CC - Item 4A - City of Rosemead Housing Element 2008-2014ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER
DATE: MAY 22, 2012 f
SUBJECT: CITY OF ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEME 2008 — 2014
SUMMARY
State housing law requires local governments to adopt a Housing Element that
adequately facilitates the improvement and development of housing to meet the existing
and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. As the
official housing policy document for local governments (and one of the mandatory
elements of the General Plan) a Housing Element analyzes existing housing conditions,
describes existing and future housing needs, and identifies opportunities for improving
and expanding the City's housing supply.
The City has been working with GRC Associates in preparing a draft Housing Element
for the period 2008 — 2014. After numerous discussions with the State Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD) and revisions to the Housing Element,
HCD has conditionally approved Rosemead's Housing Element. HCD indicated in their
letter dated April 16, 2012 that the revised draft Housing Element will comply with State
Housing Element Law (Article 10.6 of the Government Code) when adopted and
submitted to HCD, pursuant to Section 65585(g) (see Attachment "A ").
This item was presented to the Planning Commission for consideration on May 7, 2012.
At that hearing, the Planning Commission reviewed the draft Housing Element. No
members of the public testified for or against the draft Housing Element. At the
conclusion of the hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No 12 -07
approving the City of Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014 and Negative
Declaration; and recommended that the City Council adopt the City of Rosemead
Housing Element 2008 -2014 and authorize submittal to HCD for State certification.
Upon City Council adoption of the Housing Element, HCD will certify Rosemead's
Housing Element.
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution No. 12 -07 adopting the City
of Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014 and Negative Declaration (see Attachment
"B "), and authorize submittal to HCD for State certification.
ITEM NO. H
City Council Report
May 22, 2012
Pape 2 of 8
ANALYSIS
State housing law requires that Housing Element's be updated every five years. The
Housing Element is required to demonstrate a plan to meet the housing requirements
assigned to the City based on the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG) Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Table 1 below shows
Rosemead's fair share of the regional housing needs is 780 units during the 2006 -2014
planning period. Of this total, 309 units or 40 percent are to be available to lower -
income households.
Table 1
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION 2006 -2014
Income Category Housing N ee d
Extremely Low - Income (0 to 30% AMI) 95 12.1
Very Low - Income (31% to 50% AMI) 95 12.1
Low - Income (51% to 80% AMI) 119 15.3
Moderate - Income (81% to 120% AMI) 131 16.8
Above Moderate - Income (More than 340 43.6
120% AMI)
Total 780 100.0
Source: Southern California Association of Governments, Regional Housing Need
Allocation Plan — Planning Period 111106 to 6130114.
AMI = Area Median Income
As shown in Table 2, the City can accommodate a potential net increase of 829 units
(405 new units on currently vacant land, and 454 units resulting from
redevelopment/recycling and lot consolidation). This total would exceed the RHNA
allocation of 780 units for the City during the planning period for this Housing Element.
In addition, 350 units could accommodate lower- income households.
Table 2
POTENTIAL HOUSING GROWTH
PD 84 88 16 16 100 104 204
MUDO 110 107 140 252 250 359 609
Total 194 211 156 268 350 479 829
R -1 0 6 0 0 0 6 6
R -2 0 7 0 0 0 7 7
R -3 0 3 0 0 0 3 3
City Council Report
May 22, 2012
Page 3 of 8
In response to State law and comments from HCD on Rosemead's draft Housing
Element, the Housing Element includes the following key programs that promote the
production of affordable housing and provide special housing needs:
Program 1 — Land Assemblage and Write -Down
Rosemead may use CDBG, HOME and /or redevelopment funds to write -down the cost
of land for development of low and moderate - income housing. The intent of this
program is to reduce the land costs so that it becomes economically feasible for a
private developer to build units that are affordable to low and moderate income
households. However, these funds will depend on the resources available to the City.
The City will promote lot consolidation by highlighting those properties on its list of
opportunity sites for housing development. The list will include two or more adjoining
properties zoned for residential uses that are available for sale and are candidates for
consolidation. The City will provide technical assistance to interested
buyers /developers and expedite the permitting procedures for mixed -use projects and
streamline the process for lot consolidation. Available funding sources to write -down
land costs will be identified on the City's Opportunity Sites list. This list will be available
at the Planning Division counter and on the City's website.
Objective:
• Provide funding for developments with at least 20 percent of the units for
low and moderate income households.
• Prepare an Opportunity Sites list that includes available funding sources
and make them available for public review at the Planning counter and on
the City's website.
Program 2 — Density Bonus
State law requires a City to grant a density bonus of 35 percent over the total units
proposed within a project on a sliding scale dependent upon the number of affordable
units and level of affordability provided by the developer. The City aims to comply with
State law and amend the zoning ordinance to allow for Density Bonus.
Objective: Adopt Density Bonus Ordinance to comply with State law.
Program 3 — Community Housing Development Organization Construction
Program
A Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) is a 501(c) nonprofit,
community-based service organization whose primary purpose is to provide and
develop decent, affordable housing for the community it serves. By law, each HOME -
participating jurisdiction must set aside at least 15 percent of its HOME allocation for
use by a CHDO for the development of affordable housing. The City will also help a
CHDO through CDBG and Housing Set Aside funds, as needed and if funds are
City Council Report
May 22, 2012
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available. The City will help seek opportunities with a CHDO to facilitate the
development and improvement of low- income housing.
Objective: Increase housing stock and provide at least three affordable housing
units.
Program 4 — Elimination of Mobile Home Compatibility Determination
In order to remove a possible constraint on the provision of mobile home and
manufactured housing and ensure consistency with State law, the City will amend the
zoning ordinance to eliminate the requirement that mobile homes and manufactured
housing on lots zoned for single - family use obtain a determination of compatibility from
the Planning Commission and City Council, and to state that these housing types are to
be considered normal single - family residential uses when processing applications for
development. Issues of compatibility will be addressed as part of the normal design
review process for the zone, where applicable.
Objective: Amend the Municipal Code to eliminate the compatibility determination
for mobile homes and other types of manufactured housing on lots
zoned for single - family use and to permit mobile homes and other
manufactured housing on any lot with single - family zoning.
Program 5 — Adequate Sites Monitoring
To ensure that the net future housing capacity is maintained to accommodate the City's
RHNA figures, the City will maintain an inventory of adequate housing sites for each
income category. This inventory will detail the amount, type, size and location of vacant
land, recyclable properties and parcels that are candidates for consolidation to assist
developers in identifying land suitable for residential development. In addition, the City
will continuously and at least annually monitor the sites inventory and the number of net
units constructed in each income category. If the inventory indicates a shortage of
adequate sites to accommodate the remaining regional housing need by income level,
the City will identify alternative sites so that there is "no net loss" of residential capacity
pursuant to Government Code Section 65863.
To facilitate annual evaluation, the City will develop and implement a formal ongoing
project -by- project procedure pursuant to Government Code Section 65863 which will
evaluate identified capacity in the sites inventory relative to projects or other actions
potentially reducing density and identify additional sites as necessary. This procedure
and annual evaluation will address non - residential or mixed use zoned land to
determine whether these sites are being developed for uses other than residential. The
monitoring program will also monitor for and specifically evaluate development
proposals in the Mixed -Use Development Overlay Zone (MUDO) to ensure current
processing procedures encourage and facilitate mixed use residential development for
lower income households in the overlay zone. If the City finds uses other than
residential occurring on mixed use or non - residentially zoned sites, the City will identify
and establish additional sites and /or incentives within six (6) months following the
City Council Report
May 22, 2012
Paqe 5 of 8
annual evaluation to promote residential development, particularly on sites zoned for
higher density.
Objectives:
• Maintain an up -to -date inventory of adequate housing sites for each income
category.
• Develop and implement a formal ongoing procedure to evaluate identified
capacity and identify additional sites as necessary.
• Perform an annual evaluation on the status and progress in implementing
Housing Element programs as part of the Annual Progress Report (APR)
submitted to HCD, pursuant to Government Code Section 65400. The APR
will evaluate whether or not the housing programs have been adopted and
implemented, and determine their effectiveness in the development of the
sites identified in the Housing Element (non- vacant redevelopment sites and
lot consolidation sites). If the housing programs and incentives are not
successful, the City will implement programs at alternative sites identified in
the Housing Element or expand existing incentives or propose new
incentives, such as providing for priority development processing,
streamlining the process for lot consolidation or parking standards, or
reducing development fees for projects involving affordable housing within six
months of the APR.
Program 6 — Opportunity Sites Marketing and Outreach
The City's Community Development Department will maintain a list of economic
development opportunity sites within the City. This list, which will be made available for
viewing on the City's web site, will identify opportunity sites within the City. It will display
information for each site including the address, parcel number, description of the
existing use, zoning and lot size. While some of the sites are zoned for commercial
development, others are zoned for residential or mixed -use.
In an effort to promote lot consolidation and housing development, the City will highlight
those sites on the opportunities list where two or more adjoining properties are available
for sale and consolidation. The City will provide technical assistance to interested
buyers /developers of those opportunity sites zoned for residential uses, as well as for
mixed -use. Assistance will include the City facilitating a negotiation meeting between
the property owners and potential developer and providing counseling to expedite the
lot consolidation, plan review and entitlement process. Written information on the lot
consolidation process, its benefits, and the City's role in expediting the process, will be
available at the Community Development Department counter and on the City's website
within one year from the adoption of the Housing Element. The City will establish a
program that expedites the permitting process for mixed -use development projects and
property acquisition process for lot consolidation. The City will continue to update the
opportunity sites list as needed.
City Council Report
May 22, 2012
Page 6 of 8
Objectives:
• Continue maintaining an updated listing of opportunity sites, using GIS to
visually catalogue and display information about each site and the
surrounding properties.
• Establish expedited permitting procedures for mixed -use projects, including a
streamlined process for lot consolidation.
• Initiate contact with the West San Gabriel Valley Association of Realtors
regarding residential development opportunities involving lot consolidation.
Program 7 — Transitional and Supportive Housing
The City is currently not in compliance with State law permitting transitional and
supportive housing in all residential zones. In processing development applications,
State law requires transitional and supportive housing to be subject to the same
development standards as any permitted residential use under these zones. Therefore,
the City will amend its zoning ordinance to comply with State law and allow transitional
and supportive housing as a normal residential use with no added restrictions.
Objectives: Revise the zoning ordinance to comply with State law and allow
transitional and supportive housing with the same development
standards as any permitted residential use in that zone.
Program 8 — Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
Single -room occupancy units, or SROs, provide housing for one or two people with
minimal space and amenities. The zoning ordinance makes no specific mention of
single room occupancy units, and may create uncertainty for property owners who
desire to operate SRO complexes; therefore, the zoning ordinance will be amended to
include SROs as a conditionally permitted use in the C -3, CBD, and M -1 zones. The
amendment will include specific development standards related to density, common
area, unit size, occupancy, facilities, building management, and other requirements.
The amendment will clearly define SRO units as multi - family dwellings used as the
occupants' primary place of residence and state that such units are not considered
hotels or motels as defined by the Municipal Code, nor are they considered extended -
stay hotel /motel rooms. The amendment will state that SRO units are not subject to the
Transient Occupancy Tax and that operators will not be liable for the extended -stay
hotel /motel room in -lieu fee if they elect to rent out their rooms on a single -room
occupancy basis.
Objectives: Revise the current C -3, CBD, and M -1 zones to specifically permit SROs
with a conditional use permit.
Program 9 — Reasonable Accommodations Program
Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, the City is required to make reasonable
accommodations in rules, policies, practices and services when such accommodations
may be necessary to afford a person with a disability the equal opportunity to use and
enjoy a dwelling. The City is currently not in compliance. To bring the City into
City Council Report
May 22, 2012
Page 7 of 8
compliance, the zoning ordinance will be amended to relax parking standards and
clarify that all persons are entitled to make requests for reasonable accommodations
with respect to housing issues. The amendment will include a procedure for notifying
residents of this right and for processing requests in a fair and timely manner.
Objectives: Amend the zoning ordinance to relax parking standards and provide for
reasonable accommodations according to State Law.
Program 10 — Residential Care Facilities
The Municipal Code currently contains no language regarding residential care facilities
for elderly and disabled persons. To remove this constraint, the zoning ordinance will
be amended to explicitly permit residential care facilities for six or fewer residents in
single - family zones by right, and to permit such facilities with seven or more residents in
multi - family zones with a conditional use permit. The amendment will contain relaxed
development standards, such as reduced multi - family parking requirements, that are
better suited to the unique needs of these facilities.
Objectives: Amend the zoning ordinance to permit residential care facilities for six or
fewer residents in single - family zone by right and to permit such facilities
with seven or more residents in multi - family zones with a conditional use
permit.
Program 11 — Emergency Homeless Shelter
The passage of SIB 2 (Cedillo) legislation requires local jurisdictions to address the
issue of emergency shelters in the Housing Element. SIB 2, which became effective
January 1, 2008, requires local jurisdictions to identify a zone or zones where
emergency shelters are allowed as a permitted use without a conditional use or other
discretionary permit. The identified zone or zones must have sufficient capacity to meet
all of the City's identified need for emergency shelter and include appropriate
development standards.
Currently, emergency housing is not a permitted use in any zones within the City.
Therefore, the Municipal Code will be amended to become compliant with SIB 2. The
City considers the M -1 zone as the most appropriate for emergency shelters and
adequate to meet the City's need for a facility with capacity for seven (7) beds.
Objectives: Revise the zoning ordinance to allow emergency shelters by right in the
M -1 zone.
LEGAL REVIEW
Resolution No. 12 -07 has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
City Council Report
May 22, 2012
Page 8 of 8
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA
Guidelines (Chapter 3 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations), staff
determined, based on the environmental Initial Study, that the approval of the Housing
Element will not have a significant effect on the environment and therefore a Notice of
Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration and a Negative Declaration have been prepared
and circulated for public review. During the 30 -day public review period, City staff did
not receive any comments on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
Notice of the public hearing was published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on May 10,
2012, as well as through the regular agenda notification process.
Submitted by:
Michelle G. Ramirez
Community Development Director
Attachment A — Conditional Approval Letter from HCD
Attachment B — City Council Resolution No. 2012 -33
ATTACHMENT A
Reserved
STATF OF CALIEORNIA - RIISINESS TRANSMIRTA ION AND HOII SING Af; NCV EDNIIND C. RROWN IR f;rry
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT F
18OG'Third Street, Suite 430
R O. Box 952053
Saaamenlo, CA 94252 -2053
(916) 323 -3177 / FAX (916) 327 -2643
www hco.ca.aov
April 16, 2012
Mr. Jeff Allred
City Manager
City of Rosemead
8838 E. Valley Blvd.
Rosemead, CA 91770
Dear Mr. Allred:
RE: Review of the City of Rosemead's Draft Housing Element
Thank you for submitting Rosemead's draft housing element received for review on
February 16, 2012, along with draft revisions received on April 11, 2012. The Department is
required to review draft housing elements and report the findings to the locality pursuant to
Government Code Section 65585(b). Communications with Messrs. John Oshimo and Niall
Huffman, Contract Planner, facilitated the review.
The Department is pleased to find the element addresses all statutory requirements of State
housing element law (Article 10.6 of the Government Code). The,element now contains a
complete inventory and realistic capacity analysis to demonstrate suitability of vacant and
non - vacant sites adequate to accommodate the City's regional housing need allocation,
particularly for lower- income households. In addition, element policies and programs now
include annual performance monitoring, marketing and outreach, financial and regulatory
support to encourage and facilitate the development of housing affordable to lower- income
households and special needs groups including extremely low- income households.
For example, the Adequate Sites Monitoring Program commits the City to annually review
for residential development and the effectiveness of programs and incentives in
accommodating the regional housing need by income level. Through the annual progress
report required pursuant to Government Code Section 65400, the City must monitor and
report on the implementation of this Program. Where existing actions and incentives have
not been successful, the Program includes a requirement for mandatory revision within six
months of the annual evaluation to identify alternative strategies and add or revise actions,
as appropriate, to accommodate Rosemead's regional housing need.
The element will comply with State housing element law (Article 10.6 of the Government
Code) when adopted and submitted to the Department, pursuant to Government Code
Section 65585(g). When adopted, the housing element will be an effective tool to
implement the community's housing and community development objectives.
Mr. Jeff Allred
Page 2
The Department appreciates the City's diligent efforts, cooperation and responsiveness of
Mr. John Oshimo in providing revisions throughout the course of this and previous reviews
and we look forward to receiving Rosemead's adopted housing element. If you have any
questions, please contact Janet Myles, of our staff, at (916) 445 -7412.
Sincerely,
/GZ .Campora
Assistant Deputy Director
cc; Michelle Ramirez, Acting Community Development Director
ATTACHMENT B
Reserved
RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -33
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD
ADOPTING THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT 2008 -2014
AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR STATE CERTIFICATION
WHEREAS, the City of Rosemead (the "City ") has an adopted General Plan,
which includes all of the state mandated elements; and
WHEREAS, the State of California Government Code Section 65588 requires the
review and adoption of a Housing Element that may be updated according to the
Southern California Association of Governments Regional Housing Needs Assessment
( "RHNA ") planning cycle; and
WHEREAS, on April 11, 2012, after numerous exchanges of comments and
responses between the City and the State Department of Housing and Community
Development ( "HCD "), the City submitted its final response letter to HCD for review and
certification of the Draft City of Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014 (the "Housing
Element'); and
WHEREAS, on April 16, 2012 HCD sent a conditional certification letter
indicating that the Draft Housing Element met State housing law and would be certified
upon adoption and resubmission; and
WHEREAS, an environmental Initial Study and a Notice of Intent to Adopt a
Negative Declaration were prepared by the City, as lead agency, in accordance with the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act ( "CEQA"), the State CEQA
Guidelines and the City CEQA Guidelines, and sent to all responsible and trustee
agencies and posted in the Office of the County Clerk; and
WHEREAS, copies of the environmental document and Draft Housing Element
were made available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk of the City of
Rosemead at Rosemead City Hall, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California;
and
WHEREAS, during the 30 -day public review period of the Initial Study and Notice
of Intent, the City received no comment letters; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing
pertaining to the Draft Housing Element 2008 -2014 on May 7, 2012 and there was no
public comment made pertaining to the Draft Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission passed Resolution No. 12 -07
recommending that the City Council approve Draft Housing Element 2008 -2014 as
presented and distributed; and
1
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on May 22, 2012,
and in the course of said hearing has received, reviewed, and considered written and
verbal public testimony to the extent offered by the public pertaining to the Draft
Housing Element and environmental documents.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rosemead hereby finds,
determines, resolves and orders as follows:
Section 1. The City Council adopts the City of Rosemead Housing Element
2008 -2014 as set forth in attached Exhibit "A ".
Section 2. The City Council approves the Negative Declaration determination
under CEQA as set forth in attached Exhibit "B ".
Section 3. The City Manager, or a designee, is hereby authorized to transmit
the adopted Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community
Development for final certification
Section 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and
hereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 22 day of May, 2012.
Sandra Armenta, Mayor
City of Rosemead, California
ATTEST:
Gloria, Molleda, City Clerk
City of Rosemead, California:
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Rachel H. Richman, City Attorney
Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
2
EXHIBIT A
Reserved
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
HOUSING ELEMENT
2008-2014
May 2012
Prepared for:
City of Rosemead
Prepared by:
GRC Associates, Inc.
858 Oak Park Road, Suite 280
Covina, CA 91724
This page intentionally left blank
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
Acknowledgements
City of Rosemead
City Council
Steven Ly, Mayor
Sandra Armenta, Mayor Pro Tern
Bill Alarcon, Council Member
Margaret Clark, Council Member
Polly Low, Council Member
Planning Commission
Nancy Eng, Chair
Victor Ruiz, Vice Chair
Diana Herrera, Commissioner
Joan Hunter, Commissioner
Michael Saccaro, Commissioner
City Manager
Jeff Allred
City Clerk
Gloria Molleda
Department of Community Development
Michelle Ramirez, Acting Director of Community Development
Sheri Bermejo, City Planner
May 2012 Acknowledgements -1
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
on Housing Production ............................................ ............................... 64
1 Introduction ................................................................................
............................... 1
A
Purpose of the Housing Element .............................................
............................... 1
B
Housing Element Contents ......................................................
............................... 1
COrganization
..............................................................................
..............................4
D
Relationship to Other General Plan Elements .........................
............................... 4
EPublic
Participation ...................................................................
..............................5
FSources
of Information ............................................................
............................... 6
2 Background Information ..............................................................
............................... 7
A
Housing Needs Assessment .....................................................
............................... 7
BMarket
Setting .........................................................................
............................... 7
C
Demographic Profile ................................................................
.............................10
DEmployment
....................:........................................................
.............................17
E
Household Characteristics .......................................................
.............................22
F
Special Needs Groups ............................................................
............................... 28
G
Housing Stock Characteristics ................................................
............................... 43
HEnergy
Conservation ................................................................
.............................57
1
Summary of Regional Housing Needs ....................................
............................... 58
3 Constraints
on Housing Production ............................................ ............................... 64
APhysical
Constraints ............................................................... ...............................
64
BMarket
Constraints ................................................................ ...............................
67
C
Governmental Constraints ..................................................... ...............................
71
D
Constraints to Housing for Persons with Disabilities ............. ...............................
85
E
Regional Constraints ...........................................................:.. ...............................
87
4 Housing
Resources .................................................................... ...............................
88
ARealistic
Development Capacity ............................................ ...............................
88
BVacant
Land ............................................................................ ...............................
91
CNon-
Vacant Sites .................................................................... ...............................
95
D
Alternate Development Sites ................................................. ...............................
97
E
Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types ................................... ...............................
98
F
Zoning Appropriate to Accommodate the Development of Housing
Affordable to Lower - income Households ............................ ...............................
105
G
Inventory of Units at Risk of Losing Use Restrictions .......... ...............................
105
H
Potential Housing Growth ................................................... ...............................
105
1
Financial Resources .............................................................. ...............................
108
J
Energy Conservation ................................ ............................... ............................114
5 Review of 2000 -2005 Housing Element ......... ............................... ............................116
A
2000 Housing Element Goals and Objectives ...................... ...............................
116
B
Progress in Achieving the 2000 Housing Element Goals and Objectives ...........
117
C
Summary of Quantified Objectives ...................................... ...............................
119
D
Implications of New Housing Element ................................. ...............................
120
May 2012 Table of Contents- ii
Rosemead
6 Housing Plan ............................................. ...............................
A Goals and Policies ............................... ...............................
7 Housing Programs ..................................... ...............................
A Preservation and Enhancement of Existing Housing Stock
B Production of Affordable Housing ...... ...............................
C Special Housing Needs ........................ ...............................
D Rental Assistance ................................ ...............................
E Equal Opportunity Housing ..........:...... ...............................
Appendix A
Opportunity Sites for Redevelopment and Lot Consolidation
Appendix B
Alternate Sites for Redevelopment and Lot Consolidation
Element 2008 -2014
...121
.. 121
.........123
......... 123
......... 126
......... 130
......... 134
......... 135
May 2012 Table of Contents - iii
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
List of Tables
1.
State Housing Element Requirements .................................................
............................... 2
2.
Regional Population Trends ...............................................................
............................... 11
3 .
Local Population Trends ................... :................................................................................
12
4.
Rosemead Population Trends ..............................................................
.............................13
5.
Local Population Projections .......... .......... ....... ..................... ... ......
... " ... ..... .... .................. 14
6.
Population by Age Group ...................................................................
............................... 15
7 .
Race and Ethnicity ..............................................................................
............................... 16
8 .
Employment by Industry ....................................................................
............................... 18
9.
Average Annual Salary by Industry ....................................................
............................... 19
10.
Employment by Industry Trends ........................................................
............................... 20
11 .
Jobs /Housing Ratio ............................................................................
............................... 21
12.
Household Characteristics .................................................................
............................... 22
13 .
Household Size ...................................................................................
............................... 23
14 .
Persons per Household Trends ..........................................................
............................... 24
15.
Households by Tenure Trends .............................................................
.............................25
16.
Households by Income Trends ...........................................................
............................... 26
17.
Households by Income Groups ..........................................................
............................... 27
18.
Summary of Special Needs Groups ....................................................
............................... 28
19.
Income Distribution and Cost Burden for Elderly Households ..........
............................... 29
20 .
Disabled Persons by Age ....................................................................
............................... 32
21 .
Disability by Age .................................................................................
............................... 32
22 .
Household Type .................................................................................
............................... 35
23 .
Overcrowding Trends .........................................................................
............................... 36
24.
Households by Tenure by Bedroom Type .......................................:..
............................... 37
25.
Overcrowding by Tenure ...................................................................
............................... 38
26.
Income Distribution and Cost Burden for Large Households ............
............................... 38
27 .
Housing Trends ....................................................................................
.............................43
28 .
Housing Units by Type .......................................................................
............................... 44
29 .
Occupancy by Tenure .........................................................................
............................... 45
30 .
Vacancy by Type .................................................................................
............................... 45
31 .
Age of Housing Stock .........................................................................
............................... 46
32 .
Housing Conditions Survey ................................................................
............................... 48
33.
Median Home Values .........................................................................
............................... 50
34 .
Home Sales .........................................................................................
............................... 51
35.
Affordable Homeownership Costs by Income Group ........................
............................... 52
36 .
Median Monthly Rent ........................................................................
............................... 52
37 .
Average Rent ......................................................................................
............................... 53
38.
Inventory of Publicly Assisted Complexes .........................................
............................... 55
39.
Regional Housing Needs Allocation 2006 - 2014 .................................
............................... 60
40.
Households with Any Defined Housing Problems ................................
i........................... 61
41.
Households Overpaying for Housing .................................................
............................... 62
42.
Overcrowded Households by Income Group .....................................
............................... 63
May 2012 Table of Contents - iv
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
43.
Housing Cost Components ................................................................. ...............................
68
44.
National Annual Average Mortgage Interest Rates ........................... ...............................
70
45.
General Plan Residential Land Use Categories .................................. ...............................
73
46.
Land Use and Population Estimates for General Plan Buildout ........ ...............................
75
47.
Residential Development Standards .................................................. ...............................
76
48.
Summary of Residential Permit Development Fees .......................... ...............................
77
49.
Estimated Street Construction Costs ................................................. ...............................
78
50.
Intersection Improvements Potentially Requiring Residential Land Dedications............
79
51.
Residential Development Review and Processing Time Estimates ... ...............................
81
52.
Expected Densities of Residential Land ............................................. ...............................
89
53.
Mixed -Use Project Proposals ......................................... :..................................................
90
54.
Vacant Developable Land .................................................................. ...............................
92
55.
Potential Housing Growth ............................................................... ...............................
106
56.
Summary of Public and Private Funding Resources for Housing and Community
Development Activities .................................................................... ...............................
108
57.
Housing Programs Summary ............................................................ ...............................
117
58.
Quantified Objectives ...................................................................... ................................
120
List of Figures
1.
Regional Location Map ........................................................................
............................... 8
2 .
City of Rosemead Map .........................................................................
............................... 9
3 .
Median Age Comparison ....................................................................
............................... 15
4.
Average Household Size .....................................................................
............................... 23
5 .
Census Tracts .............................................................................:.........
.............................49
6.
General Plan Land Use Designations .................................................
............................... 72
7A .
Vacant Land ( South) ...........................................................................
............................... 93
7B .
Vacant Land ( North) ...........................................................................
............................... 94
8.
Suitable Sites for Emergency Shelter in M -1 Zone .......................... ...............................
102
May 2012 Table of Contents -v
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Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
1. INTRODUCTION
State law recognizes the vital role local governments play in the supply and
affordability of housing. As such, the governing body of every local
governmental entity in California is required to adopt a comprehensive long-
term General Plan to oversee physical development within its jurisdictional
boundaries. Housing Element law, enacted in 1969 as one of seven required
elements of a General Plan, mandates that local governments adequately plan
to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments
of the community. The law acknowledges that, in order for the private
market to adequately address housing needs and demand, local governments
must adopt land use plans and regulatory systems which provide
opportunities for, and do not unduly constrain, housing development. The
law also requires the Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) review local housing elements for compliance with State law and to
report its written findings to the.local government.
A. Purpose of the Housing Element
This Housing Element of the Rosemead General Plan sets forth on -going
strategies to address the City's housing needs for the current planning period
from 2006 to 2014. This includes the preservation and enhancement of the
community's residential character, the expansion of housing opportunities
for all economic segments of the community, and the provision of guidance
and direction for local government decision - making in all matters relating to
housing.
This Housing Element identifies housing strategies and programs that focus
on:
1. Conserving and improving existing affordable housing
2. Providing adequate housing sites;
3. Assisting in the development of affordable housing;
4. Removing governmental constraints to the development of
housing; and,
5. Promoting equal housing opportunities.
B. Housing Element Contents
Section 65583 of the Government Code sets for the specific components to
be contained in this Housing Element:
1. An analysis of population and employment trends;
2. An analysis of the City's fair share of the regional housing needs;
3. An analysis of household characteristics;
4. An inventory of suitable land for residential development;
May 2012 Introduction -1
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
5. An analysis of governmental and non - governmental constraints on
the improvement, maintenance and development of housing;
6. An analysis of special housing needs;
7. An analysis of opportunities for energy conservation; and
8. An analysis of publicly- assisted housing developments that may
convert to non - assisted housing developments.
The purpose of these requirements is to develop an understanding of the
existing and projected housing needs within the community and to set forth
policies and programs that promote the preservation, improvement and
development of diverse types and costs of housing throughout the
community.
Table 1
STATE HOUSING ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
A. Diligent efforts to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the
community in the development and adoption of the element ........................ ............................1 -E
B. Description of how public input was incorporated in the Housing Element .... ............................1 -E
II. Review and Revision [GC Sections 65588(a) & (b)]
A. Evaluation and revision of the previous Housing Element: Effectiveness of the
element; progress in implementation; and appropriateness of goals, objectives
andpolicies .................................................................................................:..... ............................5 -B
B. Adequate sites implementation /rezoning program, if needed ........................ ............................5 -B
III. Housing Needs Assessment [GC Section 65583(a)]
A. Analysis of population and employment trends ...................................... ............................... 2 -C and D
B. Analysis of household characteristics: Number of existing households; number
of households, including lower income households, overpaying for housing;
number of existing and projected extremely low- income households ............. ...........................2 -E
C. Analysis of housing stock characteristics: Housing conditions; number of
overcrowded households; housing costs (for sale and rent); housing units by
type; vacancy rates ....................................................................................... ............................... 2 -G
D. Analysis of special needs housing: Persons with disabilities, elderly, large
households, farm workers (seasonal and permanent), female- headed"
households, homeless and others ............................... ...............................
E. Analysis of opportunities for energy conservation in residential development ...........................4 -1
F. Analysis of existing assisted housing projects at -risk of converting to non -low
income uses: Inventory of at -risk units; assessment of risk; estimate of
replacement versus preservation costs; identification of qualified entities and
potentialfunding ............................................................................................... ............................4 -F
G. Analysis of projected housing need, including share of regional housing needs ........................ 4 -H
May 2012 Table of Contents - 2
I. Public Participation [Government Code Section 65588(c)]
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
IV. Analysis of Adequate Sites and Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types [GC Sections 65583(a)(3),
65583(c)(1) and 65583.2]
A. Analysis of adequate sites: Identification of properties by parcel number or
unique reference, size, General Plan designation, zoning designation;
description of existing uses (non- vacant sites); map of sites ....................... ............................4 -B and C
B. Analysis of suitability and availability: Realistic development capacity,
underutilization (non- vacant sites), environmental constraints, infrastructure
constraints; identification of zoning appropriate for housing for lower income
households.......................................................................................... ...........................3 -A, B, C and 4 -A, C, E
C. Zoning for a variety of housing types: Multi- family rental housing, housing for
agricultural employees, emergency shelters, transitional /supportive housing,
single -room occupancy housing, mobile homes /factory-built housing ..... ............................1 -F and 4 -D
V. Constraints on Housing [GC Sections 65583(a)(4) and (5)
A. Governmental Constraints: Land use controls, codes and enforcement, on /off-
site improvements, fees and exactions, processing and permitting procedures;
constraints to housing persons with disabilities ............................................... ............................3 -C
B. Non - Governmental Constraints: Availability and price of land, cost of
construction...................................................................................................... ............................3 -B
VI. Quantified Objectives [GC Section 65583(b)(1)
A. Estimate quantified objectives for the number of housing units (by income level)
over the time frame of the Housing Element: Construction, rehabilitation,
conservation/ preservation ............................................................................... ............................5
-C
VII. Other Topics
A. Description of means by which consistency will be achieved and maintained
with other general plan elements ....................................................... ............................1
-D and 7 -A (AB162)
B. Construction, demolition and conversion of housing for lower- and moderate -
income households in the coastal zone ........................................................... .............................NA
C. Priority water and sewer services procedures for developments with units
affordable to lower- income households ........................................................... ............................1
-E
VIII. Summary of Housing Programs [GC Section 65583(c)]
A. Description of program purpose, actions, responsible agency, time frame ........................
7 -A, B, C, D, E
May 2012 Table of Contents - 3
Table 1(Continued)
STATE HOUSING ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
C. Organization
This Housing Element extends through 2014, and complies with all
requirements pursuant to Section 65583 of the Government Code. This
Housing Element consists of the following major components:
1. Background Information (Section 2.0): This section describes the
existing demographic, social and economic conditions and trends
of the City of Rosemead. It provides information on population,
employment and housing, and a summary of regional housing
needs;
2. Constraints on Housing Production (Section 3.0): This section
describes various constraints to the provision of affordable housing
opportunities in Rosemead, including physical, market,
governmental and regional, and constraints to housing
opportunities for persons with disabilities;
3. Housing Resources (Section 4.0): This section describes the
resources available for the provision of affordable housing
opportunities for all income groups in Rosemead, including
inventories of vacant land and land suitable for recycling, the
identification of units at -risk of losing use restrictions, analyses of
potential housing growth, and financial resources;
4. Review of the Rosemead 2000 -2005 Housing Element (Section
5.0): This section identifies the intended goals of the previous
Housing Element, and provides a quantifiable analysis of the City's
progress in achieving its objectives; and
5. Housing Plan and Programs (Section 6.0): These sections
describe the housing plans and programs to be implemented during
the planning period for this updated Housing Element, including
policies, intended purposes, actions, the identification of
responsible agencies, and time frames.
6. Appendix A: The appendix contains inventories of vacant and
underutilized land, and information regarding the City's public
outreach program for this Housing Element.
D. Relationship to Other General Plan Elements
State law requires that "...the general plan and elements and parts thereof
comprise an integrated, internally consistent, and compatible statement of.
policies..." The purpose of requiring internal consistency is to avoid policy
conflict and provide a clear policy guide for the future maintenance,
improvement and development of housing within the City.
This Housing Element is part of the Rosemead General Plan. All elements
of the General Plan have been reviewed for consistency and completed in
coordination with this Housing Element. The City will assume responsibility
for maintaining consistency between this Housing Element and other
May 2012 - Table of Contents -4
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
General Plan elements. Upon future amendment to the General Plan, this
Housing Element will be reviewed and modified, if necessary, to ensure
continued consistency between elements.
E. Public Participation
Section 65583(c)(6)(B) of the Government Code states that, "The local
government shall make diligent effort to achieve public participation of all
economic segments of the community in the development of the housing
element, and the program shall describe this effort" Opportunities for
community stakeholders to provide input on housing issues and recommend
strategies are critical to the development of appropriate and effective
programs to address the City's housing needs.
The City has developed, and continues to-implement, a detailed Citizen
Participation Plan, a copy of which is available for public inspection at
Rosemead City Hall. Through the Citizen Participation Plan, the City
intends to seek input from the general public pertaining to the formulation of
this Housing Element update through a comprehensive program of public
outreach, including the following components:
• Community Workshops: Two community workshops were
conducted to solicit input from residents, housing and service
providers, and neighborhood and homeowners associations,
regarding housing needs in the City. The Workshops took place on
August 23, 2010 and August 30, 2010. Public notices were published
on the City's website and in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune (August
12, 2010 and August 19, 2010), as well as at the City's five. posting
locations: Rosemead City Hall, the Public Safety Center, the
Rosemead Community Recreation Center, the Rosemead Library and
the Rosemead Post Office. In addition, the notice was sent to the
City Council, Planning Commissioners, and residents who requested
to be on a Planning Commission agenda distribution list. Also,
special invitations were sent to service and housing providers as well
as community groups active in the City.
The key comments from the community meetings were that the City
should: 1) continue with the outreach effort through the Housing
Element process and explain the City's current and proposed
programs and services; and 2) encourage affordable housing
development in mixed -use projects.
■ Interview of Service Providers: A number of service providers that
do not typically participate in City events will also be provided direct
notification of the opportunity to comment on the City's housing
needs on behalf of those whom they represent. Topics of discussion
are expected to include: affordable housing opportunities for lower
income households; housing opportunities for those with disabilities,
preferably in a "normal" residential setting rather than group home
May 2012 Table of Contents - 5
Rosemead Housing Element 1008 -2014
environments; and, shelter programs for short- and long -term
displacees. The City will notify service providers of the preparation
of the Housing Element and solicit comments in November 2010.
In addition, as required by Government Code Section 65589.7, upon the
adoption of this Housing Element, the City of Rosemead shall distribute a
copy of the Housing Element to the area water and sewer providers. Water
service providers include: Adams Ranch Mutual Water Company, S
Gabriel County Water District, Golden State Water Company, Amarillo
Mutual Water District, San Gabriel Valley Water Company, Upper San
Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, and the Metropolitan Water
District. Sewer service is provided by the County Sanitation Districts of Los
Angeles County.
Sources of Information
Various sources of information were consulted in the preparation of this
Housing Element. The 2000 Census (U.S. Department of Commerce,
Bureau of the Census, 1960 to 2000 Census Reports) provides the basis for
population and household characteristics. Although dated, the Census
remains the most comprehensive and widely accepted source of information
on demographics characteristics and provides consistency with other
regional, State and federal housing plans. Several data sources were then
used to supplement and provide reliable updates to the 2000 Census,
including:
1. State Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates,
2008;
2. State Employment Development Department, Labor Force Report,
2008;
3. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG),
Regional Housing Needs Assessment, 2008 -2014;
4. SCAG Growth Forecasts, 1994 -2020;
5. California Association of Realtors, Sales Data, 2008;
6. Rosemead General Plan, Housing Element, 2000;
7. Rosemead General Plan Land Use Element, 2010; and
8. Rosemead Sewer Master Plan, 1996.
Interviews were conducted with City staff, local realtors, local real estate
rental agencies, service providers, and others with knowledge of the local
housing market and housing needs of City residents.
