sharing   a     HOUSING   II-­‐329   listing   of   local,   state,   and   federal   programs   offering   rehabilitation  assistance.     § Objective:   Provide   a   rehabilitation   resources   list   on   the   affordable  housing  and  code  compliance  pages  of  the  City’s   website.   Use   the   list,   in   online   or   printed   form,   as   a   reference  for  code  violators.   § Timing:  Create  list  by  June  30,  2014   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department     Equal  Housing  Opportunity     GOAL  H-­‐5     Provide  equal  housing  opportunities  for  all  persons.       v Policy  5.1   Provide  the  regulatory  framework  to  create  an  environment  in  which   housing  opportunities  are  equal.     v Policy  5.2   Encourage   and   support   the   enforcement   of   laws   and   regulations   prohibiting  discrimination  in  lending  practices  and  in  the  sale  or  rental   of  housing.     v Policy  5.3   Encourage   support   services   for   the   Coachella   Valley’s   senior   and   homeless  populations  through  referrals  and  collaborative  efforts  with   non-­‐profits  and  other  jurisdictions.     v Policy  5.4   Assist   in   the   creation   of   a   continuum   of   care   for   the   homeless   population  and  those  transitioning  into  permanent  housing.       v Policy  5.5   Improve  quality  of  life  for  disabled  persons  by  facilitating  relief  from   regulatory  requirements  that  may  create  barriers  to  accessible  housing   and  promoting  universal  design.      Program  H-­‐5.5.a:  Regional  Facilities  for  the  Homeless   Continue  to  support  and  collaborate  with  the  Coachella  Valley   Association  of  Governments  Homelessness  Committee  efforts     HOUSING   II-­‐330   to  maintain  a  regional  homeless  facility  that  provides  housing  as   well  as  supportive  services.  The  Strategic  Plan  created  by  the   Homelessness  Committee  establishes  a  continuum  of  care  for   the  Coachella  Valley.     § Timing:   City   staff   will   continue   to   collaborate   with   CVAG   throughout  the  planning  period  (2014-­‐2021),  and  work  with   the  appropriate  facilities  directly.   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department      Program   H-­‐5.5.b:  Transitional   Housing   and   Permanent   Supportive  Housing   Transitional  housing  typically  accommodates  homeless  people   for  up  to  two  years  as  they  stabilize  their  lives  and  does  not   meet  emergency  needs.  Transitional  housing  includes  training   and  services  that  are  vital  for  rehabilitating  and  enriching  the   lives   of   the   formerly   homeless.   Transitional   housing   facilities   provide  families  and  individuals  with  a  safe  place  within  which   to  rebuild  their  lives  and  prepare  for  independence.  Permanent   supportive   housing   is   affordable   housing   with   on-­‐  or   off-­‐site   services  that  help  a  person  maintain  a  stable,  housed,  life.       § Objective:  The  Zoning  Ordinance  shall  allow  transitional  and   supportive  housing  as  a  residential  use  in  all  zones  which   allow  for  residential  development,  and  subject  only  to  those   restrictions  that  apply  to  similar  residential  uses  (single  or   multi-­‐family  units)  of  the  same  type  in  the  same  zone,  and   will  not  be  subject  to  any  restrictions  not  imposed  on  similar   dwellings,  including  occupancy  limits.   § Timing:  Coordinate  with  2009/2011  General  Plan  Update   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Planning  Department      Program  H-­‐5.5.c:  Fair  Housing  Referrals   Fair  housing  organizations  provide  dispute  resolution  and  legal   assistance  to  tenants  and  landlords  in  conflict.  Such  services  are   particularly   important   for   lower   and   moderate   income   households  unable  to  afford  counsel.       § Objective:   Continue   to   refer   tenants   and   landlords  to   the   Fair   Housing   Council   of   Riverside   County.   Provide   information  on  fair  housing  resources  on  the  City’s  website   and   at   City   Hall.   Identify   and   coordinate   with   local     HOUSING   II-­‐331   nonprofits,   service   organizations   and   community   groups   that  can  assist  in  distributing  fair  housing  information.   § Timing:  Referral  service  as  needed.  Information  to  be  placed   on  website  and  local  groups  identified  by  January  2014   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department        Program  H-­‐5.5.d:  Directory  of  Services   While   numerous   services   are   available   to   special   needs   and   lower   income   households,   it   can   be   difficult   to   readily   have   access   to   these   resources.   A   directory   provides   the   contact   information  necessary  to  seek  housing  assistance.       § Objective:   Develop   an   online   directory   of   services   and   information   to   provide   La   Quinta   residents   with   contact   information   for   community   organizations   and   service   providers  that  address  special  needs.     § Timing:  Update  website  by  March  2014   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department     Energy  and  Water  Conservation     GOAL  H-­‐6.1     Provide  a  regulatory  framework  that  facilitates  and  encourages  energy   and   water   conservation   through  sustainable  site   planning,   project   design,  and  green  technologies  and  building  materials.     