May 2u72 Table of Contents - 6
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. Housing Needs Assessment
This section of the Housing Element discusses the characteristics of the
City's population and housing stock as a means of better understanding the
nature and extent of unmet housing needs. This section includes
demographic profiles and projections, descriptions of housing stock
characteristics, and a summary of regional housing needs. These descriptions
provide a foundation upon which decisions regarding programs and policies
for the provision of adequate housing in the City can be based.
Market Setting
Located in the San Gabriel Valley in east - central Los Angeles County (see
Figures 1 and 2), Rosemead incorporated as a city in 1959, with a population
of 15,476. According to 2008 State Department of Finance (DOF)
estimates, the City's population is approximately 54,000. Rosemead
functions as a residential suburb for surrounding employment centers; the
majority of existing development consists of low- density housing. Despite
being home to Southern California Edison, the City has experienced
relatively slow economic growth. According to the State Employment
Development Department (EDD), as of December 2008, the City's
unemployment rate was 6.6 percent, which was slightly less than the County
average. Overall, median household income in Rosemead continues to be
lower, and the number of low- income residents continues to be higher, than
County averages.
As of 2008, there were an estimated 14,578 dwelling units in the City, slightly
less than one -half of which were owner- occupied. With affordable housing
prices and rental rates, Rosemead offers affordable housing opportunities to
its residents with widely varying incomes. While Rosemead has a range of
affordable housing options, there is still a need for affordable units with three
or more bedrooms to accommodate large families. At the same time, the
City is almost completely built -out, and opportunities for larger -scale housing
developments are limited. Thus, most of Rosemead's recent housing growth
has come in the form of smaller infill projects located within established
neighborhoods and oriented toward moderate- and above moderate - income
households. In light of these conditions and trends, the City is focused on
providing a diversity of housing options by:
• Encouraging infill development and recycling of underutilized land;
• Expanding homeownership; and,
■ Maintaining and upgrading the existing housing stock.
May 2012 Background Information -7
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Figure 1
REGIONAL LOCATION MAP
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May 2012 Background Information - 8
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
Figure 2
CITY OF ROSEMEAD MAP
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Source: City of Rosemead
May 2012 Background Information - 9
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
C. Demographic Profile
The housing needs of a community are generally predicated on local
demographics; predictably, changing conditions (population, age, income,
etc.) can impact these needs. Identifying demographic trends during the
planning stages of housing programs and policies is a critical component in
ensuring that the community's future housing stock meets the needs of all
local population segments.
Population Trends
Generally, population movement emanating from Los Angeles County
during the past three decades resulted in proportionate increases in adjacent
coastal and inland counties. In 1980, the population of Los Angeles County
was 7,477,238, representing 65 percent of the Los Angeles Consolidated
Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA), which consists of the Los Angeles -
Long Beach Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), Riverside -San
Bernardino PMSA and Ventura County PMSA. In 1990 and 2000, the
population of Los Angeles County increased by 18.5 percent and 7.4 percent,
respectively; the County's proportionate share of the larger CMSA, however,
decreased by 6.7 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively, during this period.
These trends have continued since 2000, as it is estimated that the County's
population has increased by an average rate of 1.1 percent per year, though
its CMSA share has decreased by 0.5 percent per year.
The largest gains in population during this period have been recorded in the
inland counties of Riverside and San Bernardino, while the increase in
population in Orange and Ventura Counties has been moderate. Overall,
proportionate increases have slowed for all counties over the last eight years.
Population growth trends in the Los Angeles CMSA from 1980 to 2008 are
presented in Table 2, below.
May 2012 _ Background lnformadon —
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 2
REGIONAL POPULATION TRENDS
Los Angeles Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (1980 to 2008)
Orange
1,932,921
2,410,556
2,846,289
3,121,251
16.8%
16.6%
17.4%
16.9%
Riverside
663,199
1,170,413
1,545,387
2,088,322
5.8%
8.1%
9.4%
11.3%
San Bernardino
895,016
1,418,380
1,709,434
2,055,766
7.8%
9.8%
10.4%
11.1%
Ventura
529,174
669,016
753,197
831,587
4.6%
4.6%
4.7%
4.6%
Total
11,499,528
14,533,519
16,377,645
18,460,776
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Sources:
1. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1980 -2000.
2. State Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, May 1, 2008
Cities that are adjacent, or in close proximity, to the City of Rosemead
include Alhambra, El Monte, Montebello, Monterey Park, San Gabriel and
South E1 Monte. Since 1980, these cities have consistently accounted for
about 4.5 percent of the population in Los Angeles County.
Between 1980 and 2008, Rosemead and these surrounding cities experienced
a combined growth in population of approximately 36 percent. In
Rosemead, the population growth during this period was just under 34
percent, while the cities of III Monte and San Gabriel experienced
exceptional growth (57 percent and 41 percent, respectively). Growth rates
in other neighboring cities range from 18 percent to 37 percent.
Population growth trends between 1980 and 2008 in Rosemead and
surrounding cities are presented in Table 3, below.
May 2012 Background Information —
Los Angeles 7,477,238 8,863,164 9,519,338 10,363,850
65.0% 60.9% 58.1% 56.1%
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Rosemead 42,604 51,638 53,505 57,003 14,399
33.8
Alhambra 64,767 82,087 85,804 88,614 23,847
36.8
El Monte 79,494 106,162 115,965 125,136 46,559
57.4
Montebello 52,929 59,564 62,150 65,187 12,258
23.2
Monterey Park 54,338 60,738 60,051 64,072 9,734
17.9
San Gabriel 30,072 37,120 39,084 42,455 12,383
41.2
South El Monte 16,623 20,850 21,144 22,227 5,604
33.7
Total 340,827 418,159 438,423 464,694 123,867
36.3
Sources:
1. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1980 -2000.
2. State Department of Finance, E -S Population and Housing Estimate, 2008.
3. [lamas Geographic Snapshot Report 2009.
According to the DOF 2008 population estimates, the City of Rosemead had
57,003 residents, ranking it 35" largest among the 88 cities in Los Angeles
County. As shown in Table 4, Rosemead experienced tremendous growth in -
population during the 1960s (164.8 %) and 1980s (21.2x/0). Such population
growth can generally be attributed to economic growth in the Los Angeles
region, as Rosemead serves as a source of housing for persons working in
major employment centers in the region. Otherwise, the City has
experienced only moderate fluctuations in population growth rates, in the
range of one percent or less annually.
May 2u72 Background Information -12
Table 3
LOCAL POPULATION TRENDS
Rosemead and Surrounding Cities (1980 to 2008)
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -1014
Table 4
ROSEMEAD POPULATION TRENDS (1960 to 2008)
1970
40,972
25,496
164.8
16.5
1980
42,604
1,632
4.0
0.4
1990
51,638
9,034
21.2
2.1
2000
53,505
1,867
3.4
0.3
2008
57,003
3,498
6.5
0.8
Sources:
1. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1960 -2000.
2. California Department of Finance E -5 Estimate, 2008.
According to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG),
population in Rosemead is projected to increase to 58,240 in 2010, to 59,034
in 2015, and to 59,908 in 2020. Overall, such growth represents a 5.1 percent
increase over twelve years. SCAG projections for Rosemead and its
neighboring cities indicate a total increase of more than 42,000 during this
period, representing an overall growth of 9.1 percent. These projections are
based on region -wide trends throughout southern California, and appear to
assume the continued eastward migration of residents from Los Angeles and
Orange Counties to Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Population growth projections from 2008 and 2020 in Rosemead and
surrounding cities are presented in Table 5.
May 2012 Background Information —13
1960 15,476 - — — -_
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
Table 5
LOCAL POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Rosemead and Surrounding Cities (2008 to 2020)
El Monte
125,136
130,412
135,813
141,183
16,047
12.8
Montebello
65,187
65,728
65,983
65,989
802
1.2
Monterey Park
64,072
68,636
72,618
76,042
11,970
18.7
San Gabriel
42,455
42,500
44,605
45,784
3,329
7.8
South El Monte
22,227
22,785
23,097
23,440
1,213
5.5
Total
464,694
479,114
494,265
507,198
42,504
9.1
Sources:
1. State Department of Finance, E -5 Population and Housing Estimate, 2008
2. Southern California Association of Governments 2008 RTP Growth Forecast
3. Claritas Geographic Snapshot Report 1009.
Age Characteristics
Accompanying the significant increase in Rosemead's population from 1980
to 1990 was a change in the age profile of the City's population, during which
median age rose by 2.4 years. The change was attributed to an increase in the
number of persons in the 25 -54 age group, and a reduction of those under 25
and over 64 years of age. According to the most recent DOF population
estimates, the 35 -64 age group currently represents 38.3 percent of the City's
population (21,551 persons). The 35 -64 and 75+ categories are also the only
age groups that experienced positive change between 2000 and 2008 as a
proportion of the City's total population. Population trends in the City by
age group from 2000 to 2008 are presented in Table 6.
Since 1990, City, County and State median age figures have closely paralleled
each other, with no more of a difference than 1.5 years. In 1990, the State
median age was 31.5 years, while the City and County median ages were 32.0
and 32.2, respectively. In Rosemead, the 2000 median age was estimated to
be 32.3 years, and has since risen by 2.4 years to its current estimate of 34.7
years. Like the median ages of the County and State, the median age of
residents in Rosemead will likely continue to increase during this Housing
Element period, suggesting that, in the coming years, the City may experience
an increased demand for senior housing.
May 2012 Background Information -14
Rosemead 57,003 58,240 59,034 59,908 2,905 5.1
Alhambra 88,614 90,813 93,115 94,852 6,238 7.0
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 6
POPULATION BY AGE GROUP (2000 to 2008)
Less than 5 Years 4,017 7.5 4,161 7.3
5 -14 Years 8,309 15.5 8,379 14.7
15 -19 Years 3,954 7.4 4,047 7.1
20 -24 Years 4,041 7.6 4,047 7.1
25 -34 Years 8,740 16.3 8,094 14.2
35-44 Years 8,212 15.3 8,892 15:6
45 -54 Years 6,417 12.0 7,524 13.2
55 -64 Years 4,130 7.7 5,415 9.5
65 -74 Years 3,245 6.1 3,420 6.0
75 -84 Years 1,809 - 3.4 2,166 3.8
Greater than 85 Years 631 1.2 855 1.5
Total 53,505 100.0 57,003 100.0
Median Age 32.3 Years 34.7 Years
Sources.
1. State Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, May 1, 2008.
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000.
3. Clarttas Geographic Snapshot Report, 2009.
Figure 3
MEDIAN AGE COMPARISON (1990 to 2008)
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
City
Mtaoa
M2000
o200B
Background Information -15-
County Stale
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Race and Ethnicity
The City's racial /ethnic composition has changed significantly over the past
two decades. In 1990, the City s White and Hispanic residents accounted for
64 percent of the City's population. By 2000, this number had decreased to
49 percent, reflecting an influx of other ethnic groups, primarily the Asian
segment, which had grown to 49 percent. According to DOF estimates, this
trend continues, as shown in Table 7, below. In 2008, it is estimated that the
White segment accounts for less than 5 percent, and the Hispanic segment
about 35 percent, of the City's 56,183 residents. The Asian segment,
meanwhile, accounts for nearly 57 percent of the City's population. Other
ethnic groups include African Americans (0.7 and Native Americans
(0.9 9 /0), which continue to comprise less than one percent of the local
population, and "Other Races" which, despite continued growth since 1990,
still represents a small portion of the community (1.9 9 /0).
Table 7
RACE AND ETHNICITY (1990 to 2008)
Non - Hispanic African American
146
262
399
0.7
52.3
Non - Hispanic Native American
142
112
513
0.9
358.1
Non - Hispanic Asian
17,424
25,988
32,264
56.6
24.1
Non - Hispanic Other
181
751
1,083
1.9
44.2
Hispanic (of any race)
25,463
22,097
20,122
35.3
-8.9
Total
53,628
55,505
57,003
100.0
—
Sources:
1. State Department of Finance, E -5 Population and Housing Estimate, 2008
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000.
3. Claritas Geographic Snapshot Report, 2008.
May 2012 Backgmund Information —16
Non - Hispanic White 8,282 4,295 2,622 4.6 - -38.9
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
D. Employment
An assessment of employment characteristics held by community residents
provides insight into potential earning power and the segment of the housing
market into which they fall. Information regarding the manner in which the
employment base of the community is growing or otherwise changing may
be critical in identifying potential housing demand changes in the future.
Employment by Industry
According to Census and State Employment Development Department
(EDD) data presented in Table 8, the Los Angeles County labor force totaled
approximately 3.95 million persons in 2000. The four largest employment
industries in the County were Educational, Health and Social Services
(18.3 0 /6); Manufacturing (14.8 0 /6); Professional, Scientific, Management,
Administrative and Waste Management Services (11.5 %o); and Retail Trade
(10.5%). Combined, these industries accounted for 55.1 percent of the
County labor force. In 2007, the labor force increased to an estimated
4,514,307 persons, which represents an annual average increase of two
percent (80,127 jobs) over seven years. The four largest employment
industries continue to be Educational, Health and Social Services (18.6 0 /o);
Manufacturing (12.1 %); Professional, Scientific, Management, Administrative
and Waste Management Services (11.7 9 /6); and Retail Trade (10.6 %).
May 2012 Background Information -
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 8
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
Los Angeles County (2000 to 2007)
Construction
202,829
5.1
310,072
6.9
Manufacturing
586,627
14.8
. 546,678
12.1
Wholesale trade
184,369
4.7
189,005
4.2
Retail trade
416,390
10.5
480,343
10.6
Transportation and warehousing, and
utilities
198,375
5.0
233,148
5.2
Information
213,589
5.4
196,086
4.4
Finance, insurance, real estate, and
rental and leasing
272,304
6.9
331,458
7.3
_
Professional, scientific, management,
administrative, and waste
management services
455,069
11.5
529,879
11.7
Educational, health and social services
722,792
18.3
841,497
18.6
Arts, entertainment, recreation,
accommodation and food services
332,753
8.4
432,174
9.6
Other services (except public
administration)
233,193
5.9
270,463
6.0
Public Administration
124,937
3.2
140,380
3.1
Total
3,953,415
100.0
4,514,307
100.0
Sources:
1. California Employment Development Department, Employment by Industry Data
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000.
May 2012 Background Information -18
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and 10,188 0.3 13,124 0.3
hunting, and mining _
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 9
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY BY INDUSTRY
Los Angeles County (2007)
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining
$22,641
Construction
$26,934
Manufacturing
$29,137
Wholesale trade
$31,804
Retail trade
$21,488
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities
$37,203
Information
$51,840
Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing
$41,813
Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and
waste management services
$34,842
Educational, health and social services
$32,802
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food
services
$17,982
Other services (except public administration)
$19,516
Public Administration -
$52,032
Average
$32,310
source:
California Employment Development Department Median Wage by Industry Data, 2007
As shown in Table 10, the predominant employment industries for
Rosemead residents are Manufacturing (19.2 0 /o); Educational, Health and
Social Services (13.2 9 /6); and Retail Trade (12.2°/0). Over 87 percent of
employed residents drive to work, with an average commute of about 27
minutes, suggesting that most are employed outside of Rosemead but within
Los Angeles County.
May 2012 Background Information —19
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 10
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY TRENDS
Rosemead 2000 to 2007
Construction
783
3.9
1,104
5.2
321
41.0
Manufacturing
4,470
22.2
4,077
19.2
-393
-8.8
Wholesale trade
1,094
5.4
1,243
5.9
149
13.6
Retail trade
2,379
11.7
2,576
12.2
197
8.3
Transportation and warehousing, and
utilities
888
4.4
965
4.6
77
8.7
Information
572
2.8
285
1.4
-287
-50.2
Finance, insurance, real estate, and
rental and leasing
1,182
5.8
1,556
7.3
374
31.6
Professional, scientific, management,
administrative, and waste
management services
1,743
8.6
1,554
7.3
-189
-10.8
Educational, health and social services
3,280
16.2
2,805
13.2
-475
-14.5
Arts, entertainment, recreation,
accommodation and food services
2,197
10.8
2,029
9.6
-168
-7.7
Other services (except public
administration)
1,046
5.2
1,998
9.4
952
91.0
Public Administration
570
2.8
874
4.1
304
53.3
Total
20,250
100.0
21,195
100.0
945
4.7
Sources:
1. California Employment Development Department Median Wage by industry Data, 2007
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000.
May 2012 Background Information - 20
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and 46 0.2 129 0.6 83 180.4
hunting, and mining
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -1014
Jobs /Housing Balance
The "jobs -to- housing balance" test measures a community's employment
opportunities with housing needs of its residents. Ideally, a balanced
community would possess a jobs- housing ratio of 1.0, providing an equal
number of employment and housing opportunities, thereby enabling
residents to live and work in the same community. As shown in Table 11,
below, a comparison between the number of employed persons in Rosemead
in 2000 (20,250) and the number of dwellings in the City at that time
(14,345), reveals a 1.41 jobs - housing ratio, which far exceeded the County's
1.32 ratio. In 2007, the City's jobs - housing ratio increased by 2.1 percent, to
1.44 (21,195 jobs; 14,702 dwellings), which was nearly identical to the
County's 1.45 ratio. The fact that the City's ratio exceeds 1.0 indicates that
Rosemead continues to generate more jobs than housing opportunities,
which is reflective of the City's stature as an employment center in the San
Gabriel Valley. However, a significant number of the moderate and upper
income employees who work in Rosemead live outside the City. The City
would like to encourage these workers to remain in the City by providing
more housing options to meet their needs, but the built -out nature of the
City is a constraint to such development.
Table 11
JOBS /HOUSING RATIO
Rosemead and Los Angeles County (2000 to 2007)
Rosemead
Jobs 20,250 21,195 4.7
Housing 14,345 14,702 2.5
Jobs /Housing Ratio 1.41 1.44 2.1
Los Angeles County
Jobs 4,314,264 4,859,858 12.6
Housing 3,270,909 3,356,711 2.6
Jobs /Housing Ratio 1.32 - 1.45 9.9
Sources:
1. California Employment Development Deportment
2. Department of Finance
Employment in the City has been steadily increasing over the last seven
years, which in turn can generate demand for housing. As employers in the
City offer a variety of wage types, the City should continue to accommodate
a wide range of housing options that suit the needs of wage earners, such as
single room occupancy units, apartments, and large and small attached and
detached single - family homes.
2012 Background Informa6on—
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
E. HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
Household type and size, income levels, and the presence of special needs
populations affect the housing needs of a community. This section details
various household characteristics that affect housing needs in Rosemead.
Household Type
A household is defined as all persons living in a housing unit. Families are a
subset of households, and include persons living together related by blood,
marriage or adoption. A single person living alone is also a household.
"Other" households are unrelated people residing in the same dwelling unit.
Group quarters, such as dormitories or convalescent facilities are not
considered households.
In 1990, there were a total of 13,701 households in the City of Rosemead,
and by 2000, the number of households had grown to 13,913, representing a
slight increase of approximately two percent. According to 2008 DOF
estimates, 14,416 households currently reside in the City, representing a
modest growth of 3.6 percent since 2000. Rosemead remains a
predominantly family- oriented City with approximately 84 percent of its
households comprised of families, including those with children (43.7 and
those without children (39.9 1 /6). The r emainin g 16 percent of households in
the City are categorized as "Non -Family Households," which consist of
single- person households (12.4 9 /6), or individuals not related by blood or
marriage sharing a housing unit (4.0 %). Between 2000 and 2008, the number
of Family Households as a percentage of total households in the City
remained constant, while the proportional change in single - person
households ( -0.2 9 /6) was absorbed by other households. Household
characteristics in Rosemead are shown in Table 12, below.
Table 12
HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS (1990 to 2008)
Singles 1,986 14.5
1,749 12.6 1,789 12.4 -0.2
Others 221 1.6
536 3.8 582 4.0 0.2
Total 13,701 100.0
13,913 100.0 14,416 100.0 0.0
Sources:
1. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990 -2000.
2. [lamas Geographic Snapshot Report, 2009.
May 2012
Background Information — 22
Families 11,494 83.9 11,628 83.6 12,045 83.6 0.0
Rosemead Housing Element 1008 -2014
Household Size
Household size is an important indicator identifying sources of population
growth as well as overcrowding in individual housing units. A city's average
household size will increase over time if trends move toward larger families.
In communities where the population is aging, the average household size
typically declines.
Average household size in Rosemead was 4.08 persons in 1990, and
decreased to 3.80 persons in 2000 before rising slightly to 3,95 in 2008. This
is presented in Table 13 and illustrated in Figure 4. This fluctuation over
time is generally the result of differing growth rates for local population and
number of households. Household size in Rosemead is consistently higher
than the County -wide average (2.91, 3.20 and 3.10 in 1990, 2000 and 2008,
respectively), which generally reflects a community where families with
children represent a larger component of the population. During this time,
growth and reduction trends in household sizes in the City were consistent
with County -wide averages. Growth trends in the City can be attributed to
cultural differences in relation to household size, privacy and co- habitation of
extended families. Larger households in the City will result in an increased
demand for larger sized housing units and apartments, relative to other types
of housing. However, it is not expected that construction will keep pace with
demand as the City is, for the most part, built out.
Table 13
HOUSEHOLD SIZE (1990 to 2008)
Rosemead 4,08 3.80 3.9
Los Angeles County 2.91 3.20 3.10
Sources:
1. State Department of Finance, E -5 Population and Housing Estimates, 2008.
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990, 2000.
3. Clarltas Geographic Snapshot Report, 1009.
Figure 4
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE (1990 to 2008)
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
®City
•Cowry
o State
May 2012 Background Information — 23
1990 2000 2008
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
In the 1990, 2000 and 2008 reporting periods, approximately 60 percent of
the population in Rosemead lived in households of three or more persons,
which was significantly higher than the County -wide average of approximately
49 percent. Between 2000 and 2008, Rosemead households consisting of
three or four persons, increased by 85.6 percent. Trends in persons per
household in the City are shown in Table 14, below.
Table 14
1 person
1,960
14.3
1,759
15.1
1,789
12.4
30
1.7
2 persons
2,826
20.6
2,551
21.9
2,598
18.1
47
1.8
3 -4 persons
4,621
33.7
2,811
24.1
5,216
36.1
2,405
85.6
5+ persons
4,294
31.4
4,522
38.9
4,813
33.4
291
6.4
Total
13,701
100.0
11,643
100.0
14,416
100.0
2,773
23.8
Lo Angeles County
1 person
745,936
24.9
771,854
24.6
812,432
24.5
40,578
5.3
2 persons
835,422
28.0
820,368
26.2
853,406
25.7
33,038
4.0
3 -4 persons
892,839
29.9
959,528
30.6
1,011,428
30.4
51,900
5.4.
5+ persons
515,355
17.2
582,024
18.6
643,914
19;4
61,890
10.6
Total
2,989,552
100.0
3,133,774
100.0
3,321,180
100.0
187,406
6.0
Sources.
1. State Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, May 1, 2008.
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990, 2000.
3. Claritas Geographic Snapshot Report ,2009.
Tenure
Housing tenure refers to whether a housing unit is owner- occupied, renter -
occupied, or vacant. Tenure is an important indicator of the housing climate
of a community because it reflects the relative cost of housing opportunities,
and the ability of residents to afford housing. Tenure also influences
residential mobility, with owner - occupied units generally evidencing lower
turnover rates than renter - occupied units. In the 1990, 2000, and 2008
reporting periods, housing tenure rates in the City reflect those in the
County, where slightly less than one -half of occupied dwellings are owner-
occupied (49.3 %, 48.8 %, and 48.5% in the City, 48.2 %, 47.9 %, and 47.5% in
the County, respectively). Trends in housing tenure for the City and County
are shown in Table 15.
May 2012 Background Informalion- 24
PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD TRENDS
Rosemead and Los Angeles County (1990 to 2008)
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Rosemead
Owner 6,758 - 49.3 6,783 48.8 6,993 48.5
Renter
Los Angeles County
Owner
7,130
51.2 7,423
51.5
6,943 50.7
1,440,830 48.2
1,499,744
47.9 1,576,637
47.5
Renter 1,548,722 51.8 1,634,030 52.1 1,744,544
Sources:
1. State Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, May 1, 2008.
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990, 2000.
3. Claritas Geographic Snapshot Report 2009.
Household Income
Household income continues to be among the most important factors
affecting housing opportunity and dete a household's ability to
balance housing costs with other basic necessities.
During the ten -year period between 1990 and 2000, household income in
Rosemead increased dramatically. DOF estimates for 2008 indicate a
continuing shift to the higher income categories (see Table 16). From 1990
to 2008, the number of households earning incomes less than $35,000
decreased by about 28 percent, while income categories above $50,000
increased by approximately 84 percent. The most dramatic increases
occurred in the two highest income categories ($100,000 and higher), which
increased by a combined 414.6 percent during this period. Numerically, the
greatest increases occurred in the $75,000 to $99,000 and $100,000 to
$150,000 income groups, with a growth of 758 and 1,064 households,
respectively. Conversely, the largest numeric decrease occurred in the "Less
Than $15,000" income group (1,402 households), while the two subsequent
income groups also decreased significantly during this period (500 and 360
households, respectively). Median household income in the City increased by
48.6 percent during this period, but continues to lag behind the County
median in each reporting period by about 18 percent.
52.5
May 2012 Background information- 25
Table 15
HOUSEHOLDS BY TENURE TRENDS
Rosemead and Las Angeles County (1990 to 2008)
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -1014
Less than $15,000 3,275 23.9 2,368 17.0 1,873 13.0
-1,402 -42.8
$15,000 to $24,999 2,425 17.7 - 2,427 17.4 1,925 13.4
-500 -20.6
$25,000 to $34,999 2,316 16.9 1,887 13.6 1,956 13.6
-360 -15.5
$35,000 to $49,999 2,261 16.5 2,402 17.1 2,364 16.4
103 4.6
$50,000 to $74,999 2,247 16.4 2,640 19.0 2,833 19.6
586 26.1
$75,000 to $99,999 808 5.9 1,186 8.5 1,566 10.8
758 93.8
$100,000 to $150,000 301 2.2 768 5.5 1,365 9.5
1,064 353.5
Greater than $150,000 68 0.5 252 1.9 534 3.7
466 6853
Total 13,701 100.0 13,930 100.0 14,416 100.0
715 1084.4
Median Income 29,770 36,181 44,225
14,455 48.6
County Median Income 34,965 42,189 52,180
17,215 49.2
Source:
1. State Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, May 1, 2008.
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990, 2000.
3. Claritas Geographic Snapshot Report 2009.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates
Area Median Income (AMI) for each county in the United States.
Households are then categorized in income groups relative to its County's
AMI. State income categories applicable to California, Los Angeles County,
Rosemead and this Housing Element are shown as follows:
Extreme Low - 0 to 30 percent AMI
Very Low - 31 to 50 percent AMI
Low - 51 to 80 percent AMI
Moderate - 81 to 120 percent AMI
Above Moderate - Greater than 120 percent AMI
Household income in the City may be categorized into these income groups
through interpolation. As shown in Table 17, households in Rosemead
earning more than 120 percent of the County AMI constitute 41.3 percent of
households in the City, while households earning less than 50 percent of the
County AMI constitute a combined 22.5 percent.
Household incomes vary significantly among different geographic sub areas
in the City. According to 2000 Census data, the greatest concentration of
May 2012 Background lnformalion -26
Table 16
HOUSEHOLD BY INCOME TRENDS (1990 to 2008)
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Extremely Low -, Very Low -, and Low - income households are generally
located between Valley Boulevard and Garvey Avenue, primarily adjacent to
the San Berardino Freeway (I -10). To some extent, this concentration of
lower income households may be reflective of the higher number of renter
households in this area of Rosemead.
According to the SCAG Existing Housing Needs 2006 report (downloaded
from the HUD User web site in September 2006), 74 percent of the
extremely low- income households were renter- occupied and 26 percent were
owner- occupied households. By applying these proportions to Rosemead's
2008 total of 1,657 extremely low- income households, it is estimated that
1,226 are renter- occupied households, while 430 are owner - occupied
households.
Table 17
HOUSEHOLDS BY INCOME GROUPS
Rosemead (2008)
Very Low Income (31 to 50% AM])
1,586
11.0
10.9
Low Income (51 to 80 %AMI)
2,571
17.8
15.6
Moderate Income (81 to 120 %AMI)
2,652
18.4
16.6
Above Moderate Income (Greater than
120% AMI)
5,950
.41.3
42.6
Total
14,416
100.0
100.0
Sources:
1. State Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, May 1, 2008
2. Clarttas Geographic Snapshot Report, 2009.
May 2012 Background Information — 27
Extremely Low Income (0 to 30 %AMI) 1,657 11.5 14.3
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Special Needs Groups
State law recognizes that certain households may have more difficulty in
finding decent and affordable housing due to special circumstances. For the
purposes of this Housing Element, special needs populations are defined as:
elderly, persons with disabilities, large households, female- headed
households, fartnworkers, and the homeless. The number of special needs
households and /or persons in Rosemead is summarized in Table 18.
Table 18
SUMMARY OF SPECAL NEEDS GROUPS
Rosemead (2008)
Elderly
6,291
11.2
Disabled 7,045 14.1
Large Households 4,813 33.4
Female- Headed Households 3,765 26.1
Farmworkers - 25 0.1
Sources:
1. state Departmentof Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, May 1, 2008.
2. Clarltas Geographic Snapshot Report, 2009.
Elderly
The elderly population (age 65 years and older) has four primary concerns:
1. Income: Typically retired and living on a fixed income;
2. Health Care: Typically affected by higher rates of illness and
dependency, therefore health care and supportive housing are vital;
3. Transportation: Many persons over 65 years use public transit and /or
have disabilities that require special assistance for mobility; and
4. Housing: Typically live alone and /or in rental units.
The share of elderly persons in Rosemead has been steadily increasing. In
2000, this segment of the population numbered 5,685 persons, representing
10.6 percent of the City's residents. According to 2008 DOF estimates, the
City's elderly population now consists of 6,291 persons, representing 11.0
percent of Rosemead's total population, and a per annum increase of 1.3
percent.since 2000.
In 1990, there were 2,369 elderly- headed households, which represented 17.3
percent of the total households in the City. Of these, 1,699 were owner-
occupied units (71.7%). Between 1990 and 2000, the number of elderly -
headed households increased to 2,506, for an average growth of just 0.6
per annum. Although the proportion of elderly- headed households relative
to the City's total households rose to 18 percent during this time, the owner-
May 2012 Background Information - 28
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
occupancy rate of elderly- headed households decreased to approximately 68
percent (1,711 units). Changes in the proportion of elderly renters may be
dependent on the quantity of housing options and the propensity to convert
to ownership.
In 2000, a majority of the elderly population (67.4%) was living in family
households, which are defined as a householder living with one or more
persons related by birth, marriage or adoption. The remainder of the elderly
population (32.6°/x) was living in non - family households, such as a non-
relative roommate, living alone or in group quarters (e.g., nursing homes,
etc.).
Elderly households tend to rely on fixed and lower incomes. According to
the HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS), more
than half of the City's elderly renter- households had extremely low and low
incomes, as presented in Table 19. In comparison, a majority of the City's
elderly owner - occupied households had moderate or above moderate
incomes.
Table 19
INCOME DISTRIBUTION AND COST BURDEN FOR ELDERLY HOUSEHOLDS
Rosemead (2000)
Extremely Low (0 to 30% AMI)
17.5
54.1
36.6
31.1
78.8
65.6
Very Low Income (31 -50 %AMI)
14.4
32.1
23.6
28.9
82.7
45.7
Low Income (51 -80 %AMI)
21.5
13.2
6.0
16.6
61.1
26.5
Moderate /Above Moderate
Income (more than 80 %AMI)
46.6
14.1
5.1
23.4
18.9
6.3
Sources:
1. Bureau of the Census, 2000 Census (total households by tenure).
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy Data, 2000 (income by tenure)
An important measure of housing affordability is "cost burden," which is
defined as monthly housing costs in excess of 30 percent of a household's
gross income. "Severe cost burden" is defined as housing costs exceeding 50
percent of gross household income. According to the CHAS data, 63.0% of
elderly renter - households in Rosemead had a housing cost burden, compared
to 23.7 percent of elderly owner- households (see Table 20). Among the
May 2012 Background Information - 29
Total Elderly Households 1,471 23.7 13.5 681 63.0 39.5
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
moderate- and above - moderate income group, cost burden impacted owner-
and renter - households almost equally. However, for extremely -low, very -
low, and low- income households, cost burden was significantly higher in the
renter- household category ( +145.7 %, +257.6 %, and +462.9 %, respectively).
Similar relationships exist with severe cost burden, where the incidence
among elderly- renter households (39.5 %) was significantly higher than
elderly- owners (13.5 %). Among the moderate- and above - moderate income
group, severe cost burden impacted owner- and renter- households almost
equally. However, for extremely -low, very -low, and low- income households,
severe cost burden was significantly higher in the renter- household category
( +179.2 %, +193.6 %, and +441.7 %, respectively).
Many organizations and facilities provide services to the elderly throughout
the County. The City intends to support the activities of these entities as
critical partners who help respond to the housing and service needs of low -
income special needs populations. It is also the City's intention to support
the efforts of non -profit agencies that apply for funding to locate housing
facilities that serve persons with special needs within the City. The list below
identifies the organizations that offer services to the elderly and frail elderly
of Rosemead and the types of services provided:
■ Angelus /Garvey Senior Housing: There are presently two apartment
complexes in Rosemead that are rented exclusively by low- income seniors
(Angelus and Garvey Senior Apartments). There is a single waiting list for
both senior apartment complexes. Angelus Senior Apartments is made up of
50 one - bedroom units and one two - bedroom unit, while Garvey Senior
Apartments contains 64 one - bedroom and eight two - bedroom units.
Congregate Meal Program for the Elderly: This service, which is
sponsored by Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley, provides low -cost,
nutritious meals to persons who are 60 years and older.
■ Dial -A -Ride: Free transportation service is provided to senior residents
as well as disabled residents. The program provides curb -to -curb
transportation services for seniors, age 60 and older, and for people who
have disabilities who are residents of Rosemead. Transportation is available
to any destination in Rosemead for any type of trip, including medical
appointments, educational/ recreational activities, shopping, and visits to
friends and family. Transportation is also available, at no cost, for travel
outside the city, a distance of five miles from City Hall, for medical or social
service appointments. The City also offers subsidized bus fare for seniors
through a contract with the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
• Owner- Occupied Rehabilitation Programs: Senior residents who
own their own homes may apply to one of four programs offered by the City
that provide financial assistance in making needed repairs and upgrades.
These programs are available to lower- income (0 to 80 percent of area
median) homeowners, and take the form of loans, grants, emergency grants
and rebates. In particular, the grant program is reserved exclusively for
disabled residents and seniors 62 and older, and interest on loans is calculated
at zero percent for seniors and disabled residents.
May 2012 Background Information — 30
Rosemead Housing Element 2005 -2014
Senior Nutrition Program: The program provides high quality, cost
efficient, but nutritious meals at two City locations (Garvey Community
Center and Rosemead Community Center) to seniors living in Rosemead and
promotes the role of nutrition in preventative health and long term care.
Vietnamese American Senior Association: The Vietnamese American
Senior Association is designed to help Vietnamese seniors lead a happy and
independent life by making sure that they have access to healthcare, social
service, and recreational resources that they otherwise may not have access to
due to language barriers.
■ Down Payment Assistance Program: The City has funds available to
assist low- income residents, including the elderly, with the purchase of their
first home. The amount of the loan will vary depending on the value of the
home to be purchased, with the objective being to assist the homebuyer in
malting a maximum 25 percent down payment. The maximum allowable
loan is currently $20,000.
Section 8 Rental Assistance Program: This program, which is
administered by the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles
(HACoLA) assists low- income persons and households, including the elderly
and frail elderly, in making rents affordable.
Persons with Disabilities
A disability is defined as a long lasting condition that impairs an individual's
mobility, ability to work, or ability to provide self -care. Persons with
disabilities include those who suffer from physical, mental or emotional
disorders. Disabled persons typically have special housing needs because of
fixed incomes, shortage of affordable and accessible housing, and higher
health costs associated with their disability.
According to the 2000 Census, a total of 11,718 persons aged five and above
in Rosemead had one or more disabilities, representing approximately 23
percent of that segment of the population (see Table 20, below). In
comparison, about 20 percent of Los Angeles County residents aged five and
above, and about 19 percent of persons nationwide, were considered
disabled. Among working -age disabled residents in Rosemead, almost three -
fourths (73.1 %) were employed, though many may be underemployed or not
earning enough income to afford housing, health care, and other necessities.
May 2012 Background Information — 31
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Age 5 to 20
1,074
8.2
Age 21 to 64 8,215 26.9
Percent Employed within Working Age 8,566 73.1
Age 65 and Above 2,429 44.7
Total 11,718 23.4
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000.
According to the 2000 Census, nearly one -half (44.7 %) of the City's elderly
residents had one or more disabilities. Specifically, about 29 percent of
elderly residents in Rosemead had a physical disability, and about 14 percent
had a self -care disability. Additionally, approximately 26 percent of elderly
residents had a disability preventing them from going outside of their homes
(see Table 21, below). This proportion does not include elderly in sldlled
nursing or other related facilities. These elderly individuals may need some
type of assisted living or residential care facility.
Table 21
DISABILITY BY AGE
Rosemead (2000)
Mental Disability
1,441
15.0
954
17.3
Self -Care Disability
782
8.1
807
14.7
Go- Outside -Home Disability
5,134
53.3
1,425
25.9
Total
9,637
100.0
5,497
100.0
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000, Table P41
Nate: Data not mutually exclusive.
May 2012 Background Information — 32
Table 20
DISABLED PERSONS BY AGE
Sensory Disability 676 7.0 707 12.9
Physical Disability 1,604 16.6 1,604 29.2
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
The City is dedicated to accommodating the needs of disabled persons and
therefore supports all residential care facilities in Rosemead. The
organizations and facilities listed below offer services to persons with
physical and /or mental disabilities who reside in the City of Rosemead:
Community Advocates for People's Choice: CAPC, Inc. is a non-
profit social service agency serving disabled adult Rosemead residents by
providing supported employment, supported living, independent living, and
community inclusion services.
• Congregate Meal Program for the Disabled: This service, which is
sponsored by Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley, provides low -cost,
nutritious meals to disabled persons.
Intercommunity Blind Center: IBC focuses on integrating the blind
and visually impaired youth and adults into all aspects of the sighted world.
Its purpose is to reach out to these individuals and their families and link
them with the educational, recreational, vocational, social and counseling
opportunities offered by the Center, at no cost to the client, thus improving
their quality of life.
■ Intercommunity Child Guidance Center: ICGC provides children,
adolescents, and families in the community with affordable, culturally -
sensitive, and professional mental health services which include crisis
intervention, parenting, education, child abuse prevention, mental health
services, student training, foster care assessment, psychological counseling,
and medication management.
• Dial -A -Ride: Free transportation service is provided to senior residents
as well as disabled residents. The program provides curb -to -curb
transportation services for seniors, age 60 and older, and for people who
have disabilities who are residents of Rosemead. Transportation is available
to any destination in Rosemead for any type of trip, including medical
appointments, educational/ recreational activities, shopping, and visits to
friends and family. Transportation is also available, at no cost, for travel
outside the city, a distance of five miles from City Hall, for medical or social
service appointments. The City also offers subsidized bus faze for seniors
through a contract with the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
Metro Access: Metro Access is available to those individuals whose
disabling conditions fluctuate, or when weather or environmental factors
prevent them from using the regular bus system. The purpose of the Metro
Access is to ensure that safe, dependable transportation is available for
individuals who truly cannot, because of their disability, use other types of
public transportation.
• Southern California Rehabilitation Services: The mission of SCRS is
to empower persons with disabilities with the knowledge, skills, and
confidence needed to achieve full participation in the community and the
ability to promote opportunities for independence. Services include in -home
service registry, housing assistance, peer counseling, independent living skills
May 2012 Background Information- 33
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
training, job development information and referrals, and training on the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
Female- Headed Households
Single- parent households typically require special needs for such services as
childcare and health care, among others. Female- headed households with
children, in particular, tend to have lower incomes that limit their housing
options and access to supportive services.
According to Census data, there were 11,494 families in the City in 1990,
representing approximately 84 percent of all Rosemead households; by 2000,
the number of families increased slightly to 11,628, though as a proportion of
all households, the number of families fell to 83 percent; and, according to
DOF estimates, the number of families increased again to 12,045 in 2008,
although this continues to represent 83 percent of all Rosemead households.
In 1990, there were 2,183 female- headed households in Rosemead,
representing about 16 percent of all City households (see Table 22). By 2000,
the number of female- headed households increased to 2,416, representing 17
percent of all City households. Of these, 1,103 (45.7 %) consisted of single -
parent households with children. At that time, poverty was established at
$17,050 for a four- person family. Thus, of the 1,103 female- headed
households with children, approximately 31 percent were living below the
poverty line, compared with 19 percent of all families with children.
According to DOF estimates, in 2008, the number of female- headed
households in Rosemead rose again, to 3,765, representing 26.1 percent of all
City households.
The YWCA -Wings organization offers services to female- headed households
who reside in Rosemead. It provides emergency shelter for worsen and
children who become homeless due to domestic violence. Services include
24 -hour access to emergency housing and crisis hotline, food and basic
personal items, crisis support and advocacy, counseling and support groups,
medical and legal advocacy, and specialized children's services.
May 2012 Background Information — 34
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 22
HOUSEHOLD TYPE
Families 11,494 83.9 11,628 83.6
134 1.2
Married Couples 3,693 27.0 8,068 58.0
4,375 118.5
With Children 2,673 19.5 4,638 33.3
1,965 73.5
Female- Headed 1,182 8.6 2,416 17.4
1,234 104.4
With Children 840 6.1 1,103 7.9
263 31.3
Non - Families 2,207 16.1 2,285 16.4
78 3.5
Singles 584 4.3 1,659 12.6
1,075 184.1
Elderly (65 +) 105 0.8 741 5.3
636 605.7
Total 13,701 100.0 13,913 100.0
212 1.6
Source: US. Bureau of the Census, 1990 and 2000.
Large Households
A large household is defined as a household consisting of five or more
persons, and is considered a special needs population due to the limited
availability of affordable and adequately sized housing. The lack of large
units is particularly evident among rental units. Large households often live
in overcrowded conditions, due to both the lack of units of appropriate size,
and insufficient income to afford available units of adequate size.
In 2000, about 39 percent of the households in Rosemead consisted of five
or more persons, representing an increase from 1990, when 31 percent of the
City's households were large households. In both reporting periods, the
proportion of large households in Rosemead far exceeded County averages
of 17 percent in 1990 and 18 percent in 2000. According to 2008 DOF
estimates, over one -third of Rosemead households (33.4%) continue to
consist of five or more persons, which continues to exceed the County -wide
average (19.4 %) by a significant margin.
A significant issue with large households, particularly those of lower incomes,
is overcrowding. The Census defines overcrowded households as units with
greater than 1.01 persons per room, excluding bathrooms, kitchens, hallways
and porches. Overcrowding reflects the inability of households to buy or
rent adequately sized housing units.
In Rosemead, the 1990 Census shows that over one -third of all housing units
were overcrowded or severely overcrowded (4,921 units; 36.0%), which is
almost double the rate of overcrowding evidenced County -wide (575,286
units; 19.3 Of the overcrowded units in the City, nearly two- thirds
May 2012 Background Information- 35
Rosemead
(63.9 %) are affected by severe overcrowding (1.51 persons per room)..
According to the 2000 Census, as presented in Table 23, the incidence of
overcrowding and severe overcrowding increased between 2000 and 2008 at
both the City and County levels. Severe overcrowding was a much more
prevalent problem for renter households, as shown in detail in Table 25.
Overcrowded conditions exist due to the lack of appropriate housing options
for large families. While the majority of the City's housing stock consists of
small or average -sized units (three or fewer bedrooms), one -third (33.4 %) of
all households in Rosemead consist of large families (five or more members).
The incidence of large families at the County level is significantly less (about
one -fifth (19.4%) of all Los Angeles County households).
Table 23
OVERCROWDING TRENDS
Rosemead and Los Angeles County (1990 to 2000)
Rosemead
Overcrowded
1,777
13.0
2,269
16.3
Severely Overcrowded
3,144
23.0
3,352
24.1
Los Angeles County
Overcrowded
202,183
6.8
249,094
8.0
Severely Overcrowded
373,103
12.5
471,275
15.0
Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990 Census (Table H2O), 2000 Census (Table H20), 2005 -2007
American Community Survey 3 -Year Estimate (Table 825014).
Overcrowding continues to occur in the City's rental housing stock,
indicating the need for larger rental units and /or rental subsidies to allow
large households to afford adequately sized units. In 1990, over 62 percent
of overcrowded housing conditions, and over 69 percent of severely
overcrowded housing conditions, occurred in rental units. These trends have
continued in the 2000 and 2008 reporting periods.
Conditions of overcrowding are largely a combination of the lack of large
rental units and the inability of most large renter households to afford large
ownership units. For example, a total of 2,519 large renter households
resided in Rosemead in 2000, while there were only 196 rental units available
with four or more bedrooms (see Table 24). Conversely, 881 large owner
units were potentially available to 1,916 City's large owner - households.
Element 2008 -2014
May 2012 Background Information —
Rosemead Housing Element 1008 -2014
Table 24
HOUSEHOLDS BY TENURE BY BEDROOM TYPE
Rosemead (2000) _
1 Bedroom
1,098
16.2
2,595
36.5
2 Bedrooms
2,344
34.6
2,382
33.5
3 Bedrooms
2,241
33.1
981
13.8
4 Bedrooms
729
10.8
167
2.3
5+ Bedrooms
152
2.2
29
0.4
Total
6,771
100.0
7,118
100.0
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000 Census (Table H42)
Aside from overcrowding, large households are also affected by housing cost
burden. Overall, cost burden affected large owner and renter households
almost equally in 2000 (see Table 26). However, cost burden decreased with
income increase for renter - households. The decrease was less prominent
among owner- households.
The organizations and facilities listed below offer services to large families
who reside in the City of Rosemead:
YWCA- Wings: Provides emergency shelter for women and children
who become homeless as a result of domestic violence. Services include 24-
hour access to emergency housing and crisis hotline, food and basic personal
items, crisis support and advocacy, counseling and support groups, medical
and legal advocacy, and specialized children's services.
• Family Counseling: Family Counseling provides low -cost crisis
intervention and crime prevention services to youth under the age of 18 and
their families who meet certain income requirements. Professionally - trained
and licensed counselors offer help with substance abuse, addictions,
psychotherapy and intervention.
May 2012 Background Information - 37
0 Bedroom 207 3.1 964 13.5
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 25
VERCROWDING BY TENURE
Rosemead (1990 to 2008)
1990
Overcrowded Households
33.6
Severely Overcrowded
Households
Owner - occupied
689
18.0
918
18.3
Renter - occupied
1,155
82.0
2,114
81.7
2000
76.1
61.3
20.7
89.8
Owner - occupied
937
13.8
888
13.1
Renter - occupied
1,332
18.7
2,464
34.6
2007
1.7
_
2.8
0.0
Owner- occupied
653
8.6
215
2.8
Renter - occupied
1,130
17.4
440
6.8.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990 and 2000 Census; 2005 -2007 American Community Survey 3 -Year Estimate (Table B25014).
Table 26
INCOME DISTRIBUTION AND COST BURDEN FOR LARGE HOUSEHOLDS
Rosemead (2000)
Total Large Households
.1,916
33.6
19.8
2,519
46.1
30.2
Extremely Low (0 -30 %AMI)
3.6
85.5
71.0
19.5
91.8
79.6
Very Low (31 -50 %AMI)
8.5
76.1
61.3
20.7
89.8
22.8
Low Income (51 -80 %AMI)
13.0
72.3
36.1
25.3
34.3
0.0
Moderate /Above Moderate
Income (More than 80 %AMI)
74.9
19.5
1.7
34.5
2.8
0.0
Sources:
1. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000 (total households by tenure).
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy Data, 2000 (income by tenure)
May 2012 Background Information - 38
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Farmworkers
Farmworkers are traditionally defined as persons whose primary incomes are
earned through seasonal agricultural work. Famaworkers have special
housing needs because they typically earn lower wages than many other
workers and move throughout the season from one harvest to the next.
According to Census data, 0.2 percent of the Rosemead labor force was
employed in fanning, forestry and fishing occupations in 2000. As of 2007,
EDD data indicates this proportion increased to 0.6 percent. Currently,
there are no parcels in the City dedicated to farming operations or identified
on State Farmland Map. Such agricultural land uses are not identified on the
Land Use Map of the Rosemead General Plan or in the Rosemead Zoning
Ordinance. Therefore, given the extremely limited presence of farmworkers
in the community, the City has no specialized housing programs targeted to
this group beyond overall programs for housing affordability.
Homeless Persons
Throughout the country, homelessness has become an increasing problem.
Factors contributing to the rise in homelessness include the general lack of
housing affordable to low- and moderate - income persons, increases in the
number of persons whose incomes fall below the poverty level, reductions in
public subsidy to the poor, and the de- institutionalization of the mentally ill.
However, homeless numbers in Rosemead have tended to be lower than in
many parts of Los Angeles County.
The City is a member of the San Gabriel Valley Homeless Coalition, and
participates in the County -wide Continuum of Care through the Los !Angeles
Homeless Service Authority (IAI ISA) for HUD SuperNOFA funds. In this
capacity, City staff attends meetings of social service providers, supplies
information to the umbrella organization responsible for coordinating the
continuum, and receives information from them. In addition, the City works
with public service agencies and others to identify services and service gaps
in the community to ensure that citizens looking for services are referred to
agencies that can be of the most assistance to them. As part of SPA -3 for
homelessness, the City participates in the LAHSA plan to eliminate
homelessness by 2012.
In 2005, the City's Community Development Department, in conjunction
with Code Enforcement and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department,
undertook a homeless count night. Potential sites were identified in advance
as locations for the homeless. A homeless count was conducted at these
sites, along with follow -up visits during evening hours. As a result, staff
encountered seven (7) persons at the twenty sites visited. All of these
persons stated that they were homeless. Of these, three (3) were female and
four (4) were male. Four (4) identified themselves as White, while three (3)
identified themselves as Hispanic. They ranged in age from 32 to 63 years.
The majority reported that they had alcohol or substance abuse issues, while
May 2012 Backgmund Informafion- 39
Rosemead Housing Element 1008 -2014
three (3) were disabled. Homelessness ranged from one week after leaving a
correctional facility to ten years or more. All respondents received
information regarding services, although the majority stated they could not
commit to following up and taking advantage of such assistance.
The City had conducted two previous homeless counts since 1999. In the
first count, eight (8) persons were identified, of which four (4) stated they
were homeless. Three (3) had alcohol /substance abuse issues and two (2)
were mentally disabled. All declined services. In addition, the Urban
Research Group conducted a survey of homelessness in the San Gabriel
Valley in 1999, during which it identified eighteen (18) persons who had
requested services. Nine (9) of those persons lacked a permanent address.
The homeless population was estimated at between thirteen (13) and sixteen
(16). The represented a decline from the 1990 Census in which twenty (20)
individuals and one (1) family were identified as being homeless.
Based on the three counts, unsheltered homelessness within the City has
remained low and fairly constant since its decline after the 1990 Census. It
generally ranges from approximately, from four (4) to sixteen (16) persons.
In response to homelessness, the City has prepared its staff to refer inquiries
to the Community Development Department, Housing Services Division,
who respond to the homeless in a positive way to ensure that their needs are
met. The Housing Services Division has provided its staff with instructions
to direct the needy and homeless to an agency or provider that meets its
specific needs. On average, there are five or fewer requests for assistance per
year.
Currently, the City provides the following supportive services to homeless
individuals and families through the following agencies and service providers:
• 211 LA County: Dedicated to providing an easy -to -use, caring,
professional source of guidance and advocacy to a comprehensive range of
human services, available on a 24 hour /7 days per week basis. Also operates
the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline for the County and provides staffing and
human services information for emergency centers during disasters.
• Catholic Rainbow Outreach: Provides shelter and rehabilitation _ for
men dealing with drug and alcohol abuse issues. This shelter has thirteen
(13) beds available.
• Down Payment Assistance Program: The City has funds available to
assist low- income residents with the purchase of their first home. The
assistance is in the form of a silent second loan (no payments until the loan is
paid or until 30 years from the loan origination), and is available to low -
income families who have not owned a home within the previous three years.
The amount of the loan will vary depending on the value of the house to be
purchased to assist the homebuyer in achieving a 25% down payment. The
maximum allowable loan is currently $70,000.
■ Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority ( LAHSA): LAHSA
Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) are available to assist residents Monday
May 2012 Background Information- 40
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. LAHSA ERTs offer outreach
services to homeless encampment dwellers, emergency services and shelter
referrals to homeless families and unaccompanied adults and youth, direct
emergency services and transportation, and emergency assistance and
referrals to social service agencies for people in the County who are at risk of
experiencing homelessness.
■ People for People: Provides short -term services (food and clothing)
directly. Its primary purpose is to assist the needy residents of the City. The
group is composed of volunteers that raise funds year -round to provide
distribution of food to families.
• Section 8 Housing Assistance Agency: Provides rental assistance
through the Federal Section 8 Voucher program. The primary objective of
the Section 8 Rental Assistance program is to assist low- income (0 to 50% of
MFI) persons and households, including those who are homeless or in
danger of becoming homeless, in making rents affordable. The Housing
Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) serves the City of
Rosemead and provides Section 8 assistance to the residents,
The San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter of the American Red
Cross: Provides emergency shelter for people who become homeless
because of natural disasters.
• The Salvation Army: Provides a variety of services including shelter
service for men and women focusing on substance abuse treatment for
persons with co- occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, overnight
shelter, food, shower facilities, and case management to homeless persons.
• The Southern California Housing Rights Center: Provides
counseling assistance to families at risk of homelessness.
• YWCA- Wings: Provides emergency shelter for women and children
who become homeless as a result of domestic violence. Services include 24-
hour access to emergency housing and crisis hotline, food and basic personal
items, crisis support and advocacy, counseling and support groups, medical
and legal advocacy, and specialized children's services.
Overall, the City has not experienced an overwhelming population of
homeless persons and has not experienced an outpouring of public concern
to provide additional services within its boundaries. Social service agencies
and providers within Rosemead and adjacent communities (where nearly all
major services are provided) have not expressed that there is an extraordinary
need to provide emergency shelters within Rosemead, as adequate facilities
are available nearby and are not always filled to capacity.
The City will consider, should the need arise, amending the Municipal Code
to permit emergency shelters by conditional use permits, and transitional
housing by right, in the MFR (Multiple Family Residential) zone. Where
appropriate, the City will assist developers and /or providers in the
procurement of land, off -site improvements and /or financing for the
construction of emergency shelters and /or transitional housing. Where
May 2012 Background Information— 41
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
feasible and appropriate, the City will assist developers and /or providers in
the purchase and rehabilitation of existing structures for transitional housing.
The City will consider commencing programs to organize churches, non-
profit and social benefit organizations to provide emergency and transitional
shelter for the homeless. The City will also consider the possibility of using
Proposition A funds to provide transportation of the homeless to shelters.
The City will generally support applications for programs and resources from
eligible non - profits and other entities when Federal and /or State funding is
limited to such entities. However, when the City is also an eligible applicant
it will assess its needs and priorities to determine if it will be the lead agency
and applies directly for the available funding. The City will also generally
support the efforts of non -profit agencies that apply for funding to late
transitional, supportive, and permanent housing facilities within the City.
For fiscal year 2008 -09, the City did not receive any proposals that would
work toward meeting this goal.
The City does not directly provide not administer any continuum of care
programs or homeless service programs. However, the City s Owner-
Occupied Rehabilitation Program, Down Payment Assistance Program, and
Section 8 Rental Assistance Program can, in some ways, be regarded as
activities that prevent homelessness. The Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation
Program assists low to moderate- income households in maintaining a safe
and decent living environment. The Down Payment Assistance Program
assists low- income residents with the purchase of their first home, and the
Section 8 Rental Assistance Program provides rental assistance through
HACoLA.
Other entities in the City and County conduct homelessness prevention
activities. Federal, state, local and private funds can be utilized to provide
rent and utility assistance to help families stay housed. Particularly, agencies
receiving funds through the Emergency Shelter Grant program and Federal
Emergency Management Agency are likely to conduct homelessness
prevention activities. The City will continue to work with the San Gabriel
Valley Homeless Coalition, Los Angeles Service Authority, and other social
service providers towards regional approaches to homelessness.
May 2012 Background Information — 42
Rosemead
G. HOUSING STOCK CHARACTERISTICS
In order to determine the extent of housing needs in a community, the
analysis must be expanded beyond population, households and employment
characteristics, to also quantify the types of housing available. Housing need
is defined as the difference between the types of housing required by the
City's existing and projected population, and the types of housing available.
Size, price and condition of existing units are the major factors in
determining suitability.
Housing Type and Tenure
With a 2008 housing stock of 14,702 units, Rosemead is a medium -sized
community in the San Gabriel Valley. During the 1990s, the City grew at a
slightly lower rate (1.3%) than other San Gabriel cities including Alhambra
and Monterey Park, which grew by 1.7 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively
(see Table 27). During that period, the County as a whole experienced
housing growth at over twice the rate of Rosemead (3.1%). The City's
limited housing growth in the 1990s represents a 64 percent reduction in
housing growth that occurred during the 1980s (3.6%).
Between 2000 and 2008, the City experienced a 2.5 percent increase in
housing growth, while some neighboring jurisdictions experienced minimal
or negative growth rates (Monterey Park: 0.1 %; Alhambra: - 0.1 %). The
City's housing growth rate, however, was well below the County -wide
average of 4 percent. As an older community with little re mainin g vacant
residential land for new development, housing growth over the past five
years has primarily been attributable to in -fill construction on small
residential lots, or the construction of additional units on larger, previously
under- utilized residential lots.
Table 27
HOUSING TRENDS
Rosemead and Surrounding Jurisdictions (1990 to 2008)
Element 2008 -2014
Alhambra
29,568
30,223
1.7
30,216
-0.1
Monterey Park
20,298
20,720
1.8
20,734
0.1
San Gabriel
12,736
12,891
1.0
13,251
2.8
Los Angeles County
3,163,310
3,272,169
3.1
3,403,480
4.0
Source: California Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, January 1, 1990, January 1, 2000, January 1, 2008
May 2012 Background Information — 43
Rosemead 14,134 14,345 1.3 14,702 2.5
Rosemead Housing Element 1008 -2014
As shown in Table 28, single - family units are the overwhelmingly dominant
housing type in the City in 2008 (81.8 %). Proportions of various general
housing types (single - family structures, 2 to 4 unit structures, 5+ unit
structures) in the City have remained stable for at least the past eight years.
Housing tenure refers to whether a housing unit is owned, rented or vacant.
Tenure is an important indicator of the housing climate of a community,
reflecting the ability of residents to afford housing. Tenure characteristics are
primarily a function of household income, composition and householder age.
Tenure also influences residential mobility, with owner units generally
experiencing lower turnover rates than rental housing.
Table 28
2to4Units
909
6.3
917
6.2
8
-0.1
5+ Units
1,211
8.5
1,355
9.2
144
0.7
Mobile Homes
404
2.8
404
2.8
0
0.0
Total
14,345
100.0
14,702
100.0
357
0.0
Source: California Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, Table E -5, January 1, 1990 through January 1, 2008
Historically, housing tenure in Rosemead was primarily characterized by
owner - occupancy. The trend, however, began to reverse itself during the
1980s. According to 1990 Census data, the City's owner - occupancy rate was
47.8 percent, representing a decline of 4.1 percent from 1980 and reflecting
an increase in the number of rental units. The trend has since continued, as
the City's owner - occupancy rate dropped slightly to 47.3 percent in 2000,
then rebounded slightly to 47.5 percent, to regain a portion of this loss, in
2008 (see Table 30, below). Conversely, the proportion of the City's housing
stock occupied by renters has increased slightly over the 2000 and 2008
reporting periods, to 49.7 percent and 50.4 percent, respectively. It is
anticipated that the ratio of owner- to renter- occupied housing units will
remain relatively stable during this planning period.
Housing vacancy rates measure the overall housing availability in a
community and are often a good indicator of how efficiently for -sale and
rental housing units are meeting the current demand for housing. A vacancy
rate of five percent for rental housing and two percent for ownership
housing is generally considered healthy and suggests that there is a balance
between the demand and supply of housing. A lower vacancy rate may
May 2012 Background Information - 44
Single - Family 11,821 82.4 12,026 81.8 205 -0.6
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
indicate that households are having difficulty in finding housing that is
affordable, leading to overcrowding or overpayment.
As shown in Table 29, the housing vacancy rate in Rosemead declined
slightly from 1990 to 2000 (3.1%, 3.0 %, respectively; -1 net unit), and
accelerated from 2000 to 2008 (2.1x/0; -126 units). Table 30 shows that
during the 1990 and 2000 reporting periods, most of the vacant units were
rental units (34.2% and 37.7 %, respectively), which fat exceeded units for
sale (15.7% and 16.2 %, respectively).
Table 29
OCCUPANCY BY TENURE
Rosemead 1990 to 2008
Vacant 433 3.1 432 3.0 306 2.1
Total 14,134 100.0 14,345 100.0 14,722 100.0
Sources:
1. State Department of Finance, Population and Housing Estimates, May 1, 2008
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990, 2000.
3. Claritas Geographic Snapshot Report 2009.
Table 30
VACANCY BY TYPE
Rosemead 1990 to 2000
Other' 217 50.1 199 46.1
Total 433 _ 100.0 432 100.0
'Includes: Rented or sold units, but not occupied; seasonal, recreational or occasional use units, units for
migrant workers, and, units that remain vacant far unspecified reasons.
Note: State Department of Finance population and housing estimates for 2008, as shown in Table _ above,
does not distinguish vacant housing units by tenure.
Source: U.S. Bureau ofthe Census, 1990 ond2000.
May 2012 Background Information
Owner- Occupied 6,758 47.8 6,783 47.3 6,993 47.5
Renter - Occupied 6,943 49.1 7,130 49.7 7,423 50.4
For Rent 148 34.2 163 37.7
For Sale 68 15.7 70 16.2
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Housing Conditions
The age of a community's housing stock can provide an indicator of overall
housing conditions. Generally, the functional lifetime of housing
construction materials and components is approximately 30 years. Housing
units beyond 30 years of age typically experience rehabilitation needs that
may include replacement plumbing, roofing, doors and windows,
foundations and other repairs.
As a mature community, the vast majority (81 %) of Rosemead's housing
stock is 30 years of age or older. As presented in Table 31, among owner-
occupied housing, 84 percent of units were constructed prior to 1980, and is
reflective of the community's numerous older single - family neighborhoods.
A similar proportion of renter- occupied housing is equal to, or greater than,
30 years of age (83.2%), this housing is typically of lesser quality construction
and suffers more wear- and -tear from tenants than owner- occupied housing.
The advanced age of the majority of Rosemead's housing stock indicates the
significant need for continued code enforcement, property maintenance and
housing rehabilitation programs to stern housing deterioration. In order to
maintain adequate housing conditions, the City operates a proactive Code
Enforcement Program and Neighborhood Preservation Program, both
aimed at eliminating blight and improving the quality of life in Rosemead
neighborhoods. Through these programs, residents are encouraged to
become educated on the City's municipal and zoning codes and to establish
neighborhood and other community partnerships to find ways to keep their
neighborhoods blight -free.
Table 31
AGE OF HOUSING STOCK
Rosemead 2000
1980 -1989
773
10.9
651
9.6
10.3
1970 -1979
1,133
15.9
615
9.1
12.6
1960 -1969
1,526
21.4
1,154
17.0
19.2
1950 -1959
1,299
18.2
1,638
24.2
21.1
1940 -1949
1,189
16.7
1,516
22.4
19.5
1939 or Earlier
781
11.0
837
12.4
11.7
Total
7,118
100.0
6,771
100.0
100.0
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000.
May 2012 Background Information - 46
1990 -2000 417 5.9 360 5.3 5.6
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Housing Conditions Survey
In order to describe the current state of the City's housing supply and the
need for rehabilitation, a housing conditions survey was conducted in March
2009. The block -by -block windshield survey examined physical conditions in
portions of the City where multi- family residential uses are permitted under
current zoning. The results of the survey were used to supplement housing
conditions data contained in the City's FY 2010 -15 Consolidated Plan.
The housing conditions surveys show that, for the most part, the City's
housing stock requires only minor to moderate levels of rehabilitation.
Results of the housing conditions surveys, which are shown in Table 32,
below, are organized by Census Tract (see Figure 5) and based on the five
following criteria:
Sound:. A majority of structures and properties within the block appear
to be recently built, are well- maintained and exhibit no obvious evidence of
deterioration.
Minor: A majority of structures and properties within the block exhibit
signs of minor deferred maintenance (e.g., thinning or peeling paint,
overgrowth of weeds, etc.).
• Moderate: A majority of structures and properties within the block
require major repairs to building elements (e.g., replace missing roof shingles,
broken windows, etc.), landscaping (e.g., replace sod, repair perimeter
fencing, etc.), or other similar improvements.
■ Substantial: A majority of structures and properties within the block
require the replacement of major building systems (e.g., reinforce roof
structure, evidence of wood rot, replace substantial building materials,
replace landscaping, etc.).
■ Dilapidated: A majority of structures in the block appear structurally
unsound; the properties represent a hazard to the health and safety of
occupants and the general public; are unsightly.
May 2012 Background Information- 47
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 32
HOUSING CONDITIONS SURVEY
Rosemead
Block) Census Tract Rating (Block by
4322.01 Minor
4322.02
Minor
4329.01
- Min
4329.02
Minor
4336.01
Minor*
4
Minor*
4813.00
Minor*
482
Moderat to Su
4823.04
Moderate to Su
4824.01
Moderate*
4824.02
Moderate to Substa
4 825.02
S oun d
4825.03
Sound
Source: Rosemead FY2010 -15 Consolidated Plan (based on field survey conducted
March 2000)
* Supplemented with GRC Associates multl family residentlol field survey, March 2009
Some of the City's housing stock has fallen into a state of disrepair due,
apparently, to the inability of its occupants or property owners to make
needed repairs. Although many of these owners may have substantial equity
in their homes, they may not have the income to afford the necessary or
desired repairs. The City will continue to offer low interest rehabilitation
loans to facilitate the rehabilitation of deteriorated units, particularly to the
elderly and other low- income households, and should consider expanding the
assistance to include multi- family units. Additionally, through the combined
efforts of the City's code enforcement, police and fire departments, the City
is working to identify and abate such substandard living conditions.
Background Information — 48
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Figure 5
CENSUS TRACTS
Source: Census 2000, City of Rosemead
May 2012 Background Information — 49
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Housing Costs
The cost of housing determines whether or not a household will be able to
obtain an adequately sized unit in good condition in the area in which they
wish to locate. Table 33 shows that in 2000, the median home value in
Rosemead was $182,200, which was significantly lower than that of the
neighboring communities of Alhambra (13.4%), Monterey Park (15.8 %), San
Gabriel (21.7 as well as Los Angeles County (13.0 %). Updated
comparative sales data was obtained from the California Association of
Realtors for August 2008, which shows that housing sales prices have
increased substantially throughout the County since 2000. However, at a
median sales price of $371,750, housing prices in Rosemead are still well
below most neighboring communities and the County median, although the
differential has narrowed somewhat.
Table 33
MEDIAN HOME VALUES
Rosemead and Surrounding Communities 2000 to 2009
Alhambra
210,400
367,000
156,600
74.4
El Monte
158,100
293,000
134,900
85.3
Montebello -
195,100
330,000
134,900
69.1
Monterey Park
216,500
462,500
246,000
113.6
San Gabriel
232,600
460,000
227,400
97.8
Temple City
233,300
515,000
281,700
120.7
Los Angeles County
209,300
300,000
90,700
43.3
Sources:
1. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000.
2. Data Quick January 2008 - January 2009
In order to obtain detailed information on housing sales activity in the City,
housing and condominium sales were tracked over the period from January
2008 to January 2009 through Data Quick. As shown in Table 34, a total of
62 single - family homes were sold in the City during this period, with one-
third (33.8%) comprised of three bedroom units, while 205 multi - family
homes /condominiums were sold. In recent months, home sale values have
dropped significantly — by about 11 percent. This is a reflection of the
national downturn.
May 2012 Background Information - 50
Rosemead 182,200 409,000 226,800 124.5
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 34
HOME SALES
Rosemead (January 2008 - January 2009)
Single - Family Units
Two
16
$323,000
$317,625
25.8%
Three
21
$383,000
$366,833
33.8 ° %
Four
12
$450,000
$528,818
19.3%
Five
1
$450,000
$450,000
1.6%
Six or
More
12
$480,000
$493,667
19.3%
Total
62
100.0%
Multi - Family Units /Condominiums
Two
67
$365,000
$368,894
32.6%
Three
82
$418,500
$414,368
40.0%
Four
43
$531,000
$548,921
20.9%
Five
13
$666,000
658,100
6.3%
Total
205
100.0%
Source: Data quick January 2008 to January 2009
Maximum affordable home prices for very -low, low- and moderate- income
households in Los Angeles County are shown in Table 35. Maximum
affordable monthly mortgage payment and maxim affordable mortgages
are determined by taking 30 percent of the County median income for a
family of four for each income category. As shown in Table 36, very low -
income households can afford a maximum home price of $69,300, while low -
income households can afford a maximum home price of $109,400, and
moderate- income households can afford a maximum home price of
$164,200. Comparing the sales prices for a home in Rosemead with the
City's income structure, it is evident that there are homes available for
purchase at prices that are affordable to the City's low- and moderate- income
households. By assisting prospective first -time homebuyers with down
payment and dosing costs, the City is expanding the supply of housing that is
affordable to these households. However, even with such assistance, most
very low- income households will still be unable to find an affordable home.
May 2012 Background Information — 51
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Extremely -Low
(0 -30 %MFI)- 15,654
391
47
73 - 268 37,400 41,600
Table 35
AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP COSTS BY INCOME GROUP
Los Angeles County — 2008
Very-Low
(31% -50% MFI) 26,090 652 78 121 454 62,400 69,300
Low
(51 % -80 %MFI) 41,744 1,044 125 194 726 98,500 109,400
Moderate
(81% - 120% MFI) 62,616 1,565 188 291 1,090 147,800 164,200
Note: Calculation of affordable home sales price based on 10r down payment 8% annual interest rate, 30 -year mortgage, and monthly payment of
30% of 2008 Los Angeles County Median Family Income ($52,180).
Rental Housing
In 2000, the median rent in Rosemead was $722, which was generally
comparable to surrounding communities, but slightly higher than the
County -wide average (see Table 36). Between 2000 and 2007, median rent in
the City had increased significantly (41.4%). The increase, however, is
comparable to surrounding communities and the County -wide average.
Table 36
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
Rosemead and Surrounding Communities 2000 to 2007
El Monte
$672
$966 294 30.4
Monterey Park
$722
$988 266 36.8
San Gabriel
$759
$1,098 339 44.7
Los Angeles County
$704
$1,002 298 42.3
Sources:
1. U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000.
2. U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Fact Finder1005 -2007
May 2012 - Background information -
Rosemead $722 $1,021 299 41.4
Alhambra $721 $1,027 306 42.4
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
MyApartmentRental.com maintains a database of rental information for
properties throughout the country. A review of rental rates, by unit type, for
the fourth quarter of 2008 in Rosemead and Los Angeles County is
presented in Table 37, below. As shown in this table, the average rents in
Rosemead are $1,025, $1,041 and $1,617, for studio, one -, and three -
bedroom apartments, respectively. The average rent for a two- bedroom
apartment with one bath is $1,333. Single - family homes available for rent
command higher rental rates than apartment units, particularly three -
bedroom homes. Overall, the median rent in Rosemead is $1,131, which is
comparable, but lower than, the County -wide average of $1,669.
Table 37
AVERAGE RENT
Rosemead and Los Angeles County (Fourth Quarter 2008)
1 Bed — 1 Bath $1041 $1,508 $467
2 Bed -1 Bath $1,333 $1,416 $83
3 Bed — 2 Bath $1,617 $2,038 $421
Median Rent $1,131 $1,669 $538
Source: MyApartmentRental.com, City-Data
Local realtors indicate that the demand for high quality rental units in the
City remains strong, and that new units with amenities command higher
rents. Location is also a key variable in the price of an apartment in
Rosemead. However, competitive rates for some segments of rental homes
in the City have often led renters to choose homes over apartments.
According to rental agencies, single - family homes are typically the first to
rent, while incentives have to be offered in order to fill many apartments.
Above all, location appears to be a key factor in both the price and the
likelihood that a unit is rented.
Preservation of Assisted Housing
California Housing Element Law requires all jurisdictions to include a study
of all low- income housing units that may be lost from the affordable
inventory by the expiration of affordability restrictions. The law requires that
the analysis and study cover a ten -year period.
There are three general cases that can result in the conversion of public
assisted units:
May 2012 Background Information — 53
Studio $1,025 $1,209 $184
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Prepayment of HUD mortgages: Section 221(d)(3), Section 202, Section
811, and Section 236: A Section 221(d)(3) is a privately owned project where
HUD provides either below market interest rate loans or market rate loans
with a subsidy to the tenants. With Section 236 assistance, HUD provides
financing to the owner to reduce the costs for tenants by paying most of the
interest on a market rate mortgage. Additional rental subsidy may be
provided to the tenant. Section 202 assistance provides a direct loan to non-
profit organizations for project development and rent subsidy for low -
income elderly tenants. Section 811 provides assistance for the development
of units for physically handicapped, developmentally disable, and chronically
mentally ill residents.
Opt -outs and expirations of project -based Section 8 contracts: Section 8
is a federally funded program that provides for subsidies to the owner of a
pre- qualified project for the difference between the tenant's ability to pay and
the contract rent. Opt -outs occur when the owner of the project decides to
opt -out of the contract with HUD by prepaying the remainder of the
mortgage. Usually, the likelihood of opt -outs increases as the market rents
exceed the contract rents.
Other: Expiration of the low income use period of various financing
sources, such as Low- Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), bond financing,
density bonuses, California Housing Finance Agency (CHFA), Community
Development Block . Grant (CDBG) funds, HOME funds, and
redevelopment funds. Generally, bond financing properties expire according
to a qualified project period or when the bonds mature. Density bonus units
expire in either 10 or 30 years, depending on the level of incentives.
Inventory of Affordable Housing Units
The following inventory, presented in Table 38, summarizes all publicly
assisted rental properties in Rosemead. The inventory includes properties
assisted by HUD, the Rosemead Redevelopment Agency and Los Angeles
County multi- family bonds, in addition to density bonus properties. Target
levels include the very low- and low- income groups. A total of 123 assisted
housing units were identified in the City. Many affordable housing projects
in the City maintain 55 -year affordability covenants. The Rosemead Housing
Development Corporation (RHDC), a non -profit organization, is responsible
for the oversight of two senior housing facilities: the Angelus Senior Housing
Project and the Garvey Senior Housing Project. The Redevelopment Agency
allocates approximately $250,000 annually toward the financing, operation
and management of the two sites.
May 2012 Background Information— 54
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 38
INVENTORY OF PUBLICLY ASSISTED UNITS AND COMPLEXES (2008)
Angelus Senior Housing Project
2417 Angelus Ave. Seniors Very Low 51
Garvey Senior Housing Project
9100 Garvey Ave. Seniors Very Low 72
Rio Hondo Community
Development Corporation
9331 Glendon Family Low /Moderate 1
Way
Sources:
1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
2. California Housing partnership Corporation.
3. CityofRosemead.
At Risk Status
Based on information contained in the Inventory of Federally Subsidized
Low Income Rental Units at Risk of Conversion, compiled by the California
Housing Partnership Corporation, there are no federally assisted, low income
rental units within the City that are at risk of converting to market rate by
2018. Similarly, the California Debt and Investment and Advisory
Commission indicates there are no rental units within the City that have been
constructed with the use of multi - family mortgage revenue bonds. The
Angelus Senior Housing Project was constructed in 1995 and the Garvey
Senior Housing Project was constructed in 2002. Both projects were
constructed with assistance from the City's Redevelopment Agency.
However, these units are owned and operated by the Rosemead Housing
Development Corporation which is a non -profit corporation establi shed by
the City to create affordable housing, and will be preserved in perpetuity as
affordable housing. In addition, the City entered into an agreement in FY
2007 -08 with the Rio Hondo Community Development Corporation (CDC)
for a deferred- payment loan for the purchase of a three- bedroom single
family home. The property is intended for rental to low- to moderate -
income households and is subject to a 55 -year affordability covenant.