v Policy  H-­‐6.1   Promote   higher   density   and   compact   developments   that   increase   energy  efficiency  and  reduce  land  consumption.     v Policy  H-­‐6.2   Facilitate   housing   development   and   rehabilitation   that   conserves   natural  resources  and  minimizes  greenhouse  gas  emissions.       v Policy  H-­‐6.3   Encourage  and  enforce  green  building  regulations  or  incentives  that  do   not   serve   as   constraints   to   the   development   or   rehabilitation   of   housing.       HOUSING   II-­‐332   v Policy  H-­‐6.4   Focus  sustainability  efforts  on  measures  and  techniques  that  also  assist   the   occupant   in   reducing   energy   costs;   therefore   reducing   housing   costs.     v Policy  H-­‐6.5   Use  and  encourage  emerging  technologies  to  reduce  high  demands  for   electricity  and  natural  gas  including  use  of  passive  solar  devices  and   where   feasible   other   renewable   energy   technologies   (e.g.,   biomass,   wind,  and  geothermal).      Program  H-­‐6.5.a:  Green  and  Sustainable  La  Quinta  Program   Continue   to   implement   the   Green   and   Sustainable   La   Quinta   Program.     § Objective:  Implement  green   goals,   policies,   and   programs   that   accurately   represent   the   City’s   direction   in   resource   conservation   and   minimizing   greenhouse   gas   emissions.   Implement  design  standards  for  residential  and  commercial   structures  that  encourage  solar  protection  to  directly  result   in  energy  conservation.   § Timing:  As  projects  are  proposed   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible  Agency:  Community  Development  Department      Program  H-­‐6.5.b:    Energy  Conservation  Partners   In   working   toward   a  sustainable  La   Quinta,   the   City   and   its   residents   will   need   to   collaborate   with   utilities   and   service   providers.  Partnerships  with  the  Coachella  Valley  Water  District,   Imperial   Irrigation   District,   Southern   California   Gas,   Burrtec   Waste  and  Recycling  Services,  Sunline  Transit  District,  Coachella   Valley   Association   of   Governments,   Southern   California   Association   of   Governments   and   other   entities   will   be   an   important  component  of  making  La  Quinta  a  more  livable  city.       § Objective:   Continue   to   meet   with   and   seek   insight   from   utilities,   service   providers,   and   other   entities   involved   in   energy  conservation  efforts  appropriate  for  La  Quinta.   § Timing:  As   part   of   regular   coordination   meetings   with   utilities   § Funding  Source:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   City   Manager’s   Office/Community   Development  Department       HOUSING   II-­‐333    Program  H-­‐6.5.c:  Imperial  Irrigation  District  Programs   The   Imperial   Irrigation   District   (IID)   is   proactive   in   energy   savings   via   conservation   programs,   product   rebates,   and   general  tips.  An  average  home  owner  can  save  up  to  10  percent   on   energy/energy   bills   by   taking   advantage   of   IID   programs.   Home  owners  can  utilize  the  free  “Check  Me!”  program,  which   checks   the   refrigerant   charge   and   airflow   of   their   air   conditioning/heating   units.   IID   also   offers   a   rebate   on   the   purchase  of   higher   efficiency   air   conditioning   units,   high   efficiency   refrigerators,   programmable   thermostats,   and   ENERGY  STAR  equipment.  City  staff  has  held  several  meetings   with   IID   representatives   to   discuss   opportunities   for   collaboration  to  conserve  energy  in  La  Quinta,  including  water   management  opportunities  for  golf  courses  and  golf-­‐oriented   communities.     § Objective:  Maintain   contact  with   IID   to   market  energy   efficiency  programs  and  rebates  that  are  most  beneficial  to   La  Quinta  residents  and  homeowners.   § Timing:  Quarterly  through  Desert  Cities  Energy  Partnership   meetings   § Funding   Source:   General   Fund,   IID   program   funds,   and   potential  AB  811  special  assessment  district  funds   § Responsible   Agency:   City   Manager’s   Office/Community   Development  Department      Program  H-­‐6.5.d:  Weatherization  Assistance   The  Federal  Department  of  Energy’s  Weatherization  Assistance   Program,  in  conjunction  with  state  and  local  programs,  provide   low  or  no  cost  weatherization  and  insulation  services  to  reduce   the  heating  and  cooling  costs  for  low  income  households.     § Objective:  Encourage  low  income  homeowners  or  renters  to   apply   for   free   energy   audits,   home   weatherization,   and   utility  rebate  programs  by  advertising  available  programs  on   the  City’s  website  and  at  City  Hall.     § Timing:  Advertise  annually  as  program  funds  are  available   § Funding:  General  Fund   § Responsible   Agency:   Building   and   Safety   Department   City   Manager’s  Office       HOUSING II-334 0 6 .2 7 .1 3 City of La Quinta General Plan Land Inventory Map La Quinta, California II-14 Source: City of La Quinta, 06.21.13 E i s e n h o w e r D r . Land Inventory Sites W a s h i n g t o n S t . Fred Waring Dr. Miles Ave. D u n e P a l m s R d . A d a m s S t . Ave 48 Ave 50 Ave 52 54th Ave Airport Bl 58th Ave 60th Ave 62nd Ave J e ff e r s o n S t M a d i s o n S t M o n r o e S t E i s e n h o w e r D r . Calle Tampico A v e B e r m u d a s D e s e r t C l u b The Village Inset 1 3 abc 4 5 a b c d 2 a-g 6 a b fedc 7 j k n oa bcdefghi lm 8 a b c de Exhibit