State law requires an analysis of existing assisted rental units that are at risk of
conversion to market rate. This includes conversion through termination of
a subsidy contract, mortgage prepayment, or expiring use restrictions. The
following at -risk analysis covers the period of 2008 through 2014. There are
no at -risk units during this planning period and for the next ten years.
According to the 2010 -2014 Consolidated Plan, the Angelus project will be
subject to conversion starting on February 7, 2050, the Garvey project on
October 30, 2057, and the Rio Hondo CDC project on May 29, 2063.
May 2012 Background Information— 55
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Section 8 Projects
Section 8 is a voucher program to aid in affordable housing. Under the
voucher program, individuals or families with a voucher find and lease a unit
and pap a portion of the rent based on income. These projects are eligible to
participate in the Mark to Market Program. Under this program, owners are
given favorable tax treatment provided that they preserve the units at rents
that are affordable to low- income households. Eligible projects include FHA
insured projects receiving Section 8 project based assistance, where rents
exceed HUD established fair market rents.
Preservation and Replacement Options
Preservation or replacement of at -risk projects can be achieved in several
ways: 1) transfer of ownership to non -profit organizations; 2) provision of
rental assistance to tenants using other funding sources; 3) replacement or
development of new assisted multi-family housing units; 4) purchase of
affordability covenants; and /or 5) refinance of mortgage revenue bonds on
bond funded units. These options are described below, along with a general
cost estimate for each.
Transfer of Ownership
Cities can make efforts to transfer ownership to other organizations, such as
non -profit corporations, in order to help manage units and preserve their
affordability.
Rental Assistance
The future availability of Section 8 funding is uncertain. In the event that
Section 8 funding is no longer available, rent subsidies can be used to
maintain affordability, by using local, state, or other funding sources. The
subsidies can be structured to mirror the Section 8 program, whereby tenants
receive the difference between the Fair Market Rent (determined by HUD
and the local housing authority) and the maxim affordable rent of the
tenant (30% of household income).
The feasibility of this alternative depends on the property owners' willingness
to accept rental vouchers. In this case, the owners are likely to accept
vouchers given that non -profit corporations own all three projects, and the
projects currently maintain rental subsidies.
Construction of Replacement Units
The construction of new low- income housing units is a means of replacing
at -risk units that are converted to market rate. The cost of developing
housing depends upon a variety of factors, including density, the size of the
units, location, land costs, and the type of construction. The average cost for
developing a one - bedroom unit is approximately $94,000 assuming an
average development cost of $125 per square foot, and a unit size of 750
square feet.
May 2012 Background Information — 56
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Purchase of Affordability Covenants
Another option that will preserve the affordability of at -risk projects is
providing an incentive package to owners to induce them to maintain the
units as low- income housing. Incentives could include an interest rate write-
down on the remaining loan balance, or supplementing the Section 8 subsidy
to achieve market rents. The feasibility of this option depends on both the
physical and financial condition of the complex. If the complex requires
rehabilitation or is too highly leveraged, the cost of affordability covenants
goes up. However, by providing lump sum financial incentives, on -going
subsidies of rents, or reduced mortgage interest rates, the City can ensure
that at -risk units remain affordable.
Potential Preservation Finance Sources
The City is limited in its economic ability to provide funding for the
acquisition, preservation and /or rehabilitation of at -risk projects. The City's
current General Fund is balanced to the extent that it provides for mandated
and necessary services to the community. However, there are redevelopment
set -aside funds and County CDBG funds to help provide for affordable
housing and provide alternative rental subsidies for at -risk units if Section 8
contracts are not renewed in the future.
H. Energy Conservation
As residential energy costs continue to rise, increasing utility costs reduce the
affordability of housing, thus aggravating the City's current shortage of
affordable units. The City has many opportunities to directly affect energy
use within its jurisdiction. In addition to required compliance with the
Building Code and Title 24 of the California Administrative Code relating to
energy conservation, the City sets forth goals and policies that encourage the
conservation of non - renewable resources in concert with the use of
alternative energy sources to increase energy self- sufficiency. In large pact,
energy savings and utility bill reductions can be realized through the use of
various energy design standards, including glazing, landscaping, building
design, cooling /heating systems, weatherization, efficient appliances, efficient
lighting and load management.
The City currently participates in the Los Angeles County Energy Program
(LACEP), approved by the County Board of Supervisors in 2009. This
countywide program provides financing to mitigate the up- front, out -of-
pocket expenses associated with energy efficiency and solar improvements to
residential properties. Property owners receive loans that they pay back over
a 15- to 20 -pear period through an assessment on their semi - annual property
tax bill. In addition, the City currently waives plan check and building permit
fees for the installation of solar panels on residential properties, eliminating
an additional expense that would otherwise be an obstacle to residents taking
advantage of the County program.
May 2012 Background Information - 57
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Southern California Edison (SCE) offers various energy conservation
services through its Customer Assistance Programs (CAP). These services
are designed to help low- income elderly, permanently handicapped, and non-
English speaking customers, all of whom must meet federally- established
income requirements, control their energy costs. An overview of available
services includes the following:
• No -Cost Measures /Increased: Rebates based on Home Energy Survey
recommendations, customers may be eligible to receive evaporative coolers,
clock thermostats and /or weatherization services.
• Re- Lamping (Fluorescent Bulbs): This program is designed to help
customers lower the cost of basic lighting needs by replacing incandescent
lighting with energy - efficient fluorescent lighting.
■ Evaporative Cooler Maintenance: Residents who have evaporative
coolers may have them serviced to ensure continued efficiency and increase
equipment life span.
• Residential Home Energy Efficiency Survey Program: Outreach
program designed to more effectively inform SCE ratepayers of ways to
reduce their energy usage and lower their bills. The program offers
customers detailed reports on their actual energy usage, and provides
information about efficiency measures and incentive programs. Customers
may take the survey in any of five languages.
• Energy Practices Survey (EPS): The EPS instructs customers on low -
cost /no -cost energy saving practices and offers a personalized prescription
on how to use energy wisely and safely.
• Targeted Outreach: A variety of efforts to increase customer awareness
of energy efficiency in the home and promote utility - sponsored customer
service programs.
I. Summary of Regional Housing Needs
State Housing Element Law requires that each city and county develop local
housing programs designed to meet its "fair share" of existing and future
housing needs for all income groups, as determined by the jurisdiction's
council of governments. This "fair share" allocation concept seeks to ensure
that each jurisdiction accepts responsibility for the housing needs of not only
its resident population, but also for the jurisdiction's projected share of
regional housing growth across all income categories. Regional growth needs
are defined as the number of households expected to reside in a city, as well
as the number of units that would have to be added to compensate for
anticipated demolitions and changes to achieve an "ideal" vacancy rate.
In the six - county southern California region, which includes the City of
Rosemead, the agency responsible for assigning these regional housing needs
to each jurisdiction is the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG). The regional growth allocation process begins with the State
MaY 2072 Background Information - 58
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -1014
Department of Finance's projection of statewide housing demand for a given
planning period, which is then apportioned by the State Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD) among each of the State's
official regions.
SCAG's current Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) model
identifies the fair share of existing and future housing needs for each
jurisdiction for the planning period from January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2014.
The provision of adequate housing for all economic segments of the City's
current and future population remains a primary goal of the City of
Rosemead. However, given the availability of limited resources, the City
expects that current and future programs will focus exclusively on those
households with the greatest needs.
The following summarizes major housing need categories by income group
as defined by Federal and State law. It includes the City's RHNA housing
need pursuant to Section 65584 of the Government Code. The City
recognizes the special status of very low- and low- income households, which
in many cases are also elderly, single- parent, or large family households.
These specific areas — expected growth, substandard housing, overpayment
for housing and households with special needs — are areas where the City can
focus its efforts toward realizing its goal of providing adequate housing
opportunities for all segments of the City's population. In addition, through
efforts to increase homeownership for first -time homebuyers, the City can
address housing affordability while also contributing to neighborhood
stabilization. As part of a comprehensive housing strategy, the City can
focus on promoting a range of housing types, particularly newer, larger units
to meet the needs of the local population.
Future Housing Need
For this Housing Element, the City of Rosemead is allocated a RHNA of 780
units, as shown in Table 39. Approximately 39 percent of these units should
accommodate very low- and low- income households. It will be a challenge
for the City to achieve this allocation as the City is essentially built out. The
policies and programs identified in the Housing Element are focused on
meeting this future housing need allocation.
The RHNA allocation does not distinguish between very low- and extremely
low- income households, instead identifying a single projection for
households with income up to 50 percent of the County median. To
determine the number of units for extremely low- income households, the
City has applied the proportions contained in the existing needs section of
the current RHNA, in which the number of extremely low- income
households was one -half of all households making less than 50 percent of the
County median income. Thus, the very low- income category of the RHNA
allocation has been divided in a similar manner, with the 95 extremely low -
income units representing one half of the total 190 very low- income units.
May 2012 Background Information — 59
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 39
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION 2006 -2014
Rosemead
Very Low - Income (31% to 50 %AMI) 95 12.1
Low - Income (51% to 80 %AMI) 119 15.3
Moderate-Income (81% to 120 %AMI) _ 131 16.8
Above Moderate - Income (More than 120 %AMI) 340 43.6
Total 780 100.0
Source: Southern California Association of Governments, Regional Housing Need Allocation Plan — Planning
Period 1/1/06 to 6/30/14.
Existing Housing Needs
The RHNA allocation includes estimates of households experiencing any
type of housing problem, including overpayment (housing cost burden in
excess of 30 % of household income), overcrowding (1.01 or more persons
per room), and sub - standard housing conditions (e.g., lack of adequate
plumbing, heating, etc.).
As shown in Table 40, it is estimated that 8,740 households in Rosemead
experience any defined housing problem. Of these, approximately 38
percent were owner- occupied dwellings, while about 62 percent were renter -
occupied units. Of the estimated 5,390 renter- occupied dwellings
experiencing any defined housing problem, approximately 76 percent
occurred in extremely low -, very low -, and low- income households.
May 2uiz Background Information— 60
Extremely Low - Income (0 to 30 %AMI) 95 12.1
Rosemead
Table 40
HOUSEHOLDS WITH ANY DEFINED HOUSING PROBLEMS
Rosemead 2006
Element 2008 -2014
Owner - Occupied 315 435 630 345 1,625 3,350
Total 1,665 1,790 2,015 720 2,550 8,740
Source: Source: Southern California Association of Governments, Draft Regional Housing Need Allocation Plan— Planning Period 111106 to
5130114.
Housing Overpayment
To determine existing housing needs, it is necessary to examine the
relationship between the cost of home ownership or renting to a household's
ability to pay for housing, which is based on median household income.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), housing affordability is the expenditure of no more than 30 percent
of gross household income on mortgage payments or monthly rents. This
includes payment on principal and interest, property tax and insurance. As
shown in Table 41, 2,955 households in the City of Rosemead overpaid for
housing. Of these, approximately 51 percent were owner- occupants, while
approximately 49 percent were renter- occupants. Of the renter- occupied
households who overpaid for housing, about 93 percent were lower income
households, as compared to 50 percent of owner- occupied households.
Providing for this need involves making affordable units available to very
low- and low- income households or providing government subsidies to
lower income households.
The distinction between renter and owner overpayment is important, because
while homeowners may overextend themselves financially to purchase a
home, they retain the option of selling. Renters, however, are limited to the
rental market and are generally required to pay the rent established in that
market.
May 2012 Background Information — 61
Renter - Occupied 1,350 1,355 1,385 375 925 5,390
Rosemead
Table 41
HOUSEHOLDS OVERPAYING FOR HOUSING
Rosemead 2006
Element 2008 -2014
Owner- Occupied 240 225 295 155 580 1,495
Total 775 705 645 180 650 2,955
Source: Source: Southern California Association of Governments, Draft Regional Housing Need Allocation Plan — Planning Period 111/06 to
6/30/14.
Overcrowding (by Income Group)
As described previously in this Housing Element (see Section 2T), the U.S.
Census defines overcrowded housing units as "those in excess of one person
per bedroom." Overcrowding is the direct result of a lack of affordability, as
large households find that they are unable to afford units of sufficient size to
meet their needs and are forced to economize beyond acceptable
contemporary standards.
As shown in Table 42, 5,445 households in Rosemead were living in
overcrowded conditions. Of these overcrowded units, 67 percent were
renter- occupied, while 33 percent were owner- occupied. Interestingly, the
highest incidence of overcrowding occurs within owner - occupied units with
above moderate- income households, which is indicative of recent trends
where extended families covering multiple generations five together in larger
homes. Excluding this particular segment of the population, lower income
households in rental units were the most likely to be overcrowded (46% of
affected households).
May 2012 Backgmund Information — 62
Renter - Occupied 535 480 350 25 70 1,460
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 42
OVERCROWDED HOUSEHOLDS (BY INCOME GROUP)
Rosemead 2006
Total 790 1020 1280 515 1,840 5,445
Source: Source: Southern California Association of Governments, Draft Regional Housing Need Allocation Plan — Planning Period 1/1/06 to
6/30/14.
May 2012 Background Information— 63
Renter - Occupied 715 820 970 325 820 3,650
Owner- Occupied 75 200 310 190 1,020 1,795
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
3. CONSTRAINTS ON HOUSING PRODUCTION
There are constraints that are capable of limiting or prohibiting efforts to
maintain and provide affordable housing. Such constraints must be
overcome in order to implement the General Plan, including the Housing
Element. Some constraints may be minor enough that market conditions are
able to easily overcome problematic situations. Other types of constraints
can be significant enough to discourage development altogether. This
section of this Housing Element discusses potential constraints on the
provision and cost of housing in Rosemead.
A. Physical Constraints
The physical constraints to development in Rosemead can be categorized
into two types: infrastructure and environmental. In order to accommodate
future residential development, improvements are necessary in infrastructure
and public services related to man -made facilities such as sewer, water, and
electrical services. Portions of the City are also constrained by various
environmental hazards and resources that may affect the development of
lower priced residential units. Although these constraints are primarily
physical and hazard related, they are also associated with the conservation of
the City s natural resources.
Infrastructure Constraints
Water and sewer services are the major infrastructure constraints to housing
production in Rosemead.
Water: Water resources are provided to the City by six (6) purveyors. Based
on fire flow data received over the past several years, these agencies have
generally had adequate capacity to meet current development demand,
although two smaller providers may not have adequate ability to meet future
demand. If the City finds that adequate fire flow and supply do not exist, the
development and /or water provider will be required to provide adequate
improvements to meet demand.
Water is available to purveyors operating in the City from the San Gabriel
Valley Groundwater Basin ( SGVGB), which is the only available source of
local groundwater, and from the Upper San Gabriel Municipal Water
District, which is the only available source of imported water.
Local groundwater accounts for a major portion of the City's water supply.
In 1979, the SGVGB was discovered to have groundwater supplies that were
contaminated. As a result of widespread pollution in the SGVGB, it has
been classified as a "Superfund" site by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. Various local, state and federal agencies are cooperating in the
May 2012 Constraints - 64
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
clean -up of the SGVGB and applying stringent water treatment to ensure the
delivery of potable water to consumers.
Sewer: According to the City's Sewer Master Plan, the existing sewer system
is considered adequate for existing and future growth, with the exception of
seven identified locations. Of the inadequate portions of the system, only
three are located in areas of anticipated residential growth. As funding is
identified, these locations will be upgraded as part of future Capital
Improvement Projects.
Wastewater from Rosemead is processed at the Whittier Narrows
Wastewater Treatment Facility (WNWTF), which is located in the nearby
City of El Monte. Built in 1972, the WNWTF provides primary, secondary
and tertiary treatment for 15 million gallons of wastewater per day, and
serves a population of approximately 150,000 people. Most of the
wastewater treated at this facility is reused as groundwater recharge in the Rio
Hondo and San Gabriel Coastal Spreading Grounds, or for irrigation.
Public Services: Future residential growth in Rosemead will require
additional public service personnel if the existing levels of service for law
enforcement, fire protection, and other essential services are to be
maintained. The nature and characteristics of future population growth will,
to a large extent, determine which services will requite additional funding to
meet the City's future needs. Many of these new residents will include
families that will impact schools and recreational facilities.
Environmental Constraints
The City of Rosemead is fully urbanized with the general location and
distribution of land uses having been previously detertnined. Substantial
changes to the City's incorporated boundaries are not anticipated. Future
growth and change in the City will involve the conversion or replacement of
existing uses or infill on vacant parcels, and the only opportunity for
measurable growth is through the intensification of existing land uses. There
are no environmentally sensitive areas remaining in the City. The local
topography generally does not represent a constraint to housing production.
Flooding Hazards: Four major Los Angeles County Flood Control District
(LACFCD) channels traverse, or are adjacent to, the City of Rosemead
including Alhambra Wash, Rubio Wash, Eaton Wash, and the Rio Hondo
Channel. Rubio Wash traverses the City from the northwest to the southeast
before emptying into the Rio Hondo Channel. Eaton Wash partially
coincides with the northeastern boundary of the City and also drains into the
Rio Hondo Channel. The Rio Hondo Channel is the major flood control
channel in the region and accepts runoff from numerous channels in this
portion of the San Gabriel Valley.
May 2012 Constraints - 65
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
According to the LACFCD, a deficient storm drain system is one that is only
capable of conveying runoff from a 10 -year storm. In Rosemead, many
storm drains were designed for flood waters generated by 2- to 50 -year
storms. As such, the LACFCD has identified 22 areas within Rosemead that
are deficient in storm drainage capacity. Very little residential land, or land
designated for residential development, is affected by these flood -prone
areas, however.
On April 15, 1979, the entire City of Rosemead received a designation of
"Flood Zone C," by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
As such, FEMA has rescinded the community panel flood map. In addition,
no flooding is expected due to dam or levee failure, and the City's inland
location eliminates the possibility of damage due to tsunami or seiche.
Seismic Hazards: The City of Rosemead is located in a seismically active
region as are all southern California cities, and is subject to risks and hazards
associated with potentially destructive earthquakes. The Rosemead General
Plan identifies numerous active faults in the surrounding region and buried
fault traces within the City.
Although there are no active faults within the City, there are four major
active fault zones located within a 15 -mile radius of the City that could be
responsible for considerable ground shaking in the event of a major
earthquake. The Sierra Madre fault zone is located at the base of the San
Gabriel Mountains approximately five miles north of the City. The
Raymond fault zone is located less than two miles north of the City, and the
Whittier - Elsinore fault zone is located four miles southeast of Rosemead. It
is believed that an extension of the Whittier fault zone may exist in the City.
In addition, the epicenter of the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake
(magnitude 5.9) was approximately one mile south of Rosemead. The San
Andreas Fault zone, the largest in California, is located north of the San
Gabriel Mountains approximately 35 miles north of the City.
Most of the City is also located within an identified liquefaction zone.'
According to the definition of this zone, the City lies within an area where
historic occurrence of liquefaction, or local geological, geotechnical and
groundwater conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground
displacements such that mitigation as defined in Public Resources Code
Section 2693(c) would be required. Liquefaction, if caused by a shock or
strain from an earthquake, involves the sudden loss of soil strength and
cohesion, and the temporary transformation of soil into a fluid mass. Older
structures located in the City are especially vulnerable to liquefaction. They
may not have been constructed or reinforced to meet modern seismic
standards. As buildout occurs, the older structures will be replaced with new
development built to current codes.
1 State of California Seismic Hazard Zones, El Monte Quadrangle, Official Map Released March 25, 1999.
May 2012 Constraints - 66
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Noise: Residential land uses are considered the most sensitive to excessive
noise. Development near major noise generators requires special
consideration in terms of noise attenuation that could add to the cost of
development. Traffic along the regional freeways and major arterials is the
main source of noise in Rosemead. Other localized sources include
schools /parks and activity related to various land uses both within ad outside
the City's boundaries. Typically, noise due to activity associated with various
land uses is of concern only when it generates noise levels that may be
viewed as a nuisance or would cause noise standards to be exceeded on
adjacent properties. Other mobile noise sources include trains and aircraft
from the nearby airport in the City of El Monte. The major generators of
noise in the City of Rosemead, include the following:
• Vehicular and rail traffic on the San Bernardino Freeway;
• Vehicular traffic on the Pomona Freeway;
• Rail traffic on the tracks that parallel the City's northern boundary;
and
• Local and through traffic traveling on the major arterials in the City,
including Rosemead Boulevard, Valley Boulevard, San Gabriel
Boulevard, Garvey Avenue and Walnut Grove Avenue.
B. Market Constraints
As shown in Table 43, the major components of residential development
include the costs of land, construction and labor, as well as ancillary expenses
such as financing, marketing, fees and commissions.
Construction: The single highest cost component associated with residential
construction is the cost of building materials, which comprises 50 percent to
60 percent of the unit's sales price. Construction costs for wood framed,
single - family dwellings of average -to -good quality range from $100 to $120
per square foot, while costs for custom homes with added amenities being
understandably higher. Costs for wood framed, multi- family structure of
average -to -good quality range from $140 to $150 per square foot, exclusive
of parking, which can add up to $100 per square foot if an underground
garage is required.
May 2012 Constraints - 67
Rosemead
Table 43
HOUSING COST COMPONENTS
Rosemead; Detached Single - Family Dwelling (2009)
Finished Lot
$83,027
20.3
Construction
240,901
58.9
Financing
6,953
1.7
Overhead and General Expenses
22,086
5.4
Marketing -
5,726
1.4
Sales Commission
13,906
3.4
Profit
36,401
8.9
Total
$409,000
100.0
Source: National Association of Home Builders, "Breaking Down House Price and Construction
Costs. "2010 (percentages used in cost breakdown); DatoOuick (total price).
Reduced amenities and lower- quality building materials (above a minimum
level of acceptability for health, safety and adequate performance) could
result in lower sales prices. Additionally, manufactured housing (including
both mobile homes and modular housing) may provide for lower priced
housing by reducing construction and labor costs. The construction cost per
square foot of a manufactured unit ranges from $35 to $65, exclusive of land
acquisition and site improvements. An additional factor related to
construction costs is the number of units built at the same time. 'As the
number of units developed increases, construction costs over the entire
development are generally reduced based on economies of scale. The
reduction in costs is of particular benefit when density bonuses are utilized
for the provision of affordable housing.
Land: Expenses related to land include the cost of the raw land, site
improvements, and all other costs associated with obtaining government
approvals for development. Land costs vary significantly in Rosemead
dependent primarily on location, zoning and the availability of infrastructure
to serve the proposed development. It is estimated that these costs
contribute 20 percent to 25 percent to the final sales price of a dwelling unit.
Left alone, the escalating market price of land will tend to encourage mainly
higher priced development. Higher density zoning could reduce the per unit
cost of land, but land zoned for higher densities commands a higher market
price. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the median
value of new homes (lot and improvements) in the west region is $211 per
square foot.
Element 2008 -2014
May 2012 Constraints -
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
Labor: At approximately 20 percent of overall building costs, labor
represents the third highest cost component in single - family home
construction. The cost of union labor in the construction trades has
increased steadily since the mid- 1970s. The cost of non -union labor,
however, has not experienced such significant increases. Because of
increased construction activity, the demand for skilled labor has increased so
drastically that an increasing number of non -union employees are being hired
in addition to unionized employees, thereby lessening labor costs.
Financing: Financial constraints affect the decisions of consumers and
developers alike. Nearly all homebuyers must obtain a loan to purchase
property, and loan variables such as interest rates and insurance costs play an
important role in the decisions of homebuyers. Homeowners also give
consideration to the initial costs of improvements following the purchase of
• home. These costs could be related to making necessary repairs or tailoring
• home to met individual tastes. While the City does not control these costs
directly, City activities, such as code enforcement, are related to the
maintenance of housing stock.
Mortgage rates also have a strong influence over the affordability of housing.
The availability of financing affects a person's ability to purchase or make
improvements on a home. Increases in interest rates decrease the number of
persons able to afford a home purchase. Decreases in interest rates result in
more potential homebuyers introduced into the market.
Interest rates are determined by economic conditions and policies developed
at the national level. Since local jurisdictions cannot affect interest rates, they
can offer interest rate write -downs to extend home purchase opportunities to
targeted resident segments, such as lower income households. ; Local
governments may also insure mortgages, which would reduce down payment
requirements.
Recent mortgage interest rates for new home purchases are in the range of 5
percent for a 30 -year loan. According to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation's (Freddie Mac) monthly interest rate survey from 2005 to 2009,
as shown in Table 44, annual average mortgage interest rates have ranged
from the current low of 5 percent to approximately 6.5 percent over this
period. The recent and ongoing turmoil in the national housing and financial
markets, however, could cause rates to differ significantly from recent trends,
depending on how the situation develops and how economic policy makers
respond.
Rates are initially lower for graduated payment mortgages, adjustable
mortgages and buy -down mortgages. However, the risks to which both
buyers and lenders are exposed when taking on adjustable -rate (and especially
the now - infamous "sub- prune ") loans are well documented, and the number
May 2012 Constraints - 69
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
of properties in the U.S. on which foreclosure filings were reported rose to
record levels in 2009? As a result, some of the more affordable mortgage
options will be less accessible to prospective Rosemead homebuyers as
financial institutions exercise greater caution in their lending practices.
Table 44
NATIONAL ANNUAL AVERAGE MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES
2005 5.87
2006
6.41
2007
6.34
2008
6.03
2009 5.04
Source: Federal Home Loon Mortgage Corporation Primary
Mortgage Market Survey.
Under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), lending institutions are
required to disclose information on the disposition of loan applications and
the income, gender and ethnicity of loan applicants. Rosemead's 2010 -2015
HUD Action Plan found, based on HMDA data, that loan approval rates
were generally lower in Census tracts with greater proportions of minority
residents. There was also a slight approval gap between Asian American and
Hispanic /Latino applicants in higher income categories, with Asian
American applicants being approved more frequently.
Housing Costs: In 2008, median income in the City of Rosemead ($44,285)
was 15 percent lower than that of the County ($52,180). Meanwhile, the May
2010 median home value in the City ($365,000), was 4 percent higher than
that of the County ($350,000).
According to the California Association of Realtors, only 56 percent of
families in Los Angeles County could afford to purchase an entry -level home
during the first quarter of 2010. An entry -level home is defined as one that is
priced at 85 percent of the county median, which was $297,500 in May 2010.
According to Dataquick, the median home sales price in Los Angeles County
for the month of May 2010 was $350,000, as compared to $365,000 for the
City of Rosemead. Among neighboring cities, as mentioned Section 2F,
home prices and rents in Rosemead are generally average. Although prices
throughout the region have increased dramatically since 2000, recent trends
2 .. RealtyTrac Year -End Report Shows Record 2.8 Million U.S. Properties with Foreclosure Filings in 2009," Realty Trac,
January 14, 2010.
May 2012 Constraints - 70
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
over the last few years show prices declining by approximately 20 percent,
and iris expected that this trend will continue.
The median sales price for a single - family home in Rosemead in May 2010
was approximately $365,000. A mortgage amortized over 30 years at an
interest rate of 6 percent would result in monthly house payments of $1,825.
None of the City's very low- and low- income households, and only some
moderate- income households, would income - qualify for the mortgage on a
median -priced home.
C. Governmental Constraints
Housing affordability can be affected by factors in both the private and
public sectors. Actions by the City can have an impact on the price and
availability of housing. Land use controls, site improvement requirements,
building codes, fees and other local programs intended to improve the quality
of housing, may serve as a constraint to housing development.
Land Use Controls
The Land Use Element of the Rosemead General Plan sets forth policies for
guiding development, including residential development, in Rosemead (see
Figure 6). These policies establish the quantity and distribution of land
allocated for future development and redevelopment in the City. The City's
Zoning Code implements the land use policies of the General Plan by
establishing development regulations that are consistent with the General
Plan policies.
Three land use categories are established to accommodate a range of - housing
types and densities. Preservation and enhancement of single - family
residential neighborhoods is a key goal, and new development must be
compatible with and complement established residential areas. Two
residential /commercial mixed -use categories provide options for innovative
approaches to land use and development. These categories allow for a mix
of land uses in the same building, on the same parcel, or side by side within
the same area. Such complementary use stimulates business activity,
encourages pedestrian patronage, and provides a broader range of options to
property owners to facilitate the preservation, re -use and redevelopment of
structures. Land use categories, as described in the General Plan, include the
following:
Low Density (LDR): This category is characterized by low- density
residential neighborhoods consisting primarily of detached single - family
dwellings on individual lots. The maximum permitted density is 7.0 dwelling
units per acre, with a typical population density of approximately 28 persons
per acre.
May 2012 Constraints - 71
Rosemead Housino Element 2008 -2014
Figure 6
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
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May 2012 - Constraints - 72
Rosemead Housina Element 1008 -2014
Medium Density (MDR): This category allows for densities of up to 12
units per acre. Housing types within this density range include single - family
detached homes on smaller lots, duplexes, and attached units. The typical
population density is approximately 34 persons per acre.
High Density (HDR): This category accommodates many forms of
attached housing. triplexes, four - plexes, apartments, and
condominiums /townhouses — and small-lot or clustered detached units. The
maximum permitted density is 30 units per acre, with a typical population
density of approximately 79 persons per acre.
Mixed Use Residential /Commercial (MRC): This category allows
vertically or horizontally mixed commercial, office and residential uses, with
an emphasis of retail uses along the ground floor. This designation applies to
areas of Rosemead with historically less intensive commercial and office
development. Parcels in these areas generally are not large enough to
support major commercial development, and thus allows for infill
development. Alternatively, parcels may be assembled and consolidated to
create larger, integrated development sites. Residential densities are limited
to a maximum of 30 units per acre, with a typical population density of
approximately 119 persons per acre.
Mixed Use High Density Residential/ Commercial: This category also
permits vertically or horizontally mixed use commercial, office and residential
uses, but greater residential densities are permitted and encouraged.
Residential densities shall not exceed 60 units per acre within the category,
and the typical population density is approximately 191 persons per acre.
Virtually all parcels designated for residential development in the City are
already built out. Nonetheless, additional residential development can be
accommodated through several means, including the development of
vacant /underutilized land, redevelopment and recycling. The City has also
created mixed -use zones to allow for the construction of additional dwellings
as part of comprehensive development projects. The mixed -use designations
expand allowable uses with the issuance of conditional use permits, and
include mixed commercial /residential development in designated commercial
zones.
The residential land use categories of the General Plan, and the residential
densities allowed there under, are shown in Table 45.
May 2012 Constraints - 73
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 45
GENERAL PLAN RESIDENTIAL LAND USE CATEGORIES
LD Low - Density 7
28
MDR Medium - Density 12
34
H High - Density 30
79
Mixed Use Categories
MRC Mixed Use: Residential / 30
119
Commercial
MHRC Mixed Use: High- Density 60
191
Residential / Commercial
Estimate based anon average household size of 3.99 persons per household, undo vacancy rate of ^
according to the California Department of Finance, Demographic Unit.
' Assumes a 67% residential 133% commercial land use mix.
' Assumes a 75% residential /25% commercial land use mix.
Source: Rosemead General Plan, Land Use Element 2007.
Over time, as properties transition from one use to another or property
owners rebuild, land uses and intensities will gradually shift to align with the
intent of the City's General Plan Land Use Element. Table 46 summarizes
the land use distribution, typical level of development anticipated, and the
resultant residential levels of development that can be expected from full
implementation of land use policies established by the General Plan.
Average development densities and potential shown below reflect primarily
established densities.
Nevertheless, some projects, depending on scope and extent of amenities,
may require additional consideration, such as subterranean parking, in
order to accommodate the maximum number of units allowed by code.
Regardless, it is possible to construct a project at maximum density with
the full number of at -grade parking spaces if dwelling units remain at or
near minim development standards specified in the Municipal Code
and the project excludes large -scale amenities such as swimming pools
and fitness centers.
May 2012 Constraints - 74
Residential Categories
Rosemead
Residential Categories
LDR
MDR
HDR
Mixed Use Categories
Element 2008 -2014
965 7.0 6,756 26,084
M RC
MHRC
Total
Low - Density
Medium - Density
High - Density
Mixed Use: Residential / Commercial
Mixed Use: High - Density Residential /
Commercial
582 8.5
116 19.8
25 30.0
39 48.0
1,727 n/a
4,947
19,100
22,97
8,869
509
1,965
1,415
5,462
15,924
61,480
' Estimate based on an average household size of 4.0 persons per household, and a vacancy rate of 3.02% according to the California
Department of Finance, Demographic Unit.
' Assumes a 67 %residentlal 133% commercial land use mix.
3 Assumes a 75 %residential /25% commercial land use mix.
Source: Rosemead General Plan, Land Use Element, 2010.
The R -3 zone has a 35 -foot, two and one -half -story height limit, which
generally means that multi- family projects in this zone that are built out to
the maximum density of approximately 29 units per acre will need to
include subterranean parking, as the two required spaces per unit generally
cannot be accommodated at- grade. As subterranean parking can cost
$20,000 or more per space to construct, this could add significantly to the
cost of purchasing or renting a finished unit. In recognition of this fact,
the revised Housing Element's land resources inventory considers all R -3-
zoned sites to be inappropriate for lower- income housing development
and assigns all units on these sites to the moderate /above - income
category. Similarly, the provision of two spaces per unit in the R -1 and R-
2 zones is anticipated to add significantly to the cost of development, and
thus sites within these zones have also been classified as appropriate for
moderate /above- income units.
May 2012 Constraints - 75
Table 46
LAND USE AND POPULATION ESTIMATES FOR GENERAL PLAN BUILDOUT
Residential Land Uses
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Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -1014
Development Fees
Various fees are collected by the City to cover the costs of processing
permits and providing services and facilities, virtually all of which are
assessed through a pro rata share system based on the magnitude of the
project's impact or on the extent of the benefit that will be derived. Table
48 describes the fees associated with typical single - family and multi- family
development projects, with assumptions given below.
Table 48
SUMMARY OF RESIDENTIAL PERMIT DEVELOPMENT FEES'
M Single Family Multi Family
Tentative Subdivision Tract and Parcel $1,385 + $100/lot+$270 $1,385 + $100/lot+$270
Maps ( Engineer ing) (Engineering)
General Plan Amendment $2,000 $2,000
Conditional Use Permit $1,200 $1,200
Zone Change $1,700 $1,700
Zone Variance $975 $1,250
Design Review $800 $1,000
Building Permit Fee $2,770 $2,770
Plan Check Fee $2,296.17 $2,296.17
School District Fee $5,940 $5,940
Traffic Impact Fee City is currently in the process of establishing traffic impact
fees.
Sewer Connection Fee $66.30 $
Park and Recreation Fee (per dwelling $800 $800
unit)
Total fees per unit $19,932.47 $20,407.47
'Calculations based on:
— 2,000 s.f. floor area, 400 s f. garage;
— Assessed valuation of $204,744,
— Garvey School District fee of $2.971s f.;
— Excludes trade permits (plumbing, electrical, mechanical permit fees are assessed by fixture units)
b For replacement housing, a credit will be given based on County-based formulae.
Source: City of Rosemead Planning Division.
At $19,932 per unit, the fees for a typical single - family residential unit
comprise about 8 percent of the typical cost of constructing a single -
family detached dwelling and about 5 percent of the typical sale price, per
the estimate contained in previous Housing Element Table 43. Multi-
family construction costs are typically 30 to 40 percent higher than for
single- family; thus, the total $20,407 fees for a multi - family unit likely
account for a slightly smaller proportion of construction costs than single -
family fees typically do. Since RosemeaTs fees and exactions contribute a
May 2012 Constraints - 77
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
relatively small amount to the total costs of housing development
compared to land and construction costs, they do not impose an undue
constraint on housing production in the City.
On- and Off -site Improvements
The City of Rosemead requires site improvements where they are not
already in place in order to provide sanitary sewer and water service to
residential areas, to make necessary circulation improvements, and to
provide other infrastructure. In addition, the City may require, as a
condition of granting additional entitlements, payment for various off -site
improvements as part of project mitigation measures (e.g., payments to
defray the cost of new traffic signals).
On -site improvements requited may include water mains and service
connections to the property line with cutoff valves, sanitary sewers and
other improvements that may be needed. Developers are also required to
construct all on -site streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and affected portions
of off -site streets. This is sometimes the case even with infill projects
where such infrastructure is already available, since the facilities may
require upgrading. All roadways must be paved to provide for smooth,
quick, all- weather travel and to facilitate drainage.
Since the City is built -out and its circulation system well- established, it is
anticipated that virtually no new street construction will be required for
future residential development. Instead, street improvements tend to take
the form of traffic mitigation measures, such as curb cuts, traffic signals,
stop signs, turning lanes and bus stop turnouts. Additional lanes may be
required on selected roadway segments. If any future street construction
is required, street widths and other aspects of roadway geometry will be
required to conform to standards contained in the Policy on Geometric Design
ofHigbways and Street, (commonly known as the "Green Book") published
by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials.
The Department of Public Works has provided estimates for the costs of
various street construction materials. These costs are given in Table 49.
Table 49
ESTIMATED STREET CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Material Cost/unit
Asphalt construction - $110 /ton
Sidewalk (concrete)
$6 /sq. ft.
Curb /gutter(concrete)
$50 /linearft.
Slurry seal
$215 /extra long ton.
Source: Rosemead public Works Department
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Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Roadway classifications are established in the General Plan Circulation
Element according to the intended purpose and anticipated travel needs
of each street. These classifications include major arterials, minor
arterials, collector roads and local streets. The City does not maintain
uniform roadway width standards for existing streets, but rather
determines the appropriate width for each individual roadway based on
the traffic volume, surrounding land uses, available tight -of -way and other
factors along the travel corridor.
The Circulation Element identifies intersections and street segments
where additional travel lanes, turning lanes and other improvements are
needed. These improvements may require dedications from the adjoining
properties, some of which are zoned for residential use. The locations of
streets and intersections possibly requiring land dedications from
residential properties are given in Table 50 below.
Table 50
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS POTENTIALLY REQUIRING RESIDENTIAL LAND
DEDICATIONS
Intersection/Roadway Segment I Improvement(s)
Rosemead Blvd. at Mission Dr. NB & SB thru lane; EB additional left -turn lane
Walnut Grove Ave. at Marshall St. EB & WB right turn lane; NB right turn lane
Rosemead Blvd. at Marshall St. NB & SB thru lane
Rosemead Blvd. between Valley Blvd. Widening from current 4 thru lanes to
and Marshall St.
Source: Rosemead General Plan Circulation Element
Additional improvements are required for mixed -use development in the
RC -MUDO overlay. As this zone is intended to provide for the
construction of street - fronting retail that immediately adjoins the sidewalk,
the City has incorporated standards for sidewalk width, street trees and
pedestrian amenities to be provided by new mixed -use structures, as well
as undergrounding of utilities that could hinder pedestrian movement
adjacent to these buildings. These improvements are necessary and
appropriate for higher - density mixed -use projects that are expected to
generate significantly greater volumes of pedestrian traffic than existing
uses do.
The City currently does not require from developers of by -right projects
any contributions toward off -site facilities or improvements, other than
the development impact fees identified under "Fees and Exactions."
The City's on -site and off -site improvement requirements are typical for
urban development in a highly urbanized community. While these
improvements add incrementally to the cost of housing construction, they
are necessary to the viability and livability of a well- functioning city, and
May 2012 Constraints - 79
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
are consistent with similar requirements in nearby jurisdictions. Thus, the
City's improvement requirements do not place undue constraints on
housing production.
The only requirement that has potential to add significantly to
development costs is that of utility undergrounding for mixed -use
projects. Complying with this requirement can add anywhere from
thousands to tens of thousands of dollars to overall costs, depending on
the size of the project, the particular circumstances of the site, and market
conditions at the time of construction.
While the City considers undergrounding to be desirable, it nonetheless
recognizes that it can be cost - prohibitive for some projects. Thus, the
RC -MUDO zone allows for the waiver of the undergrounding
requirement — as well as any other development standards deemed to be
an undue burden — at the discretion of the City Council. The City is also
prepared to work with developers to identify outside funding sources to
defray the cost of complying with the requirement, including Southern
California Edison utility rate monies that have been set aside for
undergrounding under Public Utilities Commission Rule 20. In any case,
the City does not intend to allow the undergrounding requirement to
preclude mixed -use development altogether, and will take all necessary
and reasonable steps to ensure that no individual mixed -use project is
excessively burdened by this requirement.
Building Codes and Enforcement
The City's building codes are based upon the State Uniform Building,
Housing, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes with minor
adjustments. These codes are considered to be the minim necessary to
protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and do not add significantly
to the cost of housing. Furthermore, the codes are enforced throughout
the State, and therefore, the City imposes no standards or requirements
that are substantially different from or greater than those mandated in
other communities throughout the State.
Local Processing and Permit Procedures
The evaluation and review process for residential development, as
prescribed by City procedures, may affect the cost of housing in that
holding costs incurred by developers are ultimately manifested in the
selling price of the dwelling unit. The residential development review
process in Rosemead is relatively uncomplicated, but may involve up to
three levels of reviewing bodies depending on the scope of the project:
Planning Staff, Planning Commission and the City Council.
Average processing times for various permits that may be required prior
to the final approval of a project are shown in Table 51, below. Project
May 2012 Constraints - 80
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
processing begins with the submittal of plans to the Planning Division.
Applications for discretionary permits and environmental review may also
be submitted to the Division concurrently. Most residential development
in the City consists of single - family dwellings and subdivisions that do not
require the preparation of an environmental impact report, thereby
expediting processing time and costs.
Average processing time for a typical residential project subject only to
plan check and environmental review is two to three weeks, although
projects subject to Planning Commission approval generally require an
additional six weeks to process. While this review period is substantially
shorter than other cities in southern California, a project's review period
may be extended substantially through the appeals process.
Table 51
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT REVIEW AND PROCESSING TIME ESTIMATES
Design Review
2 months
Planning Staff, Planning Commission
Plan Check /Building Permit
6weeks
Planning Staff; Building Staff
Conditional Use Permit
2 months
Planning Commission
Variance
2 months
Planning Commission
Tentative Parcels
4 months
Planning Commission
Environmental Impact Report
6 months
Planning Commission; City Council
General Plan Amendment with EIR
6 -12 months
Planning Commission; City Council
Zone Change with EIR
6 —12 months
Planning Commission; City Council
Source: City of Rosemead
By -Right Review
The procedure for processing an application to develop a typical new by-
right residential structure is described below. This procedure is identical
for both single- family homes and rental multi- family complexes. It is
assumed that the structure is being constructed by -right with no additional
entitlements sought (i.e., approval of tract or parcel map, variance,
conditional use permit, zone change, development agreement, or General
Plan amendment).
1. Applicant submits preliminary construction drawings (including
site plans, floor plans, etc.) to the Planning Division.
2. Planning Staff conducts field review; notes, comments and
corrections are transmitted to project applicant.
May 2012 Constraints - 81
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
3. Applicant re- submits construction drawings, revised as directed by
Planning Staff.
4. Planning Staff reviews revised construction drawings for accuracy
and completeness. Once all corrections are completed, Planning
Staff will approve the plans.
5. Applicant submits the approved construction drawings to Building
Division for plan check (applicants may submit drawings to the
Building Division and Planning Division for concurrent plan
check review on ministerial projects only). Applicants must
submit two full sets of plans, with each set including structural
calculations (if the proposed structure is large enough to require
them) and energy calculations (pursuant to Title 24 of the Code of
Regulations). An additional site plan must be submitted for review
by the Department of Public Works.
For the purposes of this analysis, "by right" is defined as any project that
does not require a public heating before the Planning Commission or City
Council in order to gain approval. This category includes projects that
must undergo site plan review, since this is an administrative process that
requires only staff approval.
Entitlement Review
For projects seeking a conditional use permit, variance, subdivision,
planned development, zone change, General Plan amendment, or
development agreement, a full entitlement review is conducted,
culminating in a public hearing before the Planning Commission arid, if
necessary, the City Council.
Pre- Application Process: The City has implemented a Pre - Application
review for projects that will progress through other approval processes.
The Pre - Application process has been created to streamline the overall
entitlement process by helping the applicant, staff and outside agencies
identify and resolve critical issues at the outset. Applicants fill out a form
with a checklist of required information, which staff uses to conduct an
initial review of the proposal. Applications are accepted daily. A Pre -
Application meeting is then scheduled to provide an opportunity for the
applicant and City staff -to discuss the initial review in detail, answer
questions and resolve any lingering issues. The meeting must be attended
by the applicant or a representative, and includes Planning and Building
staff as well as representatives of any other departments or public agencies
with an interest in the project. Minutes of the Pre- Application meeting
will be sent to the applicant within two weeks following the meeting.
Formal Entitlement Review: After the Pre - Application review has been
completed, the applicant submits the project for formal entitlement
May 2012 Constraints
Rosemead Housino Element 2008 -1014
review. Staff analyzes the proposal, prepares appropriate environmental
documentation, and makes a recommendation in the form of a written
report, which is used by the Planning Commission -- and the City Council,
if necessary -- to approve or disapprove the project at a public hearing.
The formal review process consists of the following steps:
1. Formal application submittal to the Planning Division
2. Staff reviews submitted application for completeness and level of
review required under the California Environmental Quality Act
(i.e., ND, NfND or EIR)
3. Staff and applicant meeting; applicant modifies plans or resubmits
as necessary _
4. Staff prepares staff report with conditions of approval in advance
of public hearing
5. Notice is posted 10 calendar days ahead of public hearing date, on
the project site and at various public locations within the City
6. Project is presented to the Planning Commission at public hearing
7. If project requires approval of a zone change, General Plan
amendment, mixed -use design review or appeal of a Planning
Commission decision, project is presented to the City Council at a
second public hearing
S. Within 10 calendar days, applicant submits notarized acceptance
of conditions of approval, if any
9. Final construction plans submitted to the Building Division
10. Plans submitted to Building Division for applicable permits
If the application is denied by the Commission, the applicant may appeal
to the City Council, which will render a decision at a second public
hearing, generally within 30 days. Once made, the Council's decision is
final.
Design Review: Applicants seeking to build or alter any structure within
the D (Design Overlay) Zone, or any structure requiring a precise plan of
design, must undergo design review, in which proposed building
elevations, site plans, landscaping plans and signs are reviewed by
Planning staff and /or the Planning Commission. Applicants submit an
application form and are provided a checklist specifying any other
required materials (architectural drawings, photographs, paint samples,
etc.) that must be included in order for staff and /or the Commission to
make a decision.
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Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Staff or the Commission, where authorized, approves, disapproves or
conditionally approves each application based on the following findings,
from RMC Section 17.72.050:
A. The plans indicate proper consideration for the relationsbap between the
proposed building and site developments that exist or have been approved far
the general neighborhood;
B. The plan for the proposed building and site development indicates the manner
in which the proposed development and surrounding properties are protected
against noise, vibration and other factors which may have an adverse effect on
the environment, and the manner of screening mechanical equipment, trash,
storage and loading areas;
C. The proposed building or site development is not, in its exterior design and
appearance, so at variance witb the appearance of other buildings or site
developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local
environment to materially depmdate in appearance and value;
D. The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed
developments on land in the general area, espedaly in those instances where
buildings are within or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being
part of the Civic Center or in public or educational use, or are within or
immeaiatey adjacent to land included within any precise plan which indicates
building shape, si -Ze or style;
E. The proposed development is in conformity with the standards of this code and
other applicable ordinances in so far as the location and appearance of the
buildings and structures are involve4 and
F. The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs,
landscaping, luminaries and other site features indicates that proper
consideration has been given to both the functional aspects of the site
development, such as automobile and pedestrian circulation, and the visual
effect of the development from the view ofpublic streets.
Mixed Use Development Approval Timeline: All development taking
place under the RC -MUDO zone must go through the design review
process, with the added requirement that the City Council must "approve
or disapprove such project upon receiving a recommendation from the
Planning Co (RMC Section 17.74.030). In acting on the
design review application, the Council is required to use the same findings
as those specified for the Commission. The overall time frame for mixed -
use project approval is dependent on a number of factors that will be
specific to each project. For subdivision -level approvals (i.e., those
requiring a tentative tract map under the Subdivision Map Act), the
process generally follows the following steps:
May 2012 Constraints - 84
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
■ Pre- application review (staft): 1 month.
■ Design, entitlement, subdivision and environmental review
(conducted concurrently; staff and Planning Commission): 6 -9
months.
■ City Council review and approval: 1 month.
■ Total mixed -use project approval time frame: 5 -11 months.
The timeline described above could be affected by any number of factors,
from the level of environmental review required to the applicant's
promptitude in submitting necessary materials and information. For
mixed -use projects that do not seek a zone change or plan amendment, it
is anticipated that a full environmental impact report will not be necessary.
To date, none of the eight mixed -use proposals reviewed by the City since
2007 have required the preparation of an EIR, as determined by Planning
staff. Thus, the timeline laid out above assumes a Negative Declaration or
Mitigated Negative Declaration will be prepared. Should the City
determine that a future project requires an EIR, the overall time frame
could be lengthened by approximately 6 months or more.
D. Constraints to Housing for Persons with Disabilities
Housing that accommodates individuals with disabilities can require the
incorporation of special features, such as front door ramps, special bath
facilities, grab bars, and lower cabinets and light switches. Generally
speaking, the uncommon nature of these features makes them potentially
expensive and difficult to implement, especially if they have to be
retrofitted into an existing structure. Additionally, some disabled people
may require residential care in a facility where they receive assistance in
performing routine tasks. As stated previously in Section 2F, it is
estimated that Rosemead has approximately 11,700 residents who are
considered to have disabilities.
Rosemead has adopted and currently enforces the 2007 California
Building Code, which is based on the 2006 edition of the International
Building Code. The City has not added any standards or restrictions that
substantially differ from those used throughout the State, meaning that all
regulations specified in Title 24 regarding the accessibility and adaptability
of housing units for persons with disabilities currently are applied to all
residential development in the City.
Residential Care Facilities
Although residential care facilities are not mentioned explicitly in the
zoning ordinance, the City administers its residential zoning in a manner
May 2012 Constraints - 85
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
that is consistent with State law, meaning that residential care facilities
serving six or fewer residents are permitted by right in all residential
zones. Applications for such uses are processed in the same manner as an
ordinary residential use. On one hand, the lack of specific standards
means that there are no special siting or separation requirements for
residential care facilities — they can be placed virtually anywhere
conventional residential uses are permitted. On the other hand, it also
means that such facilities must meet all minim parking requirements,
despite their residents' low rate of vehicle ownership. Additionally, the
lack of zoning ordinance language means that care facilities with seven or
more residents are not expressly permitted anywhere in Rosemead.
To remove this constraint, this Housing Element contains a program to
amend the zoning ordinance to explicitly permit residential care facilities for
six or fewer residents in single - family zones by right, and to permit such
facilities with seven or more residents in multi - family zones with a
conditional use permit. The amendment will contain relaxed development
standards, such as multi- family parking requirements, that are better suited to
the unique needs of these facilities.
Requests for Reasonable Accommodation
Under the federal Fair Housing Act, the City is required to make
reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices and services when
such accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a
disability the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Such
accommodations may include the relaxation of parking standards, and
structural modifications such as those listed in Section 3D. The City
currently lacks a reasonable accommodation application procedure.
In order to remove this constraint, this Housing Element includes a
program to prepare a notation for the off -street parking and nuisance
abatement ordinances that clarifies that reasonable accommodations are
available for persons with disabilities, and to develop a reasonable
accommodation application procedure. Under this procedure, all visitors
to the planning counter at City Hall are informed that they are entitled to
reasonable accommodation with respect to zoning, permit processing and
building code standards if they feel that they qualify for such
accommodations under the Fair Housing Act, and that their requests will
be reviewed by City staff The requests would be approved once staff has
made determinations as to the qualifying status of the individual, the
necessity of the accommodation, the financial or administrative burden on
the City, and whether the accommodation requires a fundamental
alteration to the City's development regulations and policies.
May 2012 Constraints - 86
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Definition of Family
The City's definition of family states that no more than five unrelated
individuals living together may be considered a family. This definition is
overly restrictive and limits the housing choices of persons with
disabilities, as it impedes residential care facilities from operating in some
residential zones. To remove this constraint, this Housing Element
includes a program to prepare a more inclusive definition of family and
amend the zoning ordinance accordingly.
E. Regional Constraints
The Southern California Association of Governments, in conjunction
with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), has
incorporated the goal of "balance" in its plans. Balanced is defined to be
reached when the ratio of jobs to housing units lies within the range of
1.22, whereby 1.22 jobs exist for each household. This balance is to be
reached in Southern California by shifting 12 percent of the region's job
growth to "housing rich /jobs poor" areas such as the inland empire, and
6 percent of the region's housing development to "housing poor /jobs
rich" areas such as Orange County. The job /housing balance does not
address affordability, location, number of workers per household, and
other factors.
May 2012 - Constraints- 87
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
4. HOUSING RESOURCES
In accordance with Government Code Section 65583, the Housing Element
is to provide "an inventory of land suitable for residential development,
including vacant sites and sites having potential for redevelopment, and an
analysis of the relationship of zoning and public facilities and services to
these sites." Opportunities for residential development in the City fall into
one of two categories: vacant land and sites where there is a potential to
recycle or increase densities. The development potential of these sites is
calculated based on assumptions regarding the realistic density of new
housing, which in turn are based on the existing densities of each of the
City's General Plan Land Use designations. This process is described in
more detail below.
A. Realistic Development Capacity
To determine the realistic development capacity of the City's residential land,
this analysis uses the typical, or expected, densities contained in the General
Plan Land Use Element as shown in Table 52. These are the same densities
used to project population growth under the General Plan's land use policies.
For each residential designation, these typical densities are derived from a
survey of the existing housing.
Using a combination of GIS, assessor's, and field data, the number of
dwelling units in each land classification was counted, divided by the total
acreage, and compared to the maximum density allowed by the 'existing
zoning. This comparison of existing and allowed densities yielded a set of
percentages that were then applied to the new densities proposed by the
updated General Plan. The reasoning behind this method was that a
combination of housing market conditions and the City's land use controls
could be expected to limit the intensity of actual residential development to a
similar percentage of the allowed density under the new land use plan to that
observed under the old one.
Using this methodology, the Low Density Residential designation achieved
100 percent of the maximum density allowed, while Medium Density and
High Density were significantly lower than the maximum at 71 percent and
66 percent, respectively.
For the mixed use designations, expected densities are based on a) the
maximum density allowed under Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) Section
17.74.050(C)2 and b) the ratio of resiential to commercial land use specified
by the same section. This has resulted in a density of 60 units per acre and a
75 percent residential land use ratio being applied to high - density mixed -use
May 2012 Housing Resources - 88
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -1014
sites (30 -60 du /ac), and a density of 30 units per acre and a 67 percent land
use ratio being applied to ordinary mixed -use sites (25 -30 du /ac).
It should be noted that these densities represent the aggregated intensity of
development across all land in a particular General Plan designation, and that
individual parcels may be developed to a higher or lower density depending
on their dimensions. Nonetheless, the typical densities should provide a
reasonably accurate approximation of the development that is likely to occur
on any given lot.
Table 52
EXPECTED DENSITIES OF RESIDENTIAL LAND
Medium Density
12 du /ac
8.5 du /ac
100%
71%
Residential
High Density Residential
30 du /ac
19.8 du /ac
100%
66%
Mixed Use-
25 -30 du /ac
30 du /ac
67%
67%
Residential /Commercial
(min /max)
Mixed Use -High
40 -60 du /ac
60 du /ac
75%
75%
Residential /Commercial
(min /max)
Notes: 1) du /ac: dwelling unit per net acre
Source: City of Rosemead General Plan Land Use Element
Mixed -use Development Experience since 2008
Since the introduction of mixed -use designations in the City's 2008 General
Plan update (revised 2010), developers have filed applications for a total of
eight mixed -use projects within Rosemead. Of these proposed projects,
detailed in Table 53, three have been approved, one is in the design review
stage, three have been placed on hold and one has been cancelled. The
average density of the eight proposed projects is approximately 46 units per
acre. This is consistent with the effective density of 45 du /ac that would
result from a high - density mixed -use site (30 -60 du /ac) being developed
according to the 60 du /ac density and 75 percent residential land use split
used in the inventory of vacant and non - vacant sites. Thus, the realistic
densities assumed for mixed -use sites are appropriate and reflect market
trends.
May 2012 Housing Resources- 89
Low Density Residential 7 du/ac' 7 du /ac 100% 100%
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
Table 53
MIXED -USE PROJECT PROPOSALS
7419 -7459 12 Low / Approved (Building Plan Check
1 Garvey 3.68 127 Moderate 35 du /ac Expired. Entitlements
approved until 12/11/13)
Furthermore, the development standards for the Mixed Use Development
Overlay zone will help to ensure that projects achieve the densities assumed
in the adequate sites inventory. The residential land use ratios used in the
inventory (67 percent residential for sites designated Mixed Use
Residential /Commercial; 75 percent residential for sites designated Mixed
Use High Density Residential Commercial) are requirements of the zone.
Additionally, the zone requires minim densities of 25 units per acre for
Mixed Use Residential /Commercial (MU1) projects, and 40 units per acre for
Mixed use High Density Residential /Commercial (MU2) projects. The City
Council can approve minor deviations from these standards [RMC
17.74.050(C)(2)]. If the realistic densities assumed in the inventory are
applied to only the residential portion of the site, the effective densities of
MU1 and MU2 sites (total number of units divided by total site area) will be
20 and 45 units per acre, respectively.
Anticipated Affordability of Units on Inventoried Sites
All sites in exclusively single - family and multi-family residential zones are
considered suitable for moderate- income and above moderate - income
housing, as these sites are simply too small to support projects of 30 or more
May 2012 Housing Resources- 90
3862
Approved(Building Plan Check
2
Rosemead and
1.04
38
3 Moderate 37 du /ac
Expired. Entitlements
9016 Guess
approved until 12/11113)
3212 -3232 Del
Approved (Building Plan Check
3
Mar
1.28
36
4 Moderate 28 du /ac
Expired. Entitlements
approved until 11120/13)
4
9400 -9412
0
38
70 du /ac
Cancelled (Applicant Withdrew
Valley
..54
A
5
8479 Garvey
0.73
50
68 du /ac
Informal Preliminary Review
Completed.
6
8408 Garvey
1.15
46
40 du /ac
Design Review Application
Pending
7
9048 Garvey
2.52
68
27 du /ac
Informal Preliminary Review
Completed.
8
7801 Garvey
1.14
70
61 du /ac
Informal Preliminary Review
Completed.
Average Density of all projects: 46 du /ac
Furthermore, the development standards for the Mixed Use Development
Overlay zone will help to ensure that projects achieve the densities assumed
in the adequate sites inventory. The residential land use ratios used in the
inventory (67 percent residential for sites designated Mixed Use
Residential /Commercial; 75 percent residential for sites designated Mixed
Use High Density Residential Commercial) are requirements of the zone.
Additionally, the zone requires minim densities of 25 units per acre for
Mixed Use Residential /Commercial (MU1) projects, and 40 units per acre for
Mixed use High Density Residential /Commercial (MU2) projects. The City
Council can approve minor deviations from these standards [RMC
17.74.050(C)(2)]. If the realistic densities assumed in the inventory are
applied to only the residential portion of the site, the effective densities of
MU1 and MU2 sites (total number of units divided by total site area) will be
20 and 45 units per acre, respectively.
Anticipated Affordability of Units on Inventoried Sites
All sites in exclusively single - family and multi-family residential zones are
considered suitable for moderate- income and above moderate - income
housing, as these sites are simply too small to support projects of 30 or more
May 2012 Housing Resources- 90
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
units that typically accommodate lower- income households. All lower -
income units contained in the inventory are anticipated on sites zoned with
an overlay for residential /commercial mixed -use development. The
affordability of units on these sites has been calculated according to a ratio
that assumes mixed- income development, as these sites are expected to
attract market -rate as well as affordable developers. For ordinary mixed -use
(25 -30 du /ac) sites, 25 percent of units are assumed to be affordable to
lower- income households. On high - density mixed -use (30 -60 du /ac) sites,
50 percent of units are assumed to be suitable for lower- income households.
B. Vacant Land
As an older community, Rosemead is highly developed and the amount of
vacant land is limited, consisting primarily of individual scattered lots. Large
tracts of vacant residentially zoned land do not exist in the City.
A survey of existing land uses in residentially zoned areas of the City
conducted in spring 2011 identified 12 vacant sites, consisting of 23 vacant
parcels, totaling 11.1 acres. Of these, four sites consisting of 13 parcels (8.3
acres) are located in mixed -use zones that allow a high- density residential
component as part of a comprehensive commercial development. Figures
7A and 7B illustrate the locations of vacant land in Rosemead suitable for
residential development, and Table 54 describes each site in terms of
location, size, potential affordability, and land use designations. Assuming
the realistic residential densities shown in Table 52 above, a total of 405 units
could potentially be developed on the eleven vacant sites.
May 2012 Housing Resources- 91
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
Table 54
VACANT DEVELOPABLE LAND
2
5287- 020 -033
3224
Del Mar Ave.
MU2
P -D
0.16
4
3
7
5287- 020 -034
MU2
P -D
0.34
8
7
15
5287 - 020 -036
MU2
P -D
0.31
7
7
14
5287 -020 -038
MU2
P -D
0.48
11
11
22
Site 2Total
MU2
P -D
1.29
30
28
58
3
5287 -015 -009
3500
Block, Brighton St.
MDR
R -2
0.22
0
2
2
4
5372 -020 -038
4000
Block, Walnut Grove Ave.
HDR
P -D
0.33
0
7
7
5
5390 -009 -046
8700
Block, Guess St.
LDR
- R -1
0.14
0
1
1
6
5390 -009 -040
8700
Block, Guess St.
LDR
R -1
0.14
0
1
1
5390 -009 -041
LDR
R -1
0.14
0
1
1
5390 -009 -042
LDR
R -1
0.14
0
1
1
Site 6Total
LDR
R -1
0.42
0
3
3
7
8593 -011 -019
9500
Block, Marshall St.
LDR
R -1
0.35
0
3
3
8
8577- 009 -025
9700
Block, Valley Blvd.
MU2
C- 3 /MUDO /0 -D
0.20
5
4
9
8577- 009 -039
MU2
C- 3 /MUDO /0 -D
2.19
50
49
99
8577- 009 -052
MU2
C- 3 /MUDO /0 -D
1.68
38
38
76
8577- 009 -901
MU2
C- 3 /MUDO /0 -D
0.14
3
3
6
Site 6Total
MU2.
C- 3 /MUDO /0-D
4.20
96
94
190
9
52 85- 005 -913
2800
Block, S. New Ave.
HDR
R -3
0.15
0
3
3
10
5285- 009 -007
7400
Block, Fern Ave.
MDR
R -2
0.16
0
1
1
11
5285 -025 -022
7700
Block, Melrose Ave.
MDR
R -2
0.41
0
3
3
12
52 82- 026.026
River
Ave. (South of Garvey)
MU2
C- 3 /MUDO /0 -D
0.59
14
13
27
Total
11.10
194
211
405
May 2012 Housinq Resources- 92
1 5286- 020 -002 7400 Block, E. Garvey Ave. MU2 P -D 0.66 15 15 30
5286- 020.003 MU2 P -D 0.29 9 9 18
5286 -020 -017 MU2 P -D 0.45 10 10 20
5286- 020 -018 MU2 P -D 0.86 20 19 39
Site 1 Total MU2 P -D 2.26 54 53 107
N
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n Q
d Z
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Q
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N
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U
0
N
O
N
N
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0
m?
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Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
C. Non - Vacant Sites
Besides vacant land, another major component of this land resources
inventory consists of seven non - vacant sites, all of which are zoned RC-
MUDO with underlying C -3 (Medium Commercial) or CBD (Central
Business District) zoning, consist mainly of underdeveloped commercial and
industrial properties with low -value or marginal uses, though some sites
include older residential structures, as well. Appendix A, gives parcel
numbers, zoning and General Plan designations, information on existing and
potential uses, and includes maps of all identified sites.
In all, seven sites have been identified, covering approximately 16 acres and
having capacity for an estimated 424 units. Of these, 156 units are
considered affordable to lower- income households, while the remaining 268
units are considered suitable for moderate - income and above- moderate-
income housing. A precise breakdown of the number and affordability of
potential units on each site and individual parcel may be found in Appendix
A. These numbers have been derived by applying a ratio of 50 percent
lower- income -to- moderate /above - income units to each Mixed -Use High
Density Residential Commercial site, and 25 percent lower- income to each
Mixed -Use Residential Commercial site. This reflects the fact that all sites
meet the metropolitan jurisdiction "default" density for lower- income
housing suitability as defined by Government Code Section
65583.2(c)(3)(B)(iv), but can be expected to attract market -rate development,
as well.
The sites selected for inclusion in the inventory have been chosen because
they represent the best opportunities to add significant numbers of units to
the City's housing stock. Parcels were generally selected if they were
developed with aging structures and /or occupied by marginal, low -value or
low- intensity uses. Additionally, parcels were considered for inclusion based
on whether they can be consolidated with adjacent properties to form large,
contiguous development sites. Many (though not all) properties were chosen
because they exhibit one or more signs of physical blight under State
Community Redevelopment Law, and thus could benefit from the use of
Redevelopment Agency funds in site assembly and environmental cleanup.
Physical blight conditions observed under Community Redevelopment Law
[Health and Safety Code Section 33031(a)] include:
Buildings in which it is unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or
work. These conditions may be caused by serious building code
violation, serious dilapidation and deterioration caused by long -term
neglect, construction that is vulnerable to serious damage from
seismic or geologic hazards, and faulty or inadequate water or sewer
utilities;
May 2012 Housing Resources - 95
Rosemead Housing Element
Conditions that prevent or substantially hinder the viable use or
capacity of buildings or lots. These conditions may be caused by
building of substandard, defective, or obsolete design or construction
given the present general plan, zoning or other development
standards.
• Adjacent or nearby incompatible land uses that prevent the
development of those parcels or other portions of the project areas.
• The existence of subdivided lots that are in multiple ownership and
whose physical development has been impaired by their irregular
shapes and inadequate sizes, given present general plan and zoning
standards and present market conditions.
All sites, being extensively developed with residential, commercial and
industrial uses as well as public facilities, are fully served by the City's road
and utility networks. It is anticipated that minor street, water, sewer and
other improvements will be required to serve the sites once developed at
higher intensities, but no need for major new infrastructure is anticipated.
Sites 1 -5 are anticipated to pose the greatest environmental obstacles to
development, as they are currently occupied at least partially by industrial
and /or automotive uses that present the greatest potential for soil
contamination. In particular, two of the three parcels comprising Site 5 are
occupied by a school bus operations facility and will require environmental
assessments and likely remediation before development can proceed. The
City is prepared to employ a variety of resources, including the pursuit of
federal and state funding sources, as well as Redevelopment Agency funds
and remediation authority, to facilitate the resolution of any environmental
issues that may arise on these sites.
Although all sites identified in Appendix A are at least one acre in size, they
are all composed of smaller parcels with different owners. Challenges posed
by smaller parcels are discussed below.
Small Sites and Lot Consolidation: All but one of the non - vacant sites
contain two or more parcels under common ownership, a fact that should
ease the process of assembling sites for development. All of these sites,
however, consist of multiple smaller parcels with different owners, and their
development within the planning period will depend on whether they can be
consolidated. Because of the lack of a sufficient number of large residential
parcels under single ownership elsewhere in Rosemead, these sites represent
the best development opportunities to accommodate the City s RHNA fair -
share allocation within the planning period. Thus, the City is prepared to
take significant steps to ensure lot consolidation takes place as part of its
larger efforts to monitor the adequate sites inventory and facilitate the
buildout of the identified sites.
May 2012 Housing Resources- 96
Housing Element 2008 -2014
The City's efforts to facilitate lot consolidation willinclude the following
actions:
• Opportunity sites marketing and outreach: The City will make a
listing of prime opportunity tnixed -use sites through the City's
website. The listing will include information on parcel size, zoning
and existing uses, as well as highlighting opportunities for lot
consolidation.
• Technical assistance: The City will provide technical assistance to
expedite the site acquisition, plan review and entitlement process, in
addition to facilitating negotiations between the property owner and
interested buyer.
• Expedited processing: As part of the opportunity sites program,
the City will establish expedited permitting procedures for lot
consolidation.
■ Outreach to real estate community: Finally, the City will establish
an outreach program to local real estate brokers and the West San
Gabriel Valley Association of Realtors in order to increase awareness
of lot consolidation opportunities. More information about the
Opportunity Sites program is available in Section V.0 of the Housing
Element (Housing Programs).
The City's actions to promote lot consolidation are described in more detail
in the new Adequate Sites Monitoring Program and Opportunity Sites
Program, contained in Section 7(C).
D. Alternate Development Sites
In addition to the vacant sites identified in Table 54 and the potential
redevelopment sites contained in Appendix A, this inventory also includes
three alternate development sites that could afford opportunities for
residential development. Detailed information on these sites, as well as
accompanying maps, may be found in Appendix B. Because the adequate
sites inventory relies exclusively on Mixed -Use Development Overlay sites to
meet the lower- income RHNA, the possibility exists that some of these sites
could be developed with non -MUDO projects under the underlying
commercial or industrial zoning. This possibility could hinder the City's
efforts to meet its RHNA lower- income obligation during the planning
period. Thus, the alternate sites have been identified as an additional source
of development capacity in the event that residential development fails to
occur on the primary sites.
These three sites are located a short distance from planned mixed -use nodes
along Valley Boulevard and Garvey Avenue. They sit on a total of just under
19 acres and are conservatively assumed to have capacity for at least 378
units altogether, under the assumptions specified below.
May 2012 Housing Resources- 97
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
It is assumed that, if these sites are employed to replace lost capacity from
the sites in Table 54 and Appendix A, they will be developed as lower- density
(maximum 30 du /ac) Residential- Commercial Mixed Use sites, either under
the Mixed Use Development Overlay zone or as part of a Specific Plan or
Planned Development. While the City is prepared to entertain proposals for
higher- density (30 -60 du /ac) mixed -use development, the 30 du /ac
maximum density and required 0.67 residential- commercial land use split are
used for the purpose of this analysis, as in Table 54 and Appendix A. .
Alternate Site 1 is a former lumber yard sitting on approximately 3.4 acres at
the southeast corner of Valley and Walnut Grove Avenue. The site contains
three parcels under single ownership. The parcels are designated for High
Intensity Commercial development under the General Plan and zoned C -4
Regional Commercial with a Design Overlay. The northernmost parcel
includes several older unoccupied retail buildings along Valley, as well as
storage sheds for the lumber yard. In addition, three occupied residential
units sit near the southern end of the property along Walnut Grove. These
units are older single - family homes built in the 1930s and 1940s, and are in
fair condition.
Alternate Site 2 is a single parcel on about 13.4 acres in the 8000 block of
Garvey. This parcel also carries a High Intensity Commercial designation
and is zoned C -4, with no overlay. The entire property was used until
recently for an automobile auction business, a use that has been
discontinued. Most of the lot is occupied by a vast paved area, with five
unoccupied structures totaling approximately 25,000 square feet along
Garvey. These structures were formerly used as a showroom, offices and
service facilities for the auto auction business; they currently sit unoccupied.
Alternate Site 3 sits a short distance to the east of Site 2, in the 8000 and
8100 blocks of Garvey. The site consists of three vacant parcels on
approximately 2.1 acres, under single ownership. It is designated for
Commercial development in the General Plan and is zoned C -3 Medium
Commercial. The site was formerly occupied by a restaurant and a mobile
home park, and contains concrete pads and deteriorated asphalt paving
associated with these uses.
E. Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types
Multi family Housing
Multi- family housing is defined in the Rosemead Municipal Code as a
building with three or more units. Multi - family housing is permitted by right
in the R -2 and R -3 zones, and in the new RC -MUDO . (Residential -
Commercial Mixed Use Development Overlay) zone that will implement the
mixed -use designations in the recently adopted General Plan. The R -2 zone
only allows single- detached and duplex units at a maxim of two units.
The R -2 zone allows two units per lot, while the R -3 zone allows densities of
May 2012 Housing Resources- 98
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
up to 30 units per acre. The RC -MMO zone allows maximum densities of
30 to 60 units per acre, depending on the precise General Plan designation of
the property in question.
Mobile Homes and Manufactured Housing
Pursuant to the authority granted under Government Code Section
65852.3(a), mobile homes and manufactured housing in Rosemead are
permitted by tight in the R -2 zone, and are regulated in the same manner as
conventional housing. Also in accordance with the City's authority under
State law, mobile homes must undergo design review before being installed.
The review is limited to roof overhang, roof material and design, and the
mobile .home's exterior finish. Mobile homes may also be installed on R -1
zoned lots, as long as applicants obtain a determination from the Planning
Commission and the City Council that the mobile home use is compatible
with surrounding uses, will not be detrimental to surrounding properties, and
is in harmony with the elements and objectives of the General Plan.
Mobile home parks are defined as any area, lot or tract occupied by two or
more mobile homes used for sleeping purposes, and are required in all cases
to acquire a conditional use permit in order to be established. In order to
obtain a permit, the park must incorporate a number of improvements to
ensure the well-being of its residents. These improvements include provision
of utilities such as water and electricity, clearly designated vehicle parking,
adequate circulation space, lighting, landscaping, garbage disposal, and
laundry facilities. Each mobile home must be allotted a space of at least
3,000 square feet, and the park must dedicate at least 100 square feet per unit
to recreation space.
The requirement for mandatory Planning Commission and Council review of
mobile homes on R -1 lots is inconsistent with Government Code Section
65852.3, which states that manufactured housing, including mobile homes,
must be regulated in the same manner as a conventional or stick -built single -
family dwelling on the same lot. The Municipal Code will be amended to
state that mobile homes and other types of manufactured housing are to be
considered a normal single - family residential use. The amendment will also
include procedures to address the compatibility of mobile homes and
manufactured housing within the City's normal design review process.
More information regarding the mobile home and manufactured housing
program can be found in Section 7(C).
Emergency Shelters
The City's 2010 -2015 Consolidated Plan identifies the unmet need for
emergency shelter among persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming
homeless. This need assessment is based on data from the Los Angeles
Homeless Services Authority and is broken down by regions within Los
May 2012 Housing Resources- 99
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Angeles County. Service Planning Area 3, in which Rosemead sits, covers
the entire San Gabriel Valley and has an unmet need for 202 shelter beds. If
Rosemead's share of its need is assumed to follow the same proportions as
its share of the Valley's population, then a need exists for seven (7) shelter
beds in Rosemead.
Under SB 2, passed by the State Legislature in 2007, the City is required to
identify at least one zone where emergency shelters will be permitted without
a conditional use permit or any other type of discretionary approval, and to
identify sufficient capacity to accommodate the need for emergency shelters,
including at least one year -round facility. Rosemead currently has no zoning
for emergency shelters, which means that a zone must be identified in order
to comply with SB 2. The City is not required to actually construct any
shelters -- simply to permit them to operate in at least one zone with
adequate sites to accommodate the unmet need for seven beds identified
above.
The City has determined that the M -1 Light Manufacturing zone is
appropriate to accommodate emergency shelters. This zone, being located
primarily along or in close proximity to arterial streets such as Garvey
Avenue and San Gabriel Boulevard, offers the benefits of enhanced access to
public transit, grocery stores and other life- sustaining resources, while
minimizin any incompatibility with existing neighborhoods.
While the M -1 zone possesses no vacant sites, there are numerous non-
vacant sites with marginal or low -value existing uses that could be feasibly
adapted to accommodate one or more emergency shelters to satisfy
Rosemead's unmet need, which Chapter H (Constraints) deternined.to be
seven (7) beds. These sites generally are all located on or in close proximity
to the Garvey Avenue commercial /industrial corridor between Walnut
Grove Avenue and the eastern City limit. This area offers all of the
resources described above, and also lies within walking distance of the
Garvey Avenue Community Center, where residents can obtain assistance
and referrals for social services, at 9108 Garvey. The area is served by several
bus lines, including regional service provided by the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Lines 70, 287 and 770; and the
Rosemead Explorer, a local circulator operated by the City.
The non -vacant potential shelter sites are mainly occupied by automotive
businesses in small structures, with a significant portion of each lot used for
vehicle storage. In some cases, there is evidence to suggest that business'
activity on the property may have been discontinued. These are considered
to be low -value and /or marginal uses that could be relocated with a
minimum of difficulty. A total of 10 parcels have been identified as
potentially suitable shelter sites, sitting on a total of approximately 3.7 acres.
Assuming a modest ratio of 20 shelter beds per acre of land, the identified
sites could conceivably accommodate a total of 74 shelter beds, far exceeding
the City's unmet need. New Figure 8 shows the location of the portion of
May 2012 Housing Resources -100
Rosemead Housino Element 2008 -2014
the M -1 zone considered most appropriate for shelter development, as well
as the locations of the potential shelter sites.
This Housing Element contains an Emergency Shelter program to amend the
Municipal Code to permit emergency shelters by right (i.e., without a
conditional use permit or any other type of discretionary review) in the M -1
zone. The amendment will be enacted within one year of the adoption of the
Housing Element. More information on this program can be found in
Section 7(C).
May 2012 Housing Resources -101
t a
wok.
- - 3aa 418
p
a
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'` MuacatelMve'
�� 1 a �.,._, .,,,_� v Bart et!•Ava �, � ��
3 -K— s — � � gg r � � .I� � �,,: •T ��+' S i f1 p��
LRa _ x, i "ate I
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Transitional and Supportive Housing
The Consolidated Plan identifies a need for 312 transitional housing beds for
the San Gabriel Valley. Rosemead's proportional share of this need is 11
beds. For permanent supportive housing, the Consolidated Plan identifies a
need for 981 beds in the San Gabriel Valley. Rosemead's proportional share
of this need is 35 beds. The City currently does not provide for transitional
and permanent supportive housing by right in its Zoning Ordinance;
however, this Housing Element includes a program to amend the ordinance
to permit transitional and supportive housing as a normal residential use with
no added restrictions. The City will adopt the amendment within one year of
adoption of the Housing Element.
Second Units
A second unit, according to the Rosemead Municipal Code, is "a detached or
attached dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for
one or more persons. It includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel or parcels upon which the
primary single - family residence is situated" (Sec. 17.30.020). The City
recognizes the importance of this option for housing extended family
members, students and elderly residents, and considers its zoning adequate to
accommodate the development of second units.
Rosemead maintains an ordinance that contains standards and requirements
for the construction of second units on land occupied by single - family
residences. The ordinance, in compliance with State law, establishes a
ministerial process for the approval of second unit applications, with
development standards that are designed to ensure that second units remain
compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. The following key
standards are included:
• Minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet (5,000 on R -3 lots with
existing single family homes);
• Maximum of two bedrooms;
• Minimum size of 400 square feet;
• Maximum size of 800 square feet or 30 percent of main dwelling unit;
• Either the second unit or the main unit must be owner- occupied;
• Minimum distance between main dwelling and second unit of ten feet
(if detached), and 15 feet between second unit and buildings on
adjacent property;
• One additional off - street parking space per bedroom.
Second units must also meet architectural and massing standards so that they
do not change the single - family character of Rosemead neighborhoods. In
May 2012 Housing Resources -103
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
addition, only ground -floor second units are permitted by right, second -story
or two -story second units must obtain a conditional use permit, and are
subject to further standards that ensure compatibility.
Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
Single-room occupancy units, or SROs, provide housing for one or two
people with minimal space and amenities. The units typically share
bathrooms and /or cooking facilities, and are frequently housed in former
hotels or motels, whose small guest rooms lend themselves naturally to SRO
conversions. Many SRO buildings are run as hotels and do not require large
cash deposits, thus providing an important first step on the housing ladder
for homeless and extremely low- income individuals who need basic shelter
and privacy.
The zoning ordinance makes no specific mention of single -room occupancy
hotels. It does, however, include hotels and motels as a conditionally
permitted use in the C -3, CBD, and M -1 zones, and provides for hotel
owners to negotiate for some rooms to allow extended stays (i.e., beyond 30
consecutive days) as part of the conditional use permit. To take advantage of
this provision, owners must agree to remit an in -lieu payment to the City for
transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue that is lost due to the extended stay.
The City has determined that single room occupancy housing is not
considered a "hotel" under the definition contained in the Rosemead
Municipal Code and subsequent ordinances, and thus is not subject to the
TOT. Due to the fact that the definition of "hotel" dearly states that a hotel
guest room is not used as the "legal residence or principal dwelling place of
the occupants," SRO housing does not fall under the City s official definition
of "hotel", and thus is not subject to the TOT (Ordinance 902). It will be
the administrative policy of the City, if and when any SRO establishments
begin operating in Rosemead, to consider such units to be residences rather
than hotels, and to not apply the TOT. Similarly, because SROs form a
completely separate class of dwelling from extended -stay hotel/motel rooms,
operators of SRO establishments are not liable for the TOT in -lieu payment.
In order to clarify the separate nature of SRO establishments from hotels or
motels, this Housing Element includes a program to conditionally permit
SROs in all zones where hotels and motels are currently permitted. This
Municipal Code amendment will provide greater certainty for property
owners who wish to convert older hotels and motels to SRO use, and
remove any ambiguity about whether the TOT applies to SRO housing. It
will clearly distinguish between hotels /motels and SRO by defining SRO, in
part, as multi- family housing that serves as the occupants' primary place of
residence. See Section 7(C) for official program language.
play 2012 Housing Resources -104
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
F. Zoning Appropriate to Accommodate the Development
of Housing Affordable to Lower - income Households
Rosemead's Mixed -Use Residential /Commercial designation included in the
General Plan permits a minimurn residential density of 25 units per acre and
a maxim of 30 units per acres. The Mixed -Use High- Density
Residential /Commercial permits a minimum of 36 units per acre and a
maximum of 60 units per acre. This means that the City meets the default
density required to show affordability under Housing Element law. Taken
together, vacant sites and potentially recyclable sites in these land use
designations account for a potential net gain of 355 affordable units, which
exceeds the City's RHNA allocation of 309 extremely low, very low, and low -
income units.
G. Inventory of Units at Risk of Losing Use Restrictions
In accordance with Government Code Section 65583 et seq., local
governments are required to identify and analyze those units that are at risk
of losing their low- income status during the next ten years due to termination
of subsidy contracts, mortgage prepayment, or expirations of use restrictions.
According to the California Housing Partnership Corporation (CHPC), a
private nonprofit organization that helps government and nonprofit housing
agencies preserve and expand the supply of affordable housing for lower
income households, there are no at -risk units in the City of Rosemead.
H. Potential Housing Growth
As previously discussed, the City of Rosemead is a highly urbanized
community that is virtually built -out. As such, most of the opportunities for
affordable housing growth lie in the recycling of poorly maintained existing
units and /or the recycling of currently underutilized properties at higher
densities.
As shown in Table 55, the total potential net increase in housing units in the
City is 829, which includes 405 new units on currently vacant land, and an
increase of 454 units resulting from redevelopment and lot consolidation.
This total would exceed the RHNA allocation of 780 units for the City
during the planning period for this Housing Element.
3 Information provided by Nadia Shihab, Housing Preservation Specialist California Housing Partnership Corporation, June
10, 2010.
Housing Resources -105
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Table 55
POTENTIAL HOUSING GROWTH
R -2
0
7
0
0
0
7
7 -
R-3
0
3
0
0
0
3
3
PD -
84
88
16
1 6
100
10 4
2
MUDO
110
107
140
252
250
359
609
Total
194
211
156
268
350
479
829
To facilitate this construction potential, the City has initiated the following
measures in an attempt to maximize the production of new units on the sites
that are available:
• Exclusive Residential Zoning: The City's zoning ordinance
encourages the efficient reuse of land. The only permitted uses in the
R -3 zone are multiple - family dwellings, apartment houses (defined as
three or more units), boarding houses, and accessory structures
(however, the 2010 -11 zoning ordinance update will allow the
construction of single units on lots that can only feasibly
accommodate one unit under the R -3 development standards). In
addition, nonconforming structures must be removed or modified so
as to be incorporated as an integral part of one harmonious and
coordinated multi - family development.
• Minimum Density: The City's mixed -use and high - density mixed
use designations carry minim densities of 25 and 30 units per acre,
respectively. This will encourage developers to realize the full
development potential of their sites and add substantial numbers of
units to the City's affordable housing stock.
• Plan Approval: The development of multiple dwellings in the R -2
and R -3 zones is permitted "by right" Developers are required to
submit and obtain Planning Division approval of plot plans and
development plans showing conformity with the code, but no
Conditional Use Permits are required.
• Planned Development Zone: Multi- family dwellings are permitted
in the PD overlay zone. Projects developed in the PD zone are
designed to be approved under a precise plan, which may permit lot
and yard areas that are smaller than would otherwise be allowed. In
order to increase housing opportunities provided by this designation,
the City has amended the zoning ordinance to reduce the minimum
site size requirement from two acres to one acre.
May 2012 Housing Resources -106
R -1 0 6 0 0 0 6 6
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
• Development Incentives: The City will immediately notify owners
of identified underutilized parcels of incentives that are available to
encourage recycling. These include State Density Bonus law and
below market rate financing available through multi- family mortgage
revenue bond programs.
• Anti - Mansionization Ordinance: Any residence in the R -1 or R -2
zones that exceeds 2,500 square feet of developed living area requires
design review to control the development of overly large dwellings.
• New Lower Income Housing Construction: The City has formed
the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation and obtained
Article 34 approval to undertake the production of 200 units of
senior housing on two sites owned by the City's Redevelopment
Agency. One site was developed in 1995 and includes 51 units of
senior housing (Angelus Project). The second site is a 72 unit senior
housing complex (Garvey Senior Housing) constructed in 2002.
• In -Fill Development: A recent trend in residential construction has
been the development of small "flag lot" subdivisions on deep and
narrow lots. The zoning ordinance contains provisions, such as
reduced lot size requirements for interior lots, to facilitate this type of
development. The City expects this trend to continue.
May 2012 Housing Resources -107
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
I. Financial Resources
There are a variety of potential funding sources available for housing
activities in general. However, due to both the high costs of developing and
preserving housing, and limitations on both the amount and uses of funds,
additional funding sources may also be required. Table 54 below, identifies
the potential funding sources that are available for housing activities in the
City. The funding sources are identified in one of four categories: federal,
state, local and private. Federal resources are further identified between
those administered through the Housing Authority of the County of Los
Angeles (HACoLA) and those administered by the Housing and Urban
Development Department of the federal government
Table 56
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING RESOURCES FOR
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
la. FEDERAL PROGRAMS (Administered by Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles)
Section 8 Rental
Rental assistance payments to owners of private
■
Rental assistance
Assistance
market rate units on behalf of very low- income
tenants.
1b. FEDERAL PROGRAMS (Administered by Department of Housing and Urban Development)
Community Development
Grant program for housing and community
•
Acquisition
Block Grant
development activities available through HUD's
■
Rehabilitation
annual grant to Rosemead.
■
Home buyer assistance
•
Economic development
■
Homeless assistance
HOME
Flexible grant program for housing activities
•
New construction
available to Rosemead as a participating
•
Acquisition
jurisdiction in the HUD program.
•
Rehabilitation
•
Home buyer assistance
■
Public services
Emergency Shelter Grant
Grant to improve quality of existing shelters and
•
Homeless assistance
transitional housing; increase shelters and
(acquisition, new
transitional housing facilities for the homeless.
construction,
rehabilitation, conversion,
support services)
Section 202
Grant to non - profit developers of supportive
•
Acquisition
housing for the elderly.
■
Rehabilitation
•
New construction
2012 Housing Resources -108
Rosemead
Table 56
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING RESOURCES FOR
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
2008 -2014
Section 811 Grant to non - profit developers of supportive
■ Acquisition
housing for persons with disabilities, including
■ Rehabilitation
group homes, independent living facilities and
• New construction
intermediate care facilities.
rental housing. Tax - exempt bonds provide below-
from 20 to 150 units
■ Rental assistance
Low Income Housing Tax Tax credit available to individuals and • New construction
Credit corporations that invest in low- income rental • Acquisition
housing. Usually, the tax credit is sold to ■ Rehabilitation
corporations with a high tax liability and the
proceeds from the sale are used to create the
housing.
Shelter Plus Care Program Grant for rental assistance that is offered with ■ Rental assistance
support services to homeless with disabilities. ■ Homeless assistance
Rental assistance may include: • Support services
• Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation: Project
based rental assistance administered by the
local public housing authority with state or
local government application.
• Sponsor -Based Rental Assistance: Provides
rental assistance through an applicant to a
private non - profit sponsor who owns or
leases dwelling units in which participating
residents resides.
• Tenant -Based Rental Assistance: Grants for
rental assistance.
• Project -Based Rental Assistance: Grants to
provide rental assistance through contracts
between grant recipients and owners of
existing structures.
2. STATE PROGRAMS
California Housing Finance
Below- market rate financing offered to builders
• New construction
Agency Multiple Rental
and developers of multiple - family and elderly
• Acquisition of properties
- Housing Program
rental housing. Tax - exempt bonds provide below-
from 20 to 150 units
market mortgage monies.
■ Rehabilitation
California Housing Finance
CHFA sells tax - exempt bonds to make below-
■ New construction
Agency Home Mortgage
market loans to first time homebuyers. Program
Purchase Program
operates through participating lenders who
originate loans for HFA purchase.
May 2012 Housing Resources -109
Rosemead Housing Element. 2008 -2014
Table 56
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING RESOURCES FOR
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Description
California Housing Low interest loans for the rehabilitation of - • Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Program — substandard homes owned and occupied by • Repair of code violations,
Owner Component lower - income households. City and non-profits accessibility
sponsor housing rehabilitation projects. improvements, room
additions, general
property improvements
Emergency Shelter Grants awarded to non - profit organizations for • Support services
Program shelter support services.
3. LOCAL PROGRAMS
Redevelopment Housing
Fund
20 percent of Agency funds are set aside for
affordable housing activities governed by state
law. Annual set -aside contribution is
approximately $240,000.
• New construction
• Acquisition
• Rehabilitation
Tax Exempt Housing
The City can support low- income housing
• New construction
Revenue Bond
developers in their effort to obtain bonds in order
• Acquisition
to construct affordable housing. The City can
0 Rehabilitation
-
issue housing revenue bonds requiring the
developer to lease a fixed percentage of the units
-
to low- income families and maintain rents at a
specified below- market rate.
Industry Redevelopment
The Industry Fund Allocation and Distribution Plan
• New construction
Set -Aside Program
enables the County Community Development
• Acquisition
Commission to spend funds from the City of
• Rehabilitation -
Industry Set -Aside Fund within fifteen miles of the
-
City of Industry. This money is used for the
provision of housing for persons with low and
moderate income, including special needs groups.
4. PRIVATE RESOURCES / FINANCING PROGRAMS
Federal National Mortgage Loan applicants apply to participating lenders for • Rehabilitation
Association (Fannie Mae) the following programs: ■ Home buyer assistance
• Fixed rate mortgages issued by private
mortgage insurers.
• Mortgages that fund the purchase and
rehabilitation of a home.
• Low Down - Payment Mortgages for Single -
Family Homes in underserved low- income
and minority community. -
May 2012 Housing Resources -110
Rosemead
Table 56
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING RESOURCES FOR
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Element 2008 -2014
Savings Association Pooling process to fund loans for affordable
• New construction of
Mortgage Company Inc. ownership and rental housing projects. Non-
single - family and
profit and for profit developers contact member
multiple - family rentals,
institutions.
cooperatives, self help
housing, homeless
low- income ownership and rental projects.
shelters, and group
Freddie Mac
homes for the disabled
California Community
Reinvestment Corporation
Non -profit mortgage banking consortium
designed to provide long -term debt financing for
affordable multi - family rental housing. Non - profit
and for profit developers contact member banks.
• New construction
■ Acquisition
. Rehabilitation
Federal Home Loan Bank
Direct subsidies to non - profit and for profit
• New construction
Affordable Housing
developers and public agencies for affordable
Program
low- income ownership and rental projects.
Freddie Mac
Home Works: Provides 1� and 2 "d mortgages that
• Home buyer assistance
include rehabilitation loan. City provides gap
combined with
financing for rehabilitation component.
rehabilitation
Households earning up to 80 percent MFI qualify.
May 2012 Housing Resources -111
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -1014
The following describes in greater detail the primary funding sources
currently used in Rosemead: Redevelopment Housing Set - Aside, CDBG,
HOME, and HACoLA's Rental Assistance Program, all of which could
potentially be used to assist in the preservation, improvement and
development of affordable housing in Rosemead.
■ Redevelopment Set - Aside: Redevelopment set -aside funds are one
of the primary sources of financing used for preserving, improving
and developing affordable housing. As required by the California
Community Redevelopment Law, the Rosemead Redevelopment
Agency sets aside 20 percent of all tax increment revenue generated
from its redevelopment project area for the purpose of increasing
and improving the community's supply of housing for low- and
moderate- income households. The set -aside is deposited in a
separate Low and Moderate Income Housing Fund (Housing Fund).
According to the Agency's 2009 -2014 Five -Year Implementation
Plan, approximately 3.1 million is anticipated to be deposited into the
Housing Fund during the 2009 -2014 period. Interest earned on
money in the Fund, and repayments from loans, advances, or grants
are returned to the Fund and used to assist other affordable housing
projects and programs.
Housing units developed using the Agency's Housing Fund must
remain affordable to the targeted income group for the longest
feasible period of time and not less than fifteen years for rental
housing and ten years for ownership housing. However, there are
provisions that allow for a term than ten years if the Agency receives
a fair return on invested funds.
So long as the expenditure directly serves to increase, improve or
preserve the supply of low- and moderate - income housing,
Redevelopment Law allows for a broad range of uses for the Housing
Fund. These uses include, but are not limited to, the acquisition of
land or buildings, construction of buildings, rehabilitation of
buildings, subsidies and on -site and off -site improvements.
The Housing Fund may be used outside the redevelopment project
area (but must remain within City limits) upon a finding by the City
Council that such use outside the project area will be of benefit to the
redevelopment project. The Housing Fund must be expended on
housing that is available at affordable housing cost to households
whose incomes do not exceed the low- and moderate- income level
for the area.
As previously indicated, the Agency is projected to deposit $3.1
million in its set -aside account by 2014. According to the Agency's
Implementation Plan (AB 1290), portions of these funds may be used
May 2012 Housing Resources -112
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
to assist with the substantial rehabilitation of up to ten units of low -
income housing. To assist with the implementation of such activities,
the Agency has created a separate non -profit housing corporation
known as the Rosemead Housing Development Corporation
(RHDC). The RHDC serves as the conduit through which the
Agency's set -aside funds are channeled into projects /programs, such
as the two apartment complexes in the City that are rented
exclusively to lower- income seniors. Angelus Senior Apartments
contains 50 one - bedroom units and one two - bedroom unit, while
Garvey Senior Apartments contains 64 one - bedroom and eight two -
bedroom units. The RHDC maintains a single waiting list for both
complexes. The RHDC also operates the Agency assisted First -Time
Homebuyer Program.
• CDBG Funds: Through the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program, HUD provides funds to local governments for
funding a wide range of community development activities. The City
receives approximately $1.2 million annually in CDBG funds from
HUD, which it utilizes to fund code enforcement, commercial
rehabilitation and economic development, infrastructure
improvements, residential and commercial rehabilitation, and social
service programs.
■ Home Funds: The City is a participating jurisdiction in the Home
Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program administered by HUD.
Presently, the City annually receives approximately $500,000 in
HOME funds from HUD. These funds can be used for a range of
affordable housing activities, including acquisition, rehabilitation,
first -time homebuyer assistance and rental assistance. To date, the
City has allocated its HOME funds to assist with the construction of
new housing for low- and moderate- income residents, the
rehabilitation of homes owned by low- and moderate- income
households, down payment assistance for first -time homebuyers, and
the acquisition of homes through Community Housing Development
Organizations (CHDOs).
• Housing Authority Section 8 Program: The Housing Authority of
the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) serves the City of Rosemead
and provides Section 8 Rental Assistance Vouchers to residents. The
program increases housing choices for very -low income households
by enabling families to afford privately owned rental housing. The
County Housing Authority generally pays the landlord the difference
between 30 percent of a household's income and the fair market rent
for a unit. Currently, according to HACoLA, there are 281
households receiving tenant -based rental assistance in Rosemead.
May 2012 Housing Resources-
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
J. Energy Conservation
Affordable energy is an essential component to affordable housing. Energy
cost to the consumer has increased dramatically to more than 100 percent
since the 197Os. Due to California's energy conservation standards, houses
constructed after 1975 use about one -half as much energy as homes built
previously. More recent standards and amendments are even stricter in
mandating energy- efficient building materials. For new housing, State
conservation standards, implemented as part of the Uniform Building Code,
substantially reduce the cost of energy for homeowners. New housing must
meet or exceed certain minimum conservation levels. Though Rosemead is
predominantly developed, there is opportunity for energy savings in existing
housing. Most residential structures can be retrofitted with conservation
measures that nearly provide the energy savings achieved with new
construction. Many can also be retrofitted with passive design measures,
such as the addition of solar units and south facing windows.
The City requires a site plan review of all multiple -family developments and
subdivisions. Through this review process, the City promotes energy
conservation methods of design and orientation of the housing units. It is a
specific goal of the City that all developments of a public or private nature
are conscious of the need to conserve energy in all forms through the use of
good site planning techniques.
To facilitate energy conservation in existing housing, the City currently
participates in the Los Angeles County Energy Program (LACEP), approved
by the County Board of Supervisors in 2009. This countywide program
provides financing to mitigate the up- front, out -of- pocket expenses
associated with energy efficiency and solar improvements to residential
properties. Homeowners receive loans that they pay back through an
assessment on their semi- annual property tax bill. In addition, the City
currently waives plan check and building permit fees for the installation of
solar panels on residential properties, eliminating an additional expense that
would otherwise be an obstacle to residents taking advantage of the County
program.
Energy conservation can also be promoted by locating residential
developments in proximity to schools, employment centers, public transit
and services. The City's Land Use Element and Housing Element make
concerted efforts to distribute residential areas in ways that make them
accessible to these various amenities and services and are thus more likely to
reduce vehicular traffic. Due to the fact that the City strives for a balanced
community, most services and amenities are located within a quarter mile of
residential areas.
May 2012 Housing Resources -114
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Conservation of energy is a goal expressed in the City's Resource
Management, Circulation, Land Use, and Air Quality Elements.
In addition, the Gas Company, which supplies natural gas to Rosemead
households, offers incentives for the testing and sealing of single - family
residential air duct systems, and /or for the testing and tune up of air
conditioning /heat pumps. The Gas Company also provides rebate programs
for residential energy efficient home improvements and upgrading to
qualified, high- efficiency appliances. More information on these and other
incentive programs is available from the Gas Company.
Southern California Edison, which supplies electricity to Rosemead
households, offers incentives to replace or upgrade appliances, as well as
incentive programs for pool efficiency and home efficiency. The Residential
Contractor Program offers incentives to homeowners and contractors that
install energy efficient home air conditioning systems. More information on
these and other incentive pro is available from Southern California
Edison.
May 2012 Housing Resources -115
Rosemead Housino Element 2008 -2014
5. REVIEW OF THE 2000 -2005 HOUSING ELEMENT
State Housing Element law requires that cities review their housing elements
and evaluate the progress and achievements of their adopted housing
programs. The City's Housing Element was adopted in 2000, and set forth
programs in the areas of new housing, including provision of adequate
affordable housing; improvements and conservation of the existing housing
stock, and; meeting the financial assistance needs of the City's residents.
This review includes housing programs that are identified in the 2000 -2005
Housing Element.
A. 2000 -2005 Housing Element Goals and Objectives
The City's 2000 Housing Element provides guidelines for the future
development and rehabilitation of Rosemead's housing stock. Goals and
policies previously adopted in the City's 1989 Housing Element continued to
be applicable, and were thus carried forward as part of the Housing Element
adopted in 2000. These goals are as follows:
• Protect existing stable, single- family neighborhoods throughout the City.
• Encourage the development of a range of housing types in a range of
prices affordable to all Rosemead residents.
• Encourage the maintenance and upgrading of existing housing stock to
ensure a decent, safe and sanitary home for all Rosemead residents.
• Support federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination in housing on
the basis of age, sex, or race.
When preparing the 2000 Housing Element, the City used SCAG's 1999 (as
amended) total housing need estimate as the basis for its quantified
objectives for new housing construction. The City's overall objective for
new construction was the development of 967 additional housing units for
the period from 1998 through 2005. The breakdown of these units by
household income category was as follows: 211 very low- income units; 180
low- income units; 292 moderate - income units; and 284 above moderate -
income units. In addition, the 2000 Housing Element anticipated the
rehabilitation of 301 housing units and the issuance of 20 additional Section
8 certificates /vouchers between 2000 and 2005.
May 2012 Review of Previous Housing Element -116
Rosemead
B. Progress in Achieving the 2000 Housing Element Goals
and Objectives
According to DOF housing estimates, a total of 262 net housing units were
added to the City's housing stock between 2000 and 2005, for an average of
52 units per year. During this same period, a total of 177 units were
rehabilitated between 2000 and 2005. These were primarily for lower- income
households.
In general, the City successfully met the objectives related to the
conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement of the existing housing stock.
A summary of the progress made in carrying out each of the programs
contained in the 2000 Housing Element is presented in Table 57.
Table 57
HOUSING PROGRAMS SUMMARY
Preservation and Enhancement of Existing Housing Stock
Element 2008 -2014
1.
Low Interest Loan Program
Provide Rehabilitation to
0
Replaced with Deferred Loan
14 households
Program
2.
Deferred Loan Program
Provide rehabilitation
12
Continue to provide program
loans to 25 households
3.
Rebate Program
Provide 15 rebates
8
Amount of potential rebates
overestimated from market
demand
4.
Handyman Program
Provide 240 grants
80 (32 additional
Renamed as OOR Grant and
emergency grants)
Emergency Grant Program
5.
Code Enforcement
Improve housing
Over several thousand
Continue to provide services
conditions and
cases during the last
to arrest slum /blight
overcrowding
reporting period
conditions
Production of Affordable Housing
-
6.
Direct Housing
Construct 72 senior units
72 unit complex
Continue to support
Construction
(complete)
Rosemead Housing
Corporation
7.
Land Assemblage
Facilitate new
Agency acquired land for
Continue to look for
construction of affordable
construction of 72 senior
opportunities to acquire land
housing
units
8.
Density Bonus
Encourage use by
Zoning ordinance was
Continue to allow density
informing residential
amended to include
bonus projects and inform
applicants of density
provisions for density
residents of options
bonus options
bonus
May 2012 Review of Previous Housing Element -117
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
Table 57 (Cont.)
HOUSING PROGRAMS SUMMARY
9. Non - Proft Construction
Support the formation of
a non - profit corporation
by providing technical
assistance and seed
monies
Rosemead Housing
Development
Corporation formed;
works in conjunction
with Redevelopment
Agency in housing
production.
Continue to support program.
Renamed as Community
Housing Development
Organization program.
10. Sites for Homeless
Shelters/ Transitional
Housing
Work towards
development of a
transitional housing
facility /emergency shelter
through outreach to social
service providers and
through revisions to the
Zoning Ordinance
Member of the
Continuum of Care;
Provide CDBG funding to
a non - profit that
provides services and
outreach to homeless
and to those at -risk of
homelessness.
Continue to participate in
program through
Consolidated Plan
Rental Assistance
11.
Section 8 Assistance
Subsidy to an additional
Provided subsidy to an
Continue to support program
Payment /Housing
20 households
additional 8 households
Vouchers
through HACoLA
Increased Home - Ownership Opportunities
12.
Mobile Home Park Program
Develop mechanism to
Mobile Home Ordinance
Continue to support program
provide notification and
adopted 2009
relocation assistance to
park residents; provide
program outreach.
13.
Mobile Home Park
Advertise program
No interest in last
Continue to advertise
Assistance
availability and service as
planning period
program availability on City
co- applicant for State
website
funding
14.
Home Owners
Work with local housing
No interest in last
Discontinue program. Support
corporation /non -profit
planning period
partnership through the
groups to provide equity
Community Housing
partnerships
Development Organization
Program
15.
Single - Family Mortgage
Market availability of
No requests for bond
Continue to support program
Revenue Bonds
bond financing
financing during the
planning period
16. Reverse Mortgage Program
Coordinate with social
service groups and lending
institutions to facilitate
initiation of reverse
mortgage program and
provide educational
outreach to seniors
Research regarding Discontinue program
reverse mortgage
programs in progress
May 2012 - Review of Previous Housing Element -118
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
Table 57 (Cont.)
HOUSING PROGRAMS SUMMARY
Equal Housing Opportunity
17. Equal Housing Opportunity
Services
Provide tenant /landlord
counseling, housing
discrimination response,
and housing related
services
Under a year to year
contra with the
Southern California
Housing Rights Center to
prepare and administer
a Fair Housing
Counseling Program.
Continue to provide services
The total number of new housing units constructed in the City over the prior
planning period was equal to the number of units in the City's stated
objectives, after taking into consideration new construction demolition, but
the number of units rehabilitated was less than the number the City expected
to be rehabilitated. The Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles
(HACoLA) was able to provide rental assistance to 125 additional
households during the prior planning period, which is over six times the
stated objective. The housing rehabilitation results were due to a variety of
reasons, including a general down -turn in the regional economy, investment
decisions made in the private marketplace, and the fact that the City's
objectives were overly optimistic. The total number of units projected by the
City in the 2000 -2005 planning period was based on pre - recession housing
production estimates.
C. Summary of Quantified Objectives
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583(b), this sub - section of this
Housing Element establishes quantified objectives for the maximum number
of housing units that can be constructed, rehabilitated, and conserved over a
five -year time frame. The objective for units to be conserved should indude
a subtotal for the number of at -risk units developed pursuant to Government
Code Section 65583(a)(8)(A).
May 2012 Review of Previous Housing Element -119
Rosemead
Table 58, presents this Housing Element's quantified housing objectives for
the 2008 -2014 planning period.
Table 58
QUANTIFIED OBJECTIVES
(2008 to 2014)
Construction
Element 2008 -2014
Potential New Units— 114 114 144 158 410 940
Vacant and Recycle
Rehabilitation 18 18 39 0 0 76
Units at Risk 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source: Southern California Association of Governments.
'Assumes 50% Extremely Low and 50% Very Low Income
D. Implications of New Housing Element
In preparing this updated Housing Element, the City reexamined the goals
and policies that gave direction to the City's housing programs, as well as the
progress that has been made toward their attainment. The housing goals that
were adopted by the City Council in 2000 are responsive to the State housing
goals and continue to reflect the desires and aspirations of the community.
Hence, through the adoption of this updated Housing Element, the'City of
Rosemead has reaffirmed its commitment to these goals, while augmenting
the supporting policies.
In establishing its current objectives and programs, the City once again
considered its experience over the past eight -year period. Based on this
experience, certain programs contained in the prior Housing Element have
been deleted or modified while some new programs have been added.
Programs that were initiated, and continue to be relevant to the City's overall
housing goals and objectives, have been carried over and their
implementation will be on -going during the current planning period. Finally,
since the quantified objectives contained in this Housing Element are based
on empirical data, they are considered to be realistic and attainable and reflect
the economic conditions and funding realities prevailing in southern
California at the start of the current planning period.
May 2012 Review of Previous Housing Element -120
. SCAG RHNA New 95 95 119 131 340 780
Rosemead Housinq Element 2008 -2014
6. HOUSING PLAN
In accordance with State Housing Element law, this section presents a
statement of goals, policies and priorities. The statement is intended to
convey to the community at large Rosemead's plan to provide a variety of
housing types for all economic segments of the community. In addition, the
goals, policies and priorities also serve as a framework or foundation for the
evolution, initiation and implementation of specific programs and actions to
improve the existing housing stock, produce new housing, and provide
financial assistance and to mitigate the adverse impacts of economic and
market constraints.
A. Goals and Policies
Goal: Protect existing stable, single - family neighborhoods 'throughout
the City.
Policy: Encourage the rehabilitation of existing substandard units to
bring them up to code and extend their useful life.
Policy: Encourage the construction of new single - family attached and
detached dwellings using zoning and other mechanisms.
Policy: Preserve existing residential areas by using design measures to
buffer these sensitive land uses from adjacent dissimilar uses.
Policy: Existing single - family units that require demolition must be
replaced with residential units that will be compatible in character to the
surrounding neighborhood.
Policy: Conserve existing mobile home parks that are economically and
physically sound, and implement relocation assistance guidelines for
parks that are converted.
Goals: Encourage the development of a range of housing types in a
range of prices affordable to all Rosemead residents.
Policy: There shall be a variety of housing types and prices to
accommodate a wide range of housing needs and tastes.
Policy: Encourage the maintenance of existing housing opportunities
while promoting the development of new housing opportunities for the
City's elderly.
May 2012 Housing Plan -121
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -1014
Policy: Discourage the conversion of apartments to condominiums by
requiring converted buildings to be brought into full compliance with the
existing code.
Policy: Encourage housing opportunities within the mixed -use
residential /commercial overlay districts to provide needed infill
development opportunities.
Goal: Encourage the maintenance and upgrading of existing housing
stock to ensure a decent, safe, and sanitary home for all Rosemead
residents.
Policy: A range of housing opportunities shall be provided to existing
and future residents of the City of Rosemead to ensure that housing is
available to all socio - economic segments of the community.
Policy: Low and moderate - income housing shall be of equal design,
construction, and maintenance as that of more expensive housing in the
City of Rosemead.
Goal: Support Federal and State Laws that prohibit discrimination in
housing on the basis of age, sex, or race.
Policy: Continue to cooperate with, and support the efforts of, the
Southern California Housing Rights Center to provide information and
counseling pertaining to fair housing and landlord- tenant issues.
Policy: The City of Rosemead will continue to support and assist in
enforcing the provisions of the Federal Fair Housing Act.
May 2012 Housing Plan -122
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
7. HOUSING PROGRAMS
This section of the Housing Element defines the actions the City will
implement to achieve the identified housing policies during the 2008 -2014
planning period. Five program strategies have been defined for the City of
Rosemead as follows:
• Preservation and Enhancement of Existing Housing Stock
• Production of Affordable Housing
• Rental Assistance
• Increased Homeownership Opportunities
• Equal Housing Opportunity
The housing plan for addressing unmet needs, removing constraints, and
achieving quantitative objectives is described in this section according to the
above five program strategies. The housing programs discussed in this
section include existing programs as well as new programs that have been
added to address the unmet housing needs.
A. Preservation and Enhancement of Existing Housing
Stock
Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program
In order to preserve the City's exiting affordable housing stock and
promote, increase, and maintain homeownership for low- and moderate -
income households, the City provides an Owner- occupied Rehabilitation
Program, which includes four programs to aid in maintenance and
preservation of housing stock.
• Deferred Loans: The City provides low interest (zero to three
percent) deferred payment loans to low and moderate income
homeowners who own and occupy their homes and need financial
assistance to make repairs and improvements. The loan is paid back
through the sale, transfer of ownership, or refinancing of the home
• Grants: Grants are available to senior citizens 62 years or older and
disabled citizens for up to $10,000, at no cost to the homeowner, for
repairs related to interior and exterior code deficiencies and general
home improvements. Qualified seniors and disabled residents are
eligible for this program once every five years and with a maxim
of three (3) grants.
• Emergency Grants: Emergency grants are available to all eligible
income qualified applicants. The maximum emergency grant is
May 2012 Housing Programs -123
Rosemead
$2,000 for corrections to emergency code deficiencies that
constitute an immediate health- safety issues
Rebate Program: Rebates are available to income - eligible
homeowners for correction of code deficiencies and general home
improvements to the exterior of the house. 50 percent rebates up to
$15,000 may be obtained from the City after satisfactory completion
of the work and evidence of payment to the contractor has been
received by the City.
Objective: Preserve the City's existing affordable housing stock
for low and moderate incomes for combined total of
66 units and five from Housing Set Aside
Agency: City
Financing: CDBG, HOME, Housing Set -Aside
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
Down Payment Assistance Program
The City has funds available to assist low income residents with the
purchase of their first home. The assistance is in the form is a silent second
loan and is available to low income families who have not owned a home
within the previous three years. The amount of the loan will vary depending
on the value of the house to be purchased to assist the homebuyer in
achieving a 25 percent down payment. The maximum allowable loan is
currently $70,000.
Objective: Provide 10 new homebuyers with loans for down
payment of homes
Agency: City
Financing: HOME
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
Design Assistance
Staff planners and plan checkers are available during the regular business
hours to assist homeowners with property improvement questions.
Objective: To provide assistance in efforts to maintain and
preserve existing housing stock
Agency: City, RHDC
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
Element 2008 -2014
May 2012 Housing Programs -124
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Code Enforcement
Code enforcement is used to help bring substandard housing units into
compliance with City codes. Potential violations are indentified primarily
through citizen complaints; however, substandard conditions are also noted
with exterior windshield surveys.
Objective: Preserve health and safety through code
enforcement standards up to 2,500 cases in the
planning period
Agency: City
Financing: General Fund, CDBG
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
Los Angeles County Energy Program (AB 811 Program)
The City currently participates in the Los Angeles County Energy Program
(LACEP), approved by the County Board of Supervisors in 2009 pursuant
to AB 811, and passed by the State Legislature in 2008. This countywide
program provides financing to mitigate the up- front, out -of- pocket
expenses associated with energy efficiency and solar improvements to
residential properties. Property owners receive loans that they pay back
over a 15- to 20 -year period through an assessment on their semi - annual
property tax bill. A lien runs with the property until the loan is repaid.
Objective: Finance energy efficiency and renewable renewable
energy projects on private property
Agency: Los Angeles County
Financing: ARRA Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Block Grant
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
Flood Hazard and Flood Management Information (Compliance with
AB 162)
The City shall review and amend, if necessary, the Safety and Conservation
elements of the Rosemead General Plan based on current flooding hazard
and flood management information. The Housing Element shall be
reviewed for internal consistency with any amendments to the Safety,
Conservation and Land Use Elements on an annual basis.
Objective: Internal consistency with other General Plan
Elements
Agency: City
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
May 2012 Housing Programs -125
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Production of Affordable Housing
Infill Housing Development
This program would allow the replacement of an existing housing unit or
the development of a new unit on an existing vacant lot.
Objective: Increase housing stock and encouraging
development on underutilized sites
Agency: City
Financing: CDBG, HOME, Housing Set Aside
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
New Residential Construction Programs
This program would allow the development of mixed ownership /rental
affordable housing as well as mixed ownership /rental market -rate housing.
Objective: Encourage the development of a range of housing
types in a range of prices affordable to all Rosemead
residents
Agency: City, RHDC
Financing: CDBG, HOME, Housing Set Aside
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
Land Assemblage and Write -Down
Rosemead may use CDBG, HOME and /or redevelopment funds to write-
down the cost of land for development of low and moderate- income
housing. The intent of this program is to reduce the land costs so that it
becomes economically feasible for a private developer to build units that are
affordable to low and moderate income households. However, these funds
will depend on the resources available to the City.
The City will promote lot consolidation by highlighting those properties on
its list of opportunity sites for housing development. The list will include
two or more adjoining properties zoned for residential uses that are
available for sale and are candidates for consolidation. The City will provide
technical assistance to interested buyers /developers and expedite the
permitting procedures for mixed -use projects and streamline the process for
lot consolidation. Available funding sources to write -down land costs will
be identified on the City's Opportunity Sites list. This list will be available at
the Planning Division counter and on the City's website.
Objective:
• Provide funding for developments with at least 20 percent of
the units for low and moderate income households
May 2012 Housing Programs -126
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
• Prepare an Opportunity Sites list that includes available
funding sources and make them available for public review
at the Planning counter and on the City's website
Agency: Redevelopment Agency, City
Finance: Housing Set - Aside, CDBG, HOME
Time Frame:
• Funding provided annually 2008 -2014, as available
■ Opportunity Sites list and funding information will be
available within one year of adoption of the Housing Element
and with annual updates
Density Bonus
State law requires a City to either grant a density bonus of 35 percent over
the total units proposed within a project on a sliding scale dependent upon
the number of affordable units and level of affordability provided by the
developer. The City aims to comply with State law and amend the Zoning
Ordinance to allow for Density Bonus.
Objective: Adopt Density Bonus Ordinance to comply with
State law
Agency: City
Finance: General Fund
Time Frame: Within one year of adoption of the Housing Element
Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Construction
Program
A CHDO is a 501(c) nonprofit, community -based service organization
whose primary purpose. is to provide and develop decent, affordable
housing for the community it serves. By law, each HOME - participating
jurisdiction must set aside at least 15 percent of its HOME allocation for
use by a CHDO for the development of affordable housing. The City will
also help CHDO through CDBG and Housing Set Aside funds, as needed
and if funds are available. The City will help seek opportunities with CHDO
to facilitate the development and improvement of low income housing.
Objective: Increase housing stock and provide at least three
affordable housing units
Agency: City, RHDC
Financing: CDBG, HOME, Housing Set Aside
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
May 2012 Housing Programs -127
Rosemead
Elimination of Mobile Home Compatibility Determination
In order to remove a possible constraint on the provision of mobile home
and manufactured housing and ensure consistency with State law, the City
will amend the zoning ordinance to eliminate the requirement that mobile
homes and manufactured housing on lots zoned for single - family use obtain
a determination of compatibility from the Planning Commission and City
Council, and to state that these housing types are to be considered normal
single - family residential uses when processing applications for development.
Issues of compatibility will be addressed as part of the normal design review
process for the zone, where applicable.
Objective: Amend the Municipal Code to eliminate the
compatibility determination for mobile homes and
other types of manufactured housing on lots zoned
for single - family use and
and other manufactured
single - family zoning
to permit mobile homes
housing on any lot with
Agency: City of Rosemead
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Within one year of the adoption of the Housing
Element
Adequate Sites Monitoring
To ensure that the net future housing capacity is maintained to
accommodate the City's RHNA figures, the City will maintain an inventory
of adequate housing sites for each income category. This inventory will
detail the amount, type, size and location of vacant land, recyclable
properties and parcels that are candidates for consolidation to assist
developers in identifying land suitable for residential development. In
addition, the City will continuously and at least annually monitor the sites
inventory and the number of net units constructed in each income category.
If the inventory indicates a shortage of adequate sites to accommodate the
remaining regional housing need by income level, the City will identify
alternative sites so that there is "no net loss" of residential capacity pursuant
to Government Code Section 65863.
To facilitate annual evaluation, the City will develop and implement a formal
ongoing project -by- project procedure pursuant to Government Code
Section 65863 which will evaluate identified capacity in the sites inventory
relative to projects or other actions potentially reducing density and identify
additional sites as necessary. This procedure and annual evaluation w ll
address non - residential or mixed -use zoned land to determine whether these
sites are being developed for uses other than residential. The monitoring
program will also monitor for and specifically evaluate development
proposals in the MUDO zone to ensure current processing procedures
Element 1008 -2014
Housing Programs -
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
encourage and facilitate mixed use residential development for lower -
income households in the overlay zone. If the City finds uses other than
residential occurring on mixed use or non - residentially zoned sites, the City
will identify and establish additional sites and /or incentives within six (6)
months following the annual evaluation to promote residential
development, particularly on sites zoned higher density.
Further, as part of the annual evaluation, the City will monitor and evaluate
the effectiveness of programs and incentives to encourage lot consolidation
and residential development on non -vacant sites sufficient to accommodate
the regional housing need. The evaluation will consider criteria such as
interest in development, project proposals and approvals, lot consolidations,
proposed and approved densities, impacts on development costs and the
development of housing affordable to lower income households. If these
programs are not effective in encouraging and facilitating the redevelopment
of identified sites to provide sufficient opportunities to accommodate the
City's share of the regional housing need, the alternative strategies and sites
will be identified and established as detailed in Appendix B of the Housing
Element within six months following the annual evaluation.
Objectives:
■ Maintain an up -to -date inventory of adequate housing sites
for each income category
• Develop and implement a formal ongoing procedure to
evaluate identified capacity and identify additional sites as
necessary
• Perform an annual evaluation on the status and progress in
implementing Housing Element programs as part :of the
Annual Progress Report (APR) submitted to HCD, pursuant
to Government Code Section 65400. The APR will evaluate
whether or not the housing programs have been adopted
and implemented, and determine their effectiveness in the
development of the sites identified in Appendix A of the
Housing Element (non- vacant redevelopment sites and lot
consolidation sites). If the housing programs and incentives
are not successful, the City will implement programs at
alternative sites identified in Appendix B of the Housing
Element or expand existing incentives or propose new
incentives, such as providing for priority development
processing, streamlining the process for lot consolidation or
parking standards, or reducing development fees for projects
involving affordable housing within six months of the APR.
Agency: City Manager, Community Development
Department
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
May 2012 Housing Programs -129
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
Opportunity Sites Marketing and Outreach
The City's Community Development Department will maintain a list of
economic development opportunity sites within the City. This list, which
will be made available for viewing on the City's economic development web
site, will identify opportunity sites within the City. It will display
information for each site including the address, parcel number, description
of the existing use, zoning and lot size. While some of the sites are zoned
for commercial development, others are zoned for residential or mixed -use.
In an effort to promote lot consolidation and housing development, the
City will highlight those sites on the opportunities list where two or more
adjoining properties are available for sale and consolidation. The City will
provide technical assistance to interested buyers /developers of those
opportunity sites zoned for residential uses, as well as for mixed -use.
Assistance will include the City facilitating a negotiation meeting between
the property owners and potential developer and providing counseling to
expedite the lot consolidation, plan review and entitlement process. Written
information on the lot consolidation process, its benefits and the City's role
in expediting the process, will be available at the Community Development
Department counter and on the City's website within one year from the
adoption of the Housing Element. The City will establish a program that
expedites the permitting process for mixed -use development projects and
property acquisition process for lot consolidation. The City will continue to
update the opportunity sites list as needed.
Additionally, the City will establish an outreach program to the various real
estate brokers who do business in Rosemead, as well as the West San
Gabriel Valley Association of Realtors, in order to encourage them to
contact property owners concerning possible housing development
opportunities that involve lot consolidation. As part of this program, the
City is in the process of developing a GIS database of available properties
that are suitable for development. The database will include more detailed
and location- specific information on each parcel and the surrounding
market area, and be accessible in a visually interactive format. This will
assist further in making property owners aware of opportunities to sell their
property for the purpose of a larger development.
Objectives:
• Continue maintaining an updated listing of opportunity sites,
using GIS to visually catalogue and display information
about each site and the surrounding properties.
• Establish expedited permitting procedures for mixed -use
projects, including a streamlined process for lot
consolidation.
May 2012 Housing Programs -130
Rosemead
• Initiate contact with the West San Gabriel Valley Association
of Realtors regarding residential development opportunities
involving lot consolidation.
Agency: City Manager, Community Development
Department
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Opportunity Sites Program will be updated regularly;
Lot Consolidation information will be available
within one year of the adoption of the Housing
Element
C. Special Housing Needs
Transitional and Supportive Housing
The City is not in compliance with State law pem-itting transitional and
supportive housing in all residential zones. In processing development
applications, State law requires transitional and supportive housing to be
subject to the same development standards as any permitted residential use
under these zones. Therefore, the City will amend its zoning ordinance to
comply with State law and allow transitional and supportive housing as a
normal residential use with no added restrictions.
Objectives: Revise the zoning ordinance to comply with State
law and allow transitional and supportive housing
with the same development standards as any
permitted residential use in that zone.
Agency: City
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Within one year of adoption of the Housing Element
Second Units
Second units provide an important source of affordable housing in a
community. AB 1866 was approved and became law (Second -Unit law --
Government Code, Section 65852.2 et seq) in 2003. The Second -Unit law
requires that applications for second -units be considered ministerially
without discretionary review by local governments. Currently, Rosemead
maintains a second unit ordinance that contains standards and requirements
for the construction of second units on land occupied by single - family
residences. The ordinance, in compliance with State law, establishes a
ministerial process for the approval of second unit applications, with
development standards that are designed to ensure that second units remain
compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
Element 2008 -2014
May 2012 Housing Programs -131
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Objectives: Provide information on developing second units on
the City's website and material available at the
planning counter.
Agency: City
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Within one year of adoption of Housing Element
Single Room Occupancy
Single -room occupancy units, or SROs, provide housing for one or two
people with minimal space and amenities. The Zoning Ordinance makes no
specific mention of single room occupancy units, and may create uncertainty
for property owners who desire to operate SRO complexes; therefore, the
Zoning Ordinance will be amended to include SROs as a conditionally
permitted use in the C -3, CBD and M -1 zones. The amendment will
include specific development standards related to density, common area,
unit size, occupancy, facilities, building management and other
requirements. The amendment will clearly define SRO units as multi- family
dwellings that are used as the occupants' primary place of residence and
state that such units are not considered hotels or motels as defined by the
Municipal Code, nor are they considered extended -stay hotel /motel rooms.
The amendment will state that SRO units are not subject to the Transient
Occupancy Tax and that operators will not be liable for the extended -stay
hotel /motel room in -lieu fee if they elect to rent out their rooms on a
single -room occupancy basis:
Objectives: Revise the current C -3, CBD, and M -1 zones to
specifically permit SROs with a Conditional Use
Permit.
Agency: City
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Within one year of adoption of the Housing Element
Reasonable Accommodations Program
Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, the City is required to make reasonable
accommodations in rules, policies, practices and services when such
accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with disability the
equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. The City is currently not in
compliance. To bring the City into compliance, the Zoning Ordinance will
be amended to relax parking standards and clarify that all persons are
entitled to make requests for reasonable accommodations with respect to
housing issues. The amendment will include a procedure for notifying
residents of this right and for processing requests in a fair and timely
manner.
May 2012 Housing Programs -132
Rosemead Housina Element 2008 -2014
Objectives: Amend the Zoning Ordinance to relax parking
standards and provide for reasonable
accommodations according to State Law.
Agency: City
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Within one year of adoption of the Housing Element
Residential Care Facilities
The Municipal Code currently contains no language regarding residential care
facilities for elderly and disabled persons. To remove this constraint, the
Zoning Ordinance will be amended to explicitly permit residential care
facilities for six or fewer residents in single - family zones by right, and to
permit such facilities with seven or more residents in multi- family zones with
a conditional use permit. The amendment will contain relaxed development
standards, such as reduced multi- family parking requirements, that are better
suited to the unique needs of these facilities.
Objectives: Amend the Zoning Ordinance to permit residential
care facilities for six or fewer residents in single -
family zone by right and to permit such facilities with
seven or more residents in multi- family zones with a
conditional use pertnit.
Agency: City
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Within one year of adoption of the Housing Element
Emergency Homeless Shelter
The passage of SB 2 (Cedillo) legislation requires local jurisdictions to
address the issue of emergency shelters in the Housing Element. SB 2,
which became effective January 1, 2008, requires local jurisdictions to
identify a zone or zones where emergency shelters are allowed as a
permitted use without a conditional use or other discretionary permit. The
identified zone or zones must have sufficient capacity to meet all of the
City's identified need for emergency shelter and include appropriate
development standards.
Currently emergency housing is not a permitted use in any zones within the
City. Therefore, the Municipal Code will be amended to become compliant
with SB 2. The City considers the M -1 zone as the most appropriate for
emergency shelters and adequate to meet the City's need for a facility with
capacity for seven (7) beds.
Objectives: Revise the Zoning Ordinance to allow emergency
shelters by right in the M -1 zone.
Housing Programs -133
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Agency: City
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: Within one year of adoption of the Housing Element
Redevelopment Set -Aside Funds
The Redevelopment Agency shall, on a case -by -case basis, assess the
financial incentives needed to facilitate the development of affordable
housing to Extremely Low Income (ELI) households. The Agency shall
provide financial assistance through its Housing Set -Aside Funds by setting
aside funds, as requested and available, for assisting ELI housing
development. Financial assistance could include equity subsidies to new
construction projects and purchase of covenants. Financial assistance could
also take the form of funding a fee waiver program in which developments
proposing to include a minimum percentage of ELI units are exempted
from plan check fees.
The City will also implement regulatory incentives, such as implementing
the density bonus program and initiating a priority processing program
which gives priority to the processing of ELI development. The priority
processing program is intended to expedite the approval of applications for
low cost housing and to make such development more attractive to
developers.
On December 29, 2011, the California Supreme Court announced a
decision that effectively requires the dissolution of all redevelopment
agencies in the State, with the disposition of all assets, including Low /Mod-
Income Housing Set -Aside Funds, to be determined by local oversight
committees. The situation is still fluid, and it is currently unknown whether
Rosemead's Set -Aside Funds would come under the control of the City or
of the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA). In any
event, the City is prepared to work with the appropriate agencies to ensure a
dedicated source of funding for housing for extremely low- income
households in Rosemead.
Objectives:
• Target a Housing Set -Aside Funds toward assisting ELI
housing development when available
• Implement priority processing procedures for ELI
development
Responsible Agency: City Manager, Community Development
Department
Funding Source: RDA Low /Moderate- Income Housing Set -Aside
Funds
Time Frame: Within one year of adoption
May 2012 Housing Programs -134
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
D. Rental Assistance
Section 8 Rental Assistance Payments /Housing Vouchers
This program, administered by the Housing Authority of the County of Los
Angeles (HACoI-A), extends rental subsidies to low- income families and
elderly persons who spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent.
The assistance represents the difference between the excess for 30 percent
of the monthly income and the actual rent.
Objectives: Continue participating in the HACoLA Section 8
program
Agency: City, HUD
Financing: Section 8
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
Mobile Home Park Program
On December 8, 2009, the City Council approved a Mobile Home Park
Ordinance. The ordinance establishes the requirements to close or convert
an existing mobile home park, including the submittal of a Conversion
Impact Report and Relocation Plan. In addition, a public hearing would be
required on the Conversion Impact Report at least 90 days prior to any
evictions allowing the City Council ample time to review and comment on
the document.
Objectives: Provide Mobile Home Park Ordinance to park
owners.
Agency: City
Financing: General Fund
Time Frame: As required by ordinance, or as requested
Mobile Home Park Assistance Program (MPAP)
This program is offered by the State Department of Housing and
Community Development. It provides financial and technical assistance to
mobile home park residents who wish to purchase their mobile home parks
and convert the parks to resident ownership. Loans are made to low- income
mobile home park residents, or to organizations formed by the park
residents, to own and /or operate their mobile home parks. Then the
residents control their own housing costs. Loans are limited to 50- percent
of the purchase price plus the conversion costs. They are awarded by the
State on a competitive basis. Depending on the funding by the State and if
the program is available, the City has the option to serve as co- applicant for
any resident organizations applying to the State for funding.
May 2012 Housing Programs -135
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
Objectives: Provide loans to low- income mobile home park
residents.
Agency: City, HCD
Financing: State Funds
Time Frame: Within one year from adoption of the Housing
Element
Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds
Mortgage revenue bonds are issued by the County to support the
development of single - family housing for low- and moderate- income
households. Single - family mortgage revenue bonds are used to finance the
purchase of owner- occupied homes. Proceeds from the bond sales are used
to make mortgage loans to qualified low- and moderate - income buyers. The
bonds are serviced and repaid from the mortgage payments made by the
property owners.
Objectives:
Agency:
Financing:
Time Fram
Market the availability of these funds to low- and
moderate- income single family residents by posting
the information on the City's website.
City
General Fund
_: Annually 2010 -2014
E. Equal Opportunity Housing
Fair Housing Program
The City of Rosemead contributes funds from the CDBG program for, and
cooperates with, the San Gabriel Fair Housing Council. Their services
include enforcing fair housing laws, discrimination response, landlord- tenant
relations, housing information and counseling, and community education
programs. An activity of this program is the City and the Southern
California Housing Rights Center regularly co -host a Housing Rights
Seminars. These seminars are designed to benefit landlords /managers and
tenants. The free seminar will provide comprehensive information about
housing rights and responsibilities, including 30 -dap notices and evictions,
security deposits and rent increases, repairs and maintenance, right to
privacy, rules for children, and state and federal housing laws. Rosemead
will continue to support and promote the Fair Housing Council to assure
unrestricted access to housing in the community.
May 2012 Housing Programs -136
Rosemead Housing Element
Objectives: Support and promote equal housing opportunity
services for 900 people through out the planning
period. Provide seminars annually.
Agency: City
Financing: CDBG
Time Frame: Annually 2008 -2014
Amend Definition of "Family"
The City's definition of family states that no more than five unrelated
individuals living together may be considered a family. This definition is
overly restrictive and limits the housing choices of persons with disabilities,
as it impedes residential care facilities from operating in some residential
zones. To remove this constraint, City will amend the Municipal Code to
adhere to State's definition of family.
Objectives: Amend the City's current definition of family to the
State's definition of family
Agency: City
Financing: General Funds
Time Frame: Within one year of adoption of the Housing Element
May 2012 Housing Programs -137
Reserved
Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
APPENDIX 'A'
Opportunity Sites for Redevelopment and Lot Consolidation
May 2012 Appendix A
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Rosemead Housing Element 2008 -2014
APPENDIX'S'
Alternative Sites for Redevelopment and Lot Consolidation
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ORIGINAL FILED
MAR 24 2011
LOSANGELES, COUNTY CLERK
City of Rosemead
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A
NEGATIVE DECLARATION 'wie
The City of Rosemead (the "Lead Agency") hereby gives notice, that pursuant to the authority and
criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the
City Staff has analyzed:
PROJECT NAME: City of Rosemead 2008 -2014 Housing Element
PROJECT LOCATION: City of Rosemead, County of Los Angeles, California. Please refer to
the map in the Initial Study.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the Housing Element is to provide suitable housing for
all residents of Rosemead regardless of income, age, race, religion, gender or ethnic background.
This Housing Element sets forth the City's 2008 -2014 strategy to address the community's housing
needs. It includes the preservation and improvement of the community's residential character, the
expansion of housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community, and the provision of
guidance and direction for local government decision - making on all matters relating to housing.
As required by State law, the City of Rosemead has identified programs in this Housing Element to
meet its "fair share" of the existing and future housing needs. According to the Southern California
Association of Governments, Regional Housing Needs Assessment, there is a need for an additional
780 units in the City between 2008 and 2014.
The Initial Study was completed in accordance with the City's Guidelines implementing CEQA. This
Initial Study was undertaken for the purpose of deciding whether the project may have a significant
effect on the environment. On the basis of such Initial Study, the City's Staff has concluded that the
project will not have a significant effect on the environment, and has therefore prepared a Draft
Negative Declaration. The Initial Study reflects the independent judgment of the City.
The State Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List (Cortese) does not include any sites located
in the City of Rosemead.
Public comments on the Negative Declaration will be received by the City beginning on March 24,
2011 through April 25, 2011. Written comments should be sent to the attention of Michelle G.
Ramirez, Community Development Manager, 8838 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California 91770-
1787.
Copies of the Negative Declaration and all relevant documents are available for public inspection at
the Com unity Development Department at Rosemead City Hall, 8838 Valley Boulevard,
Roseme California.
13
Date: 3 as 0
Director of Econorlpic and q*munity Development
Reserved
City of Rosemead
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY /CHECKLIST
Rosemead 2008 -2014 Housing Element
1. PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Rosemead 2008 -2014 Housing Element ( "Housing Element ") is an official policy statement regarding the
types and quantities of housing to be provided in the City of Rosemead. The Housing Element was last
adopted in 2000 and is an integral part of the Rosemead General Plan (adopted 2008, amended 2010).
California planning law mandates that j urisdictions within the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG) region adopt and update their housing elements on a regular basis. As required under Government
Code Section 65583, the housing element shall: identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs;
state goals, policies and quantified objectives; and identify financial resources and scheduled programs forthe
preservation, improvement, and development of housing in the City.
2. PURPOSE OF THE INITIAL STUDY
The project, as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and subject to the requirements
specified therein, is the Housing Element for the City of Rosemead. CEQA requires that the Lead Agency ofa
project — in this case the City of Rosemead — evaluate the direct and indirect environmental impacts
associated with the project. Projects may, however, be exempt from CEQA through either statutory
exemptions or categorical exemptions. Projects not qualifying for exemption must be evaluated within the
framework of an Initial Study to establish the potential significance of known or expected environmental
impacts.
An Initial Study constitutes preliminary analysis of potential project impacts to be used for assessing whether
there is a need to prepare a detailed EIR. The purpose of an Initial Study, according to the CEQA Guidelines
(Section 15063(c)), is to:
1. Facilitate environmental assessment early in the design of a project;
2. Provide the Lead Agency with information to use as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an EIR
or a Negative Declaration;
3. Provide documentation of the factual basis for the finding in a Negative Declaration that a project will
not have a significant effect on the environment;
4. Enable an applicant or Lead Agency to modify a project and effect modifications to the project or
elements of the proposed project, mitigating potentially adverse significant impacts, and thereby
enabling the project to qualify for a Mitigated Negative Declaration;
5. Eliminate unnecessary EIRs;
6. Determine whether a previously prepared EIR could be used with the project; and
7. Assist the preparation of an EIR, if one is required, by:
a) Focusing the EIR on the effects determined to be significant;
b) Identifying the effects determined not to be significant;
c) Explaining the reasons for determining that potentially significant effects would not be significant
with appropriate mitigation actions; and
d) Identifying whether a program EIR, tiering, or another appropriate process can be used for
analysis of the project's environmental effects.
This Initial Study is prepared as the basic document for determining whether implementation of the project
may cause significant adverse environmental impacts.
RoshmEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE l
INITIAL STUDY
3. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
A. Project Title:
City of Rosemead 2006 -2014 Housing Element
B. Lead Agency Name and Address:
City of Rosemead
8838 Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, CA 91770 -1787
C. Contact Person and Phone Number:
Michelle Ramirez
Community Development Manager
(626) 569 -2158
D. Project Location:
The City of Rosemead is located in eastern Los Angeles County. The City is situated in the San Gabriel Valley
between the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and the Montebello Hills and Whittier Narrows flood control
basin to the south. Neighboring cities include Montebello, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Temple City, El Monte
and South El Monte. Figure 1 depicts the regional location of Rosemead and Figure 2 shows a map of the
City.
E. Project Sponsor's Name and Address:
City of Rosemead
8838 Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, CA 91770 -1787
F. General Plan Designation:
Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, High Density Residential, Commercial, High -
Intensity Commercial, Mixed Use Residential /Commercial (30 du /ac, 3 stories), Mixed Use
Residential /Commercial (60 du /ac, 4 stories), Mixed Use Industrial /Commercial, Office /Light Industrial,
Public Facilities, Open Space, Cemetery.
G. Zoning:
R -1 (Single - Family Residential), R -2 (Light Multiple Residential), R -3 (Medium Multiple Residential), P -O
(Professional Office), C -1 (Neighborhood Commercial), O -S (Open Space), C -3 (Medium Commercial), C-
4 (Regional Commercial), CBD (Central Business District), M -1 (Light Manufacturing), P (Automobile
Parking), D (Design Overlay), RC -MUDO (Residential /Commercial Mixed Use Development Overlay), P -D
(Planned Development).
RosEmFAD HouswG ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE2
INMAL STUDY
City of Rosemead Figure 1
2008 -2014 Housing Element Initial Study Regional Perspective
ROSEMEAD HOUNNG ELEMENT UPDATE
INITIAL STUDY
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
INITML STUDY
1
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City of Rosemead
Figure 2
2008 -2014 Housing Element Initial Study
City Map
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
INITML STUDY
H. Description of Project:
The purpose of the Housing Element is to provide suitable housing for all residents of Rosemead
regardless of income, age, race, religion, gender or ethnic background. This Housing Element sets forth
the City's strategy to address the community's housing needs. It includes the preservation and
improvement of the community's residential character, the expansion of housing opportunities for all
economic segments of the community, and the provision of guidance and direction for local government
decision - making on all matters relating to housing.
The Housing Element goals and policies are as follows:
Goal 1: Protect existing stable, single - family neighborhoods throughout the City.
Policy 1.1: Encourage the rehabilitation of existing substandard units to bring them up to code and
extend their useful life.
Policy 1.2: Encourage the construction of new single - family attached and detached dwellings using
zoning and other mechanisms.
Policy 1.3: Preserve existing residential areas by using design measures to buffer these sensitive
land uses from adjacent dissimilar uses.
Policy 1.4: Existing single - family units that require demolition must be replaced with residential units
that will be compatible in character to the surrounding neighborhood.
Policy 1.5: Conserve existing mobile home parks that are economically and physically sound, and
implement the relocation assistance guidelines for parks that are converted.
Goal 2: Encourage the development of a range of housing types in a range of prices affordable to
all Rosemead residents
Policy 2.1: There shall be a variety of housing types and prices to accommodate a wide range of
housing needs and tastes.
Policy 2.2: Encourage the maintenance of existing housing opportunities while promoting the
development of new housing opportunities for the City's elderly.
Policy 2.3: Discourage the conversion of apartments to condominiums by requiring that converted
buildings be brought into full compliance with the existing code.
Policy 2.4: Encourage housing opportunities within the mixed -use residential /commercial overlay
districts to provide needed infill development opportunities.
Goal 3: Encourage the maintenance and upgrading of existing housing stock to ensure a decent,
safe, and sanitary home for all Rosemead residents
Policy 3.1: A range of housing opportunities shall be provided to existing and future residents of the
City of Rosemead to ensure that housing is available to all socio- economic segments of the
community.
Policy 3.2: Low and moderate - income housing shall be of equal design, construction, and
maintenance as that of more expensive housing in the City of Rosemead.
Goal 4: Support Federal and State Laws that prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of
age, sex, or race.
Policy 4.1: Continue to cooperate with and support the efforts of the Southern California Housing
Rights Center to provide information and counseling pertaining to fair housing and landlord- tenant
issues.
RosEMEAD lfousiNG ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 5
1A TW SNDY
Policy 4.2: The City of Rosemead will continue to support and assist in enforcing the provisions of the
Federal Fair Housing Act.
SCAG RHNA
State Housing Element Law requires that each city and county develop local housing programs to meet its
"fair share" of the existing and future housing needs for all income groups. The SCAG Regional Housing
Needs Assessment (RHNA) projects the need for an additional 780 units in the City of Rosemead
between January 1, 2006 and June 30, 2014. In addition, the Housing Element is required to address the
housing needs of Rosemead residents who are senior citizens, female heads -of- household, disabled,
residing in large households, homeless or farm workers. Table 1 presents Rosemead's future housing
needs according to the SCAG's housing allocation.
Table 1
Rosemead's Future Housing Needs
2006 -2014 by Income Levels
SO=e: SGAU HHNA07712M07
1. Assumes 50 percent of RHNA's Very Low Income households are Extremely Low Income.
2. Individual percentages may not add up to 100.0 percent due to rounding.
The Housing Element examines the opportunities and constraints to meeting the level of housing growth
forecast in the SCAG RHNA and demonstrates that the City's resources can accommodate its fair share
of the regional housing needs within the context of the existing Rosemead General Plan land use policy.
For purposes of this environmental analysis, the City s future housing is based on the land use policies of
the Rosemead General Plan adopted in 2008 and amended in 2010. Based on the existing General Plan
land use policies, buildout of the land designated for residential use could potentially accommodate a net
increase of 909 units, which exceeds the RHNA forecast of 780 units.
Circulation
The major north -south arterials in the City, as designated by the General Plan Circulation Element, are
San Gabriel Boulevard and Rosemead Boulevard (SR -19). The major east -west arterials are Valley
Boulevard and Garvey Avenue. The San Bernardino Freeway (1 -10) traverses the City from east to west,
while the east -west Pomona Freeway (SR -60) crosses a small portion of the City near its southern
boundary.
Land Use
The City is primarily a residential community located in a highly urbanized area of Los Angeles County.
Commercial uses are located mostly along the major arterials, while industrial uses are concentrated in
several pockets south of Garvey Avenue, as well as north of Valley Boulevard along the Union Pacific
Railroad right-of-way that forms the City's northern boundary. According the residential land use survey
conducted for the Housing Element, there are approximately four acres of vacant land designated for
residential use.
RosENEAD Hoosuac ELEa.IE UPDATE PAGE 6
IMTIAL STUDY
Extremely
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above
Total
Low
Income
Income
Income
Moderate
Income
7 L
Income
Units
95
95
119
131
340
780
Percent
12.1%
12.1%
15.3%
16.8%
43.6%
100.0%
SO=e: SGAU HHNA07712M07
1. Assumes 50 percent of RHNA's Very Low Income households are Extremely Low Income.
2. Individual percentages may not add up to 100.0 percent due to rounding.
The Housing Element examines the opportunities and constraints to meeting the level of housing growth
forecast in the SCAG RHNA and demonstrates that the City's resources can accommodate its fair share
of the regional housing needs within the context of the existing Rosemead General Plan land use policy.
For purposes of this environmental analysis, the City s future housing is based on the land use policies of
the Rosemead General Plan adopted in 2008 and amended in 2010. Based on the existing General Plan
land use policies, buildout of the land designated for residential use could potentially accommodate a net
increase of 909 units, which exceeds the RHNA forecast of 780 units.
Circulation
The major north -south arterials in the City, as designated by the General Plan Circulation Element, are
San Gabriel Boulevard and Rosemead Boulevard (SR -19). The major east -west arterials are Valley
Boulevard and Garvey Avenue. The San Bernardino Freeway (1 -10) traverses the City from east to west,
while the east -west Pomona Freeway (SR -60) crosses a small portion of the City near its southern
boundary.
Land Use
The City is primarily a residential community located in a highly urbanized area of Los Angeles County.
Commercial uses are located mostly along the major arterials, while industrial uses are concentrated in
several pockets south of Garvey Avenue, as well as north of Valley Boulevard along the Union Pacific
Railroad right-of-way that forms the City's northern boundary. According the residential land use survey
conducted for the Housing Element, there are approximately four acres of vacant land designated for
residential use.
RosENEAD Hoosuac ELEa.IE UPDATE PAGE 6
IMTIAL STUDY
I. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting:
The Cityof Rosemead is heavily urbanized and is primarily a residential communitywith commercial and
industrial uses along the arterial roadways. The City borders the Los Angeles County cities of El Monte,
Montebello, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, South El Monte and Temple City, in addition to pockets of
unincorporated County territory. Uses in surrounding jurisdictions largely resemble those found within the
City, with the exception of the large open space of the County golf course and Whittier Narrows
Recreation Area along the City s southeastern border.
J. Other Agencies Whose Approval is Required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or
participation agreement).
The Rosemead Housing Element will be adopted by resolution of the City Council of the City of
Rosemead. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is also required
to review and certify the Housing Element.
K. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one
impact that is a'Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
❑ Aesthetics
❑ Biological Resources
❑ Agricultural Resources
❑ Air Quality
❑ Geology and Soils
❑ Hydrology and Water
❑ Noise
❑ Recreation
❑ Cultural Resources
❑ Greenhouse Gas Emissions ❑ Hazards and Hazardous
Materials
❑. Land Use and Planning ❑ Mineral Resources
❑ Population and Housing
❑ Transportation /Circulation
❑ Public Services
❑ Utilities and Service Systems ❑ Mandatory Findings of
Significance
ROS &MEAD HoumYG E E&ENT UPDATE PAGE 7
INITIAL STUDY
L Determination
On the basis. of this initial evaluation:
x I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have z significant effect on the environment, and a
NEGATIVIEbECLARATm wal be prepared,
1. find that although the proposed projQct,could have a sigrilhicarit affect on the environment, there Will not
be a significant affect iffthis case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet, have
been added to the project', A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the -proposed project MAY have :a. significant effect on the environment, and. an.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
� REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY heaveb significant effects) on theenvironmek butat least one effect
1) has been.4dequet6ly analyzed .in an. earlier dQcurnMntpursdanttoapplic al s
- able 16
9 ., .and2)
has been addressed by mitigation measures, based on t I he earlier analysis as described on attached
sheets, if the effect is a "potentially significant lrnpaot7 or "potentially significant unless mltlgateV An
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Is required; but it mustanalyze onlythe effects that rarflaimto be
addressed:
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment �. there WILL
NOT bee sigrnficarrt effect in this case because all potentially significant effects a) have been analyzed
yzed
2denuatelv In an earlier EIR nucsuantto annlicable standards and b) have been avoided x mirinafed revisiom orrTfitig measures that are imposed Upon the
al�lz ID011
Date &nfflUflJV N chr
Title .#
UPIMIF pAag a,
1XIMU, STUDY
M. Environmental Checklist
Preliminary determinations on environmental issues in the following checklist have been evaluated based on
the references listed below. These documents have assisted in determining which issues can be supported
as having less than significant or no impacts, and those that may require additional evaluation. When
possible, these documents have been used to "scope" or focus any future evaluation to only those specific
aspects of an issue that should be evaluated. As appropriate, each response sources a reference by the
relevant source key.
Key Source
A City of Rosemead General Plan (adopted 2008; amended 2010)
B City of Rosemead General Plan EIR (2008) and Addendum (2010)
C City of Rosemead Municipal Code
D California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
E South Coast Air Quality Management District 2007 AQMP www.agmd.gov
F South Coast Air Quality Management District 2008 Air Quality Data www.aamd.gov
G California Integrated Waste Management Board www.ciwmb.ca.gov
H California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, Special Studies Zones (El
Monte Quadrangle, 1999) www.conservation.ca.gov
I California Department of Conservation. Division of Mines and Geology, Seismic Hazard Zones (El
Monte Quadrangle, 1999) www.conservation.ca.gov
J Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, www.dpw.lacounty.gov
K State Water Resources Control Board, http: / /geotracker.swrcb.ca.gov /map!
L Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Plan, http : / /planning.lacounty.gov /aluc
M. Federal Emergency Agency, Flood Insurance Rate Map 00059CO036H
N. California Integrated Waste Management Board, www.ciwmb.ca.gov
O. California Department of Finance, www.dof.ca.gov
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 9
INMAL STUDY
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
I. AESTHETICS Would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista
❑
❑
❑
b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
❑
❑
❑
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or
❑
❑
❑
quality of the site and its surroundings?
d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare,
❑
❑
❑
El
which would adversely affect day or nighttime views
in the area?
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 9
INMAL STUDY
III. AIR QUALITY Would the project:
Less Than
Significant
.
❑
Potentially With Less Than
❑
Significant Mitigation Significant
No
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
Impact Incorporated Impact
Impact
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES Would the
❑
❑
project:
substantially to an existing or projected air quality
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
❑ ❑ ❑
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
violation?
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
❑
❑
California Resources Agency, to non - agricultural
any criteria pollutant for which the project region is
use?
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a
❑ ❑ ❑
Williamson Act contract?
c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of,
❑ ❑ ❑
forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code
emissions, which exceed quantitative thresholds for
section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
ozone precursors)?
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51104(g))?
❑
❑
d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
❑ ❑ ❑
concentrations?
forest land to non - forest use?
e. Involve other changes in the existing environment,
❑ ❑ ❑
❑
which, due to their location or nature, could result in
❑
conversion of Farmland, to non - agricultural use?
III. AIR QUALITY Would the project:
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
❑
❑
❑
applicable air quality plan?
b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute
❑
❑
❑
substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation?
c. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of
❑
❑
❑
any criteria pollutant for which the project region is
non - attainment under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard (including releasing
emissions, which exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)?
d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
❑
❑
❑
concentrations?
e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial
❑
❑
❑
number of people?
RosEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
PACE 10
INITIAL STUDY
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 11
,WTIAL STUDY
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less Than.
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
IV.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Would the
project:
a.
Have substantial adverse effects, either directly or
❑ ❑ ❑
through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive or special status
species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b.
Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
❑ ❑ ❑
habitat or other sensitive natural community identified
in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or
by the California Department of Fish and Game or
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
c.
Have a substantial adverse effect on federally
❑ ❑ ❑
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh,
vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal,
filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
d.
Interfere substantially with the movement of any
❑ ❑ ❑
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or
with established native resident or migratory wildlife
corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?
e.
Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
❑ ❑ ❑
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f.
Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
❑ ❑ ❑
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional or state habitat
conservation plan?
V.
CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project:
a.
Cause a substantial adverse change in significance
❑ ❑ ❑
of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5?
b.
Cause a substantial adverse change in the
❑ ❑ ❑
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to §15064.5?
c.
Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological
❑ ❑ ❑
resource or site or unique geologic feature
d.
Disturb any human remains, including those interred
❑ ❑ ❑
outside of formal cemeteries?
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 11
,WTIAL STUDY
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Would the project:
a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist- Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or base on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii. Seismic - related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv. Landslides?
b. Result in substantial soil erosion of the loss of
topsoil?
C. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable,
or that would become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on- or off -site
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction
or collapse?
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-
1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the
use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal
systems where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater?
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Would
the project:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly
or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation
adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporated Impact
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
No
Imnac?
►/
El z
El z
El z
El M
El z
11111111000041
El
RosEMEAD HDUSUIG ELEMENT UPDATE
INITIAL STUDY
PAGE 12
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS Would the project:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
and accident conditions involving the release of
hazardous materials into the environment?
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one - quarter mile of an existing or propose
school?
d. Be located on a site, which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites complied pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5, and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment?
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan
or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use airport,
would the project result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,
would the project result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
g. Impair implementation of or physically interferes with
an adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
h. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of
loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including
where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or
where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the project:
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements?
b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer
volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table
level (e.g., the productions rate of pre- existing land
uses or planned uses for which permits have been
granted.
Less Than
Significant
Potentially With Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Z
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ Z
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
RosEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
IAT114L.STUDY
PAGE 13
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the
site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, in a manner which would
result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off -site?
d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the
site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or substantially increase
the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner,
which would result in flooding on- or off -site?
e. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed
the capacity of existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide substantial additional
sources of polluted runoff?
f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
g. Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as
mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or
Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard
delineation map?
h. Place within 100 -year flood hazard area structures,
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
i. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of
loss, injury or death involving flooding, including
flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j. Inundation of seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING Would the
project:
a. Physically divide an established community?
b. Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or
regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to the general plan,
specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan
or natural community conservation plan?
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
s
❑E
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES Would the project:
a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral ❑
resource that would be of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
RGSEMEAD HovawG ELEMENT UPDATE
INTIML STUDY
U
C
No
Impact
E
El
El
El
❑ E
❑ E
❑ E
❑ E
❑
Less Than
❑
E
Significant
Potentially
With
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
❑
❑
❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
❑ ❑
s
❑E
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES Would the project:
a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral ❑
resource that would be of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
RGSEMEAD HovawG ELEMENT UPDATE
INTIML STUDY
U
C
No
Impact
E
El
El
El
❑ E
❑ E
❑ E
❑ E
❑
E
❑
E
PAGE 14
XII. NOISE Would the project result in
a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels
❑
Less Than
❑
in excess of standards established in the local
Significant
general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable
Potentially
With
Less Than
standards of other agencies?
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally important
❑
❑
❑
mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local
❑
❑
❑
general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?
XII. NOISE Would the project result in
a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels
❑
❑
❑
in excess of standards established in the local
general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive
❑
❑
❑
groundbome vibration or groundborne noise levels?
c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise
❑
❑
❑
levels in the project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in
❑
❑
❑
ambient noise levels the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project?
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan
❑
❑
❑
ED
or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use airport,
would the project expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise levels?
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,
❑
❑
❑
would the project expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise levels?
XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING Would the
project:
a. Induce substantial population growth in an area, ❑ ❑ ❑
either directly (for example, by proposing new homes
and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through
extension of roads or other infrastructure?
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, ❑ ❑ ❑
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
c. Displace substantial numbers of people, ❑ ❑ ❑
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
RGSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 15
MIAL STUDY
XVI. TRANSPORTATIONITRAFFIC Would the project:
a. Cause an increase in traffic, which is substantial in ❑ ❑ ❑ E
relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the
street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in
either the number of vehicle trips, the volume of
capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at
intersections)?
b. Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of ❑ ❑ ❑
service standard established by the county
congestion management agency for designated
roads or highways?
C. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including ❑ ❑ ❑
either an increase in traffic levels or a change in
location that results in substantial safety risks?
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 16
INITIAL STUDY
Less Than
Significant
Potentially
with
Less Than
Significant
Mitigation
Significant
No
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
Impact
Incorporated
Impact
Impact
XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES Would the project:
a. Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision of new
or physically altered governmental facilities, need for
new or physically altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant
environmental impacts, in order to maintain
acceptable service ratios, response times or other
performance objectives for any of the public services:
i. Fire protection?
❑
❑
❑
E
ii. Police protection?
❑
❑
❑
E
iii. Schools?
❑
❑
❑
E
iv. Parks?
❑
❑
❑
E
V. Other public facilities?
❑
❑
❑
E
XV. RECREATION Would the project:
a. Would the project increase the use of existing
❑
❑
❑
E
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial physical
deterioration of the facility would occur or be
accelerated?
b. Does the project include recreational facilities or
❑
❑
❑
require the construction or expansion of recreational
facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect
on the environment?
XVI. TRANSPORTATIONITRAFFIC Would the project:
a. Cause an increase in traffic, which is substantial in ❑ ❑ ❑ E
relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the
street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in
either the number of vehicle trips, the volume of
capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at
intersections)?
b. Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of ❑ ❑ ❑
service standard established by the county
congestion management agency for designated
roads or highways?
C. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including ❑ ❑ ❑
either an increase in traffic levels or a change in
location that results in substantial safety risks?
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 16
INITIAL STUDY
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
e. Result in inadequate emergency access?
f. Result in inadequate parking capacity?
g. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs
supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus
turnouts, bicycle racks)?
XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the project:
a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the
applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b. Require or result in the construction of new water or
wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
c. Require or result in the construction of new storm
water drainage facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the
project from existing entitlements and resources, or
are new or expanded entitlements needed?
e. Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider, which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
project's projected commitments?
f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted
capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs?
g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
Less Than
Less Than
Significant
Significant
Potentially
With
Significant
Mitigation
Impact
Incorporated
❑
❑
Less Than
❑
Significant
No
Impact
Impact
❑
El
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
El
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
El
❑ ❑ ❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
El
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
El
ROSE.MEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
1NITIAL STUDY
PAGE 17
b. Does the project have impacts that are individually ❑ ❑ ❑
limited, but cumulatively considerable?
( "Cumulatively considerable" means that the
incremental effects of a project are considerable
when viewed in connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
c. Does the project have environmental effects, which ❑ ❑ ❑
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
Ros&MEAD Hou&NG ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 18
INTUALSTUDY
Less Than
Significant ;
Potentially Nth Less Than.
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Issues and Supporting Information Sources
Im act Incorporated Impact Impact
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF
SIGNIFICANCE
a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the
❑ ❑ ❑ El
quality of the environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining
levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community. Reduce the number of or restrict the
range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or
eliminate important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
b. Does the project have impacts that are individually ❑ ❑ ❑
limited, but cumulatively considerable?
( "Cumulatively considerable" means that the
incremental effects of a project are considerable
when viewed in connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
c. Does the project have environmental effects, which ❑ ❑ ❑
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
Ros&MEAD Hou&NG ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 18
INTUALSTUDY
4. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
I. AESTHETICS Would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
No Impact. The City of Rosemead is located within a highly urbanized area of eastern Los Angeles
County and is situated between the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and the Montebello Hills to the
south. The surrounding hillsides and distant mountains, as well as the Whittier Narrows Golf Coursejust
outside the City's southeastern limit, are the dominant features of the scenic vistas along the City's
borders. No state or county designated scenic highways or streets or segments thereof are located
within the City's boundaries.
The proposed Housing Element is not a development project and does not propose any new
development, land use changes or alterations to the existing environment of the City. All development
that occurs under the policies contained in the Housing Element will be consistent with the goals and
policies of the General Plan Land Use Element, which designates four nodes for mixed -use
development. Two of these nodes are designated as Residential /Commercial Mixed -Use, with one
node along Garvey Avenue and one on Valley Boulevard. The other two nodes are designated as High
Density Residential /Commercial Mixed -Use, also on Garvey and Valley. Additional sites along Garvey,
Del Mar Avenue and Rosemead Boulevard were also designated for mixed -use development.
According to the General Plan EIR, such development has the potential to be three to four stories in
height, significantly taller than the one -to two -story buildings that currently predominate in these areas.
This could alter or block views of the mountains and hillsides. However, since recently approved
developments and buildings under construction at the time of the EIR's adoption were of a.similar
height, the impact of the General Plan on scenic vistas was found to be less than significant.
The proposed Housing Element is a policy document designed to facilitate the development of housing
within the limits of the General Plan Land Use Element. It does not grant any development entitlements
or make any changes to General Plan land use policies and thus will not alter the existing visual
environment of the City. It will therefore have no impact with respect to scenic vistas. [Sources: A, B]
b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
No Impact. As previously discussed in statement I(a), there are no state - designated scenic highways
or streets within the City's boundaries. Additionally, as a highly urbanized community, Rosemead lacks
the type of natural scenic resources such as unusual landforms, rock outcroppings and tree stands that
would be damaged by developing the sites identified in the Housing Element. None of the sites
identified in the Housing Element's inventory of land resources are identified as having any historic
structures. Furthermore, the Housing Element is not a development project and does not propose any
land use changes or alterations to the existing environment that would affect scenic or historic
resources. [Source A, B]
C. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its
surroundings?
No Impact. The proposed Housing Element, in and of itself, is not a development project that will
degrade the existing visual character of the City. It is a policy document with policies, actions and
programs intended to improve existing housing conditions, which will further improve the character and
overall quality of the residential neighborhoods of the City. For example, Housing Element Policy 1.3
requires that City to "preserve existing residential areas by using design measures to buffer these
sensitive land uses from adjacent dissimilar uses," and Policy 1.4 states that where existing single -
family units must be replaced, the new units must be "compatible in character with the surrounding
neighborhood." In addition, the General Plan Land Use Element includes Policies 1.1 through 1.9,
which call for design and architectural standards as well as buffering measures to ensure that the visual
quality of residential areas is not compromised. [Source: A]
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 19
INP[TAL STUDY
d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?
No Impact. The proposed Housing Element will not create adverse light and glare impacts. Current
sources of illumination in the City generally consist of streetlamps, traffic signals, minor identification
signs and other lighting associated with existing development. The Housing Element is consistentwith
all other elements of the General Plan, and all future housing development will adhere to the Citys plan
check review procedure, the environmental clearance process and applicable zoning and building code
requirements. Further, the proposed Housing Element, is not a development project and does not
propose any new development, land use changes or alterations to the existing environment of the City.
The project will have no impact with respect to creating light or glare. [Source: B].
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES Would the project:
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance
(Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non - agricultural use?
No Impact. The City is highly urbanized and according to thewindshield land use surveyconducted for
the Housing Element there are no areas currently used for agricultural purposes, and the City's zoning
ordinance does not designate any land for agricultural use. The California Department of Conservation,
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program's map of Los Angeles County Important Farmlands (2008)
does not indicate any land within the City considered Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide
Importance, Unique Farmland or Grazing Land. Rosemead sits in a highly urbanized area of the
County and was not surveyed for the mapping program. Furthermore, the Housing Element does not
propose any changes in land use and thus would not convert any farmland to non - agricultural uses.
[Source: A, C and D]
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement II (a). The City contains no land governed by contracts
entered into pursuant to Government Code Section 51200 et seq. (also known as the Williamson Act).
C. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public
Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code
section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 61104(g))?
No Impact. The City is located in a highly urbanized area of Los Angeles County, and possesses no
timberland or other forestry resources, nor does it have any zoning or General Plan designations for
forest land, timberland or timberland production. Furthermore, the proposed Housing Element is not a
development project or land use plan, and does not grant any development entitlements or make any
land use policy changes that could result in the loss of forest land or the conversion of forest land to
non - forest use. [Source: A, C]
d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non - forest use?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement II(c).
e. Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature,
could result in conversion of Farmland, to non - agricultural use?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement II (a).
RosadEADHousiNGELEMENT UPDATE PAGE20
INITIAL STUDY
III. AIR QUALITY Would the project:
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
No Impact. The City lies within the San Gabriel Valley portion of the South Coast Air Basin (Basin),
which is under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). As a
result of implementing comprehensive control strategies to reduce pollution from mobile and stationary
sources by the SCAQMD, the Basin's air quality has improved significantly over the years. However,
the Basin is still considered a "non- attainment" area for ozone, suspended particulate matter (PM10)
and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
To ensure continued progress toward clean air and comply with state and federal requirements, the
SCAQMD in conjunction with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Southern California
Association of Governments (SCAG) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)
prepared the 2007 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). The 2007 AQMP employs the most up -to-
date science and analytical tools and incorporates a comprehensive strategy aimed at controlling
pollution from all sources, including stationary sources, on -road and off -road mobile sources and area
sources.
As a policy document, the Housing Element is not a development project or land use plan, nor does it
propose any new development entitlements or land use changes. Therefore, adoption of the Housing
Element will not affect the existing environment and air quality of the City and Basin. In addition, the
Housing Element attempts to accommodate the housing allocation of the 2008 -2014 Regional Housing
Needs Assessment, which incorporates SCAG's transportation, land use and air quality policies.
[Source E]
b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing orprojected
air quality violation?
No Impact. The City of Rosemead straddles three AQMD Source /Receptor Areas: No. 8 (West San
Gabriel Valley), No. 9 (East San Gabriel Valley) and No. 11 (South San Gabriel Valley). Existing levels
of ambient air quality and historical trends and projections in the City are documented from
measurements made by the SCAQMD. The AQMD's 2008 air quality data show that the
Source /Receptor Areas in which Rosemead sits exceeded either State or Federal standards on ozone,
suspended particulates and fine particulates. For other pollutants, the standard was not exceeded at
any of the four monitoring stations (Area No. 9 — East San Gabriel Valley is covered by two monitoring
stations).
Since the Housing Element is a policy document, there will be no construction activity directly
associated with its adoption, and therefore, it will not contribute to emissions or the violation of air quality
standards. Subsequent residential development will comply with the General Plan policies and zoning
ordinance, especially energy conservation policies identified in the City's Circulation, Housing, Land Use
and Resource Management Elements. In addition, future residential development will be reviewed and
evaluated on a project -by- project basis through the City environmental clearance process to ensure that
air quality impacts are fully addressed and mitigated. [Sources: A, E. F]
C. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant forwhich the
project region is non - attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard (including releasing emissions, which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)?
No Impact. As discussed above, Rosemead is located in the South Coast Air Basin, which is
considered a "non- attainment" area for ozone, PM10 and PM2.5. However, the Housing Element is not
a development project, but a policy document that would not directly affect the level of emissions
originating from the City. The Housing Element is consistent with other elements of the General Plan
and the analysis of future housing growth on air quality was assessed and mitigation measures
identified in the General Plan EIR. [Source: A and E].
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 21
INITIAL STUDY
d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
No Impact. According to the CEQA Air Quality Handbook, sensitive receptors are defined as
populations such as children, athletes, and elderly and sick persons that are more susceptible to the
effects of air pollution than the population at large. Although the City includes numerous schools and
other facilities frequented by sensitive receptors, the proposed Housing Element will have no impacts
because it is not a development project or land use plan and does not propose any new development,
land use changes or alterations to the existing environment of the City. [Source G]
e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?
No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document and not a specific development project that
could emit objectionable odors. Future implementation of the Housing Element policies would only
apply to residential uses, which unlike commercial or industrial uses do not generally emit objectionable
odors. Refer to previous statement III (d).
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Would the project:
a. Have substantial adverse effects, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any
species identified as a candidate, sensitive or special status species in local or regional
plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service?
No Impact. There are no significant natural habitats in or near the City. The City has been extensively
urbanized for many years and has thus, not been known to support any significant wildlife or native plant
communities or species. The General Plan EIR identifies eight faunal species that are listed as
endangered, threatened, candidate or special concern species by the California Department of Fish and
Game or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and that may reside somewhere in the El Monte
Quadrangle, in which the City is located. In addition, the EIR identifies five Floral species possibly
residing in the Quadrangle that are listed either as Federal candidate species or as endangered or
threatened by the California Native Plant Society. According to the EIR, the City s highly urbanized and
disturbed landscape provides no suitable habitat for any of these species. Furthermore, the proposed
Housing Element is a policy document and not an entitlement for a specific development project
involving physical changes that would disturb wildlife habitat. [Source B]
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
No Impact. The City is located in a highly urbanized area and harbors no substantial riparian habitat or
other sensitive natural community. Although the City contains portions of the Alhambra Wash, Rubio
Wash and Rio Hondo, all three waterways are channelized within Rosemead city limits and riparian
habitat is extremely limited. Furthermore, the proposed Housing Element does not grant entitlements
for any development projects, nor does it make any land use changes that could have an adverse effect
on the extremely limited habitat that may exist in these areas, which currently are not designated for
residential use. [Source B]
C. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section
404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
No Impact. The City contains no wetlands as defined by the Federal Clean Water Act. [Source B]
RosEmEADHousiNGELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 22
/NTTIAL STUDY
d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
No Impact. The City is located in a highly urbanized area and does not serve as a wildlife dispersal or
migration corridor. The waterways that run through the City —the Alhambra Wash, Rubio Wash, and
Rio Hondo — are not utilized by fish as migratory corridors. [Source B]
e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as
a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
No Impact. The City has adopted an oak tree preservation ordinance, contained in Section 17.100 of
the Municipal Code. The ordinance requires anyone seeking to remove, relocate or trim an oak tree to
obtain a permit before doing so, with exceptions for minor pruning. The proposed Housing Element is a
policy document that is consistent with all local policies and ordinances protecting biological resources.
It contains no policies or actions that contradict or supersede the oak tree ordinance, and all vacant and
non - vacant land developed or redeveloped under the Housing Element policies will be subject to the
requirements of the ordinance. Furthermore, the proposed Housing Element is not a development
project and does not involve any land use changes that would affect the open space areas identified in
the General Plan, nor does it involve any changes to trees in the public right -of -way. [Source A, B]
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional or state habitat conservation plan?
No Impact. The City is located in a highly urbanized area of the county and has very little vacant land.
It has not been known to support any significant wildlife or native plant communities or species for many
years. In addition, the City is not within the boundaries of a Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural
Community Conservation Plan. [Source B]
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project:
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in significance of a historical resource as defined
in §15064.57
No Impact. The City is located in a highly urbanized area of Los Angeles County. All of the land in the
City has previously been disturbed or developed. In addition, there are no existing structures that are
considered as having significant historical value, nor is there any evidence of known archaeological or
paleontological resources in the City. Furthermore, the proposed Housing Element is not a
development project or land use plan, and will not involve any construction activities or grant any
entitlements for development projects; thus it will not affect any potential undiscovered historical,
archaeological or paleontological resources or human remains. [Source B]
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to §15064.5?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement V(a).
C. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement V(a).
d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement Via).
RosadEADHousEvGELEMENT UPDATE PAGE23
INITIAL STUDY
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Would the project:
a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving:
1.) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist - Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or base on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
No Impact. According to the most recent Alquist - Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone map of the El Monte
7.5- minute quadrangle shown in Figure 3, there is one active fault within the City: the Alhambra Wash
fault, running from just south of the intersection of San Gabriel Boulevard and Garvey Avenue to the
edge of the Whittier Narrows Dam Flood Control Basin. Additionally, the Geologic, Seismic and
Flooding Technical Background Information appendix to the General Plan states that there are several
other faults that do not meet Alquist - Priolo criteria but nonetheless have the potential to cause surface
ruptures within the City.
The proposed Housing Element, in and of itself, is not a development project and does not propose any
land use changes or alterations to the existing environment of the City. It is a policy document designed
to facilitate the development of housing for all residents of the City. Thus, the Housing Element itself
will not introduce any new buildings or people into areas known to be prone to seismic - related hazards.
In addition, buildings constructed in the City, including residential structures developed and rehabilitated
under the guidance of Housing Element policies, are required to meet all requirements of the California
Building Code, thereby substantially reducing susceptibility to seismic hazards.
Furthermore, the General Plan Public Safety Element contains numerous implementation actions
designed to mitigate the potential impact of seismic hazards. These implementation actions include
requiring proper geotechnical analyses of development sites that include design recommendations for
site stability; regular review of technical data on seismic safety; enacting ordinances for the evaluation
and abatement of structural hazards; and avoiding the construction of any structures other than wood -
of steel- framed single - family dwellings within fifty feet of an active fault trace. Therefore, the project will
have no impact with respect to exposing people or structures to potential adverse effects from
earthquake fault ruptures. [Source A, H]
ii.) Strong seismic ground shaking?
No Impact. The General Plan Public Safety Element defines strong seismic ground shaking as a
median peak horizontal ground acceleration of 20 percent of the force of gravity (g) or greater. It
identifies 11 faults in the vicinity capable of producing this level of shaking within the City, with the
Puente Hills blind thrust fault having the greatest potential shaking at 0.79g. This fault was the source
of the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, which had its epicenter within Rosemead's boundaries and
caused ground shaking equivalent to 0.3g.
While Rosemead is undoubtedly prone to periodic strong seismic ground shaking, the proposed
Housing Element is not a development project or land use plan and thus will not introduce any additional
population or buildings into the City that would be exposed to the adverse effects of this shaking. Also,
adherence to the California Building Code will ensure that all future residential development projects
minimize the risk to their inhabitants from strong seismic ground shaking. [Source A]
Ili.) Seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction?
No Impact. Liquefaction is defined as a phenomenon in which a sudden shock or strain, typically an
earthquake, causes soil to become temporarily unstable and behave as a fluid mass. According to the
official State Seismic Hazard Zones maps (El Monte 7.5- minute Quadrangle 1999) prepared by the
RosEMEAD HousiNG ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 24
IMTLAL STUDY
California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, most of the City is located within
an identified liquefaction zone and an area where historic occurrence of liquefaction, or local geological,
geotechnical and groundwater conditions, indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements.
Figure 4 shows the location of potential liquefaction and areas of earthquake- induced landslides. As
such, mitigations as defined in Public Resources Code Section 2693(c) would be required as well as
policies contained in the Safety Element of the General Plan. Implementation of these mitigation
measures and policies would reduce the impacts of the General Plan to less than significant levels.
Since the proposed Housing Element, in and of itself, is not a development project and does not
propose any new development, land use changes or alterations to the existing environment of the City,
the proposed Housing Element will have no impact with respect to exposing persons or buildings to
seismic - related ground failure. [Source A, 1]
iv.) Landslides?
No Impact. A landslide is the descent of earth and rock down a slope. Rosemead sits on an alluvial
fan that is generally flat, with almost no hill slopes or other topographic features where landslides could
occur. According to the map of areas prone to potential earthquake- induced landslides from the
Division of Geology and Mines, there is only one such area in Rosemead: a small portion of the
Montebello Town Center mall property at the extreme southern end of the City. This area sits across
the Pomona Freeway (1 -60) from the rest of Rosemead and is isolated from any current or planned
residential uses within the City.
Since the Housing Element is not development project or land use plan, it will not expose any persons
or buildings to hazards from landslides. [Source: A and 1]
b. Result in substantial soil erosion of the loss of topsoil?
No Impact. The proposed Housing Element, in and of itself, is not a development project, but rather a
policy document. There are policies, actions and programs identified in the Housing Element intended
to provide adequate housing for all residents of the City. The proposed project does not directly involve
any construction or grading activities. No changes in topography, ground surface relief, or any unique
geological or physical features will occur as a result of the project.
C. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
No Impact. Please refer to Sections IV(a)(iii) and IV(a)(iv) for information on which areas of the City
have been identified as prone to landslides and liquefaction. As previously mentioned, the Housing
Element, in and of itself, is not a development project or land use plan and will not involve any
construction activities that might cause soil instability or expose persons or property to hazards from
unstable soils. However, when the Housing Element is adopted and policies are implemented at a later
date, project- specific review will be conducted by the City through its environmental clearance and
permit processes. All construction and development will adhere to the California Building Code and
standard building practices, policies and guidelines to ensure that any geologic impacts including on-
and off -site landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence and expansive soils are less than significant.
[Source C]
RosEMEADHousixGELEMENT UPDATE PAGE25
INMAL STUDY
VAn OF OAUFOHNU
SPECIAL STUDIES ZONES
U MOMS OUAOMNGF
pEVL4Ep OfA MM
- � "��'- 9Wte a6WUglw
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City of Rosemead Figure 3
2008 -2014 Housing Element Initial Study Active Faults
RosEMEADHouswGELEmENT UPDATE PAGE
INITIAL STUDY
SEISMIC HAZARD ZONES
a MWMQ oRAms
a ALW
We MaeN.%im
" 1, V% , I �
NAM
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City of Rosemead Figure 4
2008 -2014 Housing Element Initial Study Areas of Potential Liquefaction and
Landslides
RosEmEAD Ho USING ELEMENT UPDATE PACE 27
INITIAL STUDY
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18 -1 -B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial risks to life or property?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement VI(c).
e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of
wastewater?
No Impact. The City of Rosemead is responsible for sewer service in the City. Wastewater generated
in the City is conveyed by sewer trunk lines operated by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
(Rosemead is served by Districts No. 2 and No. 15). All developed properties within the City have
adequate public services and facilities, including sewer service; therefore there is no need for the use of
septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems for new housing units. All development that
occurs under the Housing Element policies will be required to connect to the sanitary sewer system.
[Source B]
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Would the project:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment?
No Impact. The proposed Housing Element is not a development project or land use plan, and does
not grant any development entitlements or make any changes to the land use policies contained in the
General Plan; nor does it include any construction activities that could emit greenhouse gases or other
substances.
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of
reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
No Impact. In 2006, the State passed the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32),
which requires the California Air Resources Board to design and implement emission limits, regulation,
and other measures, such that feasible and cost - effective statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
are reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. In 2008, the State passed SB 375, which creates regional planning
processes designed to reduce GHG emissions in accordance with AB 32. These processes, which
have yet to be fully implemented, tie GHG reduction targets to the region's land use and transportation
strategic plans, which in turn will influence the Regional Housing Needs Assessment that guides the
Housing Element's plan for providing affordable housing within Rosemead. The City is committed to
working within these processes to use housing policy to aid in the reduction of GHG emissions, and
took significant steps, such as designating substantial portions of Rosemead's underutilized commercial
areas for mixed -use residential /commercial development, to anticipate forthcoming regional GHG
reduction strategies as part of its 2008 General Plan Update.
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 28
Lvnz4L STUDY
VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Would the project:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
No Impact. The Housing Element is not a land use plan or a development project. It does not grant
any development entitlements, make any land use changes, or propose any construction activities that
would result in hazards due to the transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials, nor would it
introduce new population or land uses that would potentially be exposed to hazardous materials.
Furthermore, adherence to standard requirements and procedures of appropriate local, county, state
and federal regulatory agencies should ensure that future uses of the land and any construction or
development will not create a hazard to the public or the environment. [Source B]
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials
into the environment?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement VII(a). The proposed Housing Element is not a land use plan
or development project and thus will not involve any construction activities or the introduction of persons
or buildings that would increase the risk of hazardous materials being released into the environment.
Any new housing developed under the policies contained in the Housing Element will adhere to the
City's well- established policies and procedures for handling with household hazardous wastes. The City
directs Rosemead residents to dispose of household hazardous waste such as paints, used motor oil,
poisons and garden chemicals at one of the Los Angeles County Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Centers. The nearest HHW Collection Center to the City is the Los Angeles- Glendale
Treatment Plant Solvents- Automotive - Flammables- Electronics (SAFE) Collection Center located at
4600 Colorado Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. In addition, the Los Angeles County Department
of Public Works holds several mobile collection events each Saturday throughout the County, with
upcoming events (as of September 2010) in the nearby communities of Alhambra and South El Monte.
Any increases in the disposal of household hazardous waste will be disposed of at these locations or at
other mobile collection events in close proximity to the City. [Source J]'
C. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one - quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
No Impact. Refer to previous statements VII(a) and (b).
d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites complied
pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the environment?
No Impact. There are nine sites within the City that have been identified as open cases for leaking
underground storage tanks (LUST) by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). These
LUST sites are concentrated along San Gabriel Boulevard, Garvey Avenue and Valley Boulevard, with
two isolated cases on Del Mar Avenue and Walnut Grove Avenue. All sites, with the exception of one,
are on land designated for commercial or industrial uses; several are current or former gas stations.
The remaining site is a private high school. Neither the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Information System (CERCLIS)
nor the Department of Toxic Substances Control's Hazardous Waste and Substances List (Cortese
List) identify a hazardous materials site within the City.
RosEMEADFIGUSINGELEMENT UPDATE PAGE29
INITIAL STUDY
The proposed Housing Element does not grant any entitlements for the development of housing on
these sites. As part of the City's regular plan check process, any future proposed residential
development will be examined againstthe lists of potential hazardous materials sites discussed above.
The proposed Housing Element is not a development project but rather a policy document that will be
consistent with the Land Use Element of the General Plan, and thus will not introduce additional people
or buildings that could be exposed to hazards from these sites. [Source K]
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result
in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?
No Impact. The nearest aviation facility is the El Monte Airport, located approximately one mile from
the eastern city limit. According to the Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Plan, the City is not
located within the planning boundary for the airport. [Source L]
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the project area?
No Impact. There are no private airstrips located in the City or within two miles of the City.
g. Impair implementation of or physically interferewith an adopted emergency response plan
or emergency evacuation plan?
No Impact. The proposed Housing Element will not interfere with the evacuation of residents during
emergency situations, as it is not a development project or land use plan and will not introduce
additional population or residential uses into the City. The Housing Element does not propose any
changes to the roadway system or evacuation routes designed by the City, nor does it propose any
changes to the goals and policies concerning emergency response in the General Plan Public Safety
Element. [Source A]
h. Expose people orstructures to a significant risk of loss, injury ordeath involving wildland
fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are
intermixed with wildlands?
No Impact. Rosemead and the immediate surrounding areas are almost completely built out, with no
significant risk from wildland fires. Additionally, the proposed Housing Element is not a development
project or land use plan, and does not grant entitlements to any residential development or propose any
new residential uses in urbanized areas adjacent to wildlands. Further analysis of this issue is not
recommended. [Source B]
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project:
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements?
No Impact. The proposed Housing Element is a policy document that facilitates the production of
housing opportunities for all economic segments of the community. The Housing Element does not
include any components that would directly violate water quality or discharge standards, and all
residential development projects that occur under the Housing Element policies will be required to
complywith the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.
[Source B]
RosEMEAD HousNG ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 30
AURAL STUDY
b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that therewould be a net deficit in aquifervolume or a lowering of the local
groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre- existing land uses or planned
uses for which permits have been granted).
No Impact. Rosemead lies within the San Gabriel Valley Groundwater Basin, and all of the six water
providers that serve the City draw at least some groundwater from the basin. Intensification of land
uses citywide under the General Plan could result in increased demand on groundwater resources.
Existing water management policies for the basin, however, ensure that providers drawing upon the
basin do not cumulatively remove more than the Operating Safe Yield, as determined yearly, without
replenishing the groundwater supply with imported recharge water.
Although most of the City is currently developed, impermeable surfaces are expected to increase over
time as new housing development occurs and as existing vacant land designated for residential uses —
approximately four acres — is developed. The increase in impermeable surfaces could result in reduced
surface infiltration and thus decrease natural groundwater recharge. However, the proposed Housing
Element is not a development project or land use plan and will not grant development entitlements or
change the type or intensity of land uses from those anticipated in the existing General Plan and
analyzed in the General Plan EIR. There will be no adverse groundwater impacts. [Source B]
C. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the
alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial
erosion or siltation on- or off -site?
No Impact. As a policy document, the Housing Element does not involve any construction activity,
grant any development entitlements or make any land use changes that will result in changes to the
existing drainage pattern of the City or of individual properties. All residential development that occurs
under Housing Element policies will be subject to review through the City Community Development
Department, which will include the environmental clearance process and the permit process. All future
development will comply with all applicable City policies related to erosion and stormwater runoff.
d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a manner, which would result in flooding on- or off -site?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement Vill(c). Since the Housing Element is a policy document and
does not grant entitlements to any development projects or propose any land use changes, the project
will not involve development activity or increased uses or intensities that would result in increased
surface runoff. [Source B]
e. Create or contribute runoff waterwhich would exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement VIII(d). Furthermore, all future housing development will be
subject to site - specific environmental reviews as determined appropriate by the City, and will comply
with all applicable City, State and Federal policies and regulation related to erosion, stormwater runoff,
and household hazardous waste disposal.
Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
No Impact. Residential uses, unlike commercial or industrial uses, are generally not a source of
stormwater runoff pollution. Furthermore, the proposed Housing Element is not a development project
or land use plan and does not propose any new development entitlements, land use changes or
alterations to the existing environment of the City.
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 3I
LyInAL STUDY
g. Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard
Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map?
No Impact. The City of Rosemead participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. According to
the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), most of the City (including
all of its residentially zoned land) is designated Zone X, or minimal flood hazard, and areas in the
extreme southern portion of the City on the Montebello Town Center mall property are designated Zone
D, or undetermined flood hazard. Neither of these designations, according to FEMA, is subject to
inundation by the 100 -year flood event.
Furthermore; the Housing Element is not a development project or land use plan, and does not grant
development entitlements or propose any land use changes that could place housing or any othertype
of structure within areas prone to flooding. Thus, the project will have no impact with respect to placing
housing or other structures in a 100 -year flood area. [Source M]
h. Place within 100 -year flood hazard area structures, which would impede or redirect flood
flows?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement VIII(g).
i. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving
flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
No Impact. Portions of the City lie within the Garvey Reservoir, Santa Fe Dam and Whittier Narrows
flood inundation areas. However, since the Housing Element is not a development project or land use
plan, it will not expose people or structures to any risks associated with flooding or dam failure in these
areas. Further analysis of this issue is not recommended. [Source B]
Inundation of seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
No Impact. A seiche is a standing or stationary wave in an enclosed or partially enclosed body of
water, such as lakes, reservoirs, and bays. There are no enclosed bodies of water within the City of
Rosemead that could induce seiche or seiche - related phenomena. A tsunami, also referred to as a
tidal wave, is a sea wave generated by submarine earthquakes, major landslides, or volcanic action.
The City of Rosemead is located approximately 25 miles from the Los Angeles County coastline and the
elevation of the lowest point within the City is approximately 300 feet above sea level; thus eliminating
the potential hazard to people and structures from tsunamis. The possibility of mudflows is extremely
low, given the absence of hillside and mountainous terrain within the City. [Source B]
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING Would the project:
a. Physically divide an established community?
No Impact. The Housing Element is not a development project or land use plan, and does not grant
any development entitlements or propose any new land uses that could alter the physical environment
of the City. As a policy document, the Housing Element is intended to assure that every attempt is
made to provide suitable housing for all residents of Rosemead regardless of income, age, race,
religion, gender or ethnic background. Through housing improvement programs and incentives, older
homes will be rehabilitated and new housing units will be encouraged to develop on existing vacant land
and underutilized land. The proposed Housing Element policies and programs promote new and
improved housing in the City in conformance with the residential designations and guidelines
established in the adopted General Plan and the City's Municipal Code. These policies and programs
are intended to guide development in an orderly manner that will not disrupt existing communities or
adversely impact the environment. [Sources A, C]
RosEuFAD HousrNc, ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 32
INIEW STUDY
b. Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan,
local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
No impact. Government Code Section 65300.5 requires that the General Plan and the parts and
elements thereof shall comprise an integrated and internally consistent statement of policies. The
proposed Housing Element has been prepared in a manner making it consistent with other elements of
the General Plan. It contains an inventory of the City's residential land and analyzes the development
capacity of such land in accordance with the current General Plan Land Use Element and Municipal
Code. It does not grant any development entitlements or propose any land use changes that are
inconsistent with these policies and regulations.
The proposed Housing Element does, however, include a program to provide special needs assistance
and support services. A recent change in State law (SB 2) has established new requirements that
affect the City's policy with respect to the homeless population. The City is now required to meet the
needs of the homeless by identifying a zone or zones that permit emergency shelters and transitional
and supportive housing by right. The zone must have sufficient capacity to accommodate the shelter
and provide land for at least one year -round facility. If the City cannot identify a zone where such uses
are permitted by right, it must include a program in the Housing Element to amend its zoning ordinance
to meet this requirement within one year of adoption. The City also has the option of entering into a
multi jurisdictional agreement with a neighboring city to meet the shelter need.
To address the statutory requirements on emergency shelters, the City has reviewed the zoning districts
and has identified areas that could accommodate an emergency shelter to meet the City's share of the
regional need. The City is still in the process of determining which zone is best suited to
accommodating this need.
The change to the zoning ordinance, which is planned to take place within one year from the adoption of
the Housing Element, will require its own City environmental review. At that time, if adverse impacts are
assessed, appropriate mitigation measures will be identified. [Source C]
c. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation
plan?
No Impact. Please referto Section IV of this document. As an urbanized community, Rosemead has
no significant natural habitats, and has not adopted a habitat conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan. Furthermore, the proposed Housing Element will be consistent with the Land Use
and Resource Management Elements of the General Plan, which include policies to conserve and
protect natural resources and open space areas within and surrounding the City. The Housing Element
has been prepared in a manner making it consistent with other elements and areas of the General Plan,
and does not grant any development entitlements or propose any new land uses that would be in
conflict with the City's current open space designations. Therefore, implementation of the policies and
programs in the proposed Housing Element will not conflict with the policies identified in other elements
of the General Plan. [Source B]
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES Would the project:
a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to
the region and the residents of the state?
No Impact. The City is located in an urbanized area. The General Plan does not identify any areas
within the City where significant mineral deposits are present, nor does it identify any mineral resource
recovery sites. Therefore, no significant loss of known mineral resources of value to the region or the
State is anticipated. [Source A]
RosEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 33
INITIAL STUDY
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement X(a).
XII. NOISE Would the project result in:
a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in
the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
No Impact. The City is located in a highly urbanized area, and therefore, is exposed to noise from
construction activities and traffic on the City's roadway system. Any future housing development will be
subject to General Plan Noise Element policies and the noise standards of the Municipal Code. The
Housing Element is a policy document and does not involve any construction activities, grant any
development entitlements or propose any new land uses that could generate increased noise levels,
whether temporary or permanent. [Source A]
b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration orgroundborne
noise levels?
No Impact. The proposed Housing Element, in and of itself, is not a development project and does not
propose any new development, land use changes or alterations to the existing environment of the City
that could generate groundborne noise or vibration. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated.
C. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without the project?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement XI(a).
d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the projectvicinity
above levels existing without the project?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement XI(a).
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project
expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
No Impact. The nearest aviation facility is the El Monte Airport, located approximately one mile to the
east of the city.. The City does not fall within the airport's land use plan. Additionally, the Housing
Element is a policy document and does not grant any development entitlements or propose any land
use changes that would introduce additional population into the airport's vicinity. [Source Q
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
No Impact. There are no private airstrips located within the City of Rosemead or within its immediate
vicinity.
RosEMEAD HousING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 34
1N177AL STUDY
XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING Would the project:
a. Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing
new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or
other infrastructure?
No Impact. The Housing Element is not a development project, but rather a policy document, and any
future new residential development within the City will be consistent with land uses and densities
designated in the Land Use Element of the General Plan and zoning ordinance of the Municipal Code.
Since the Land Use Element is consistent with the adopted SCAG Regional Comprehensive Planning
Guide (RCPG) and the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) forecasts, the Housing Element will not
alter the official regional or local population projections.
Additionally, the Housing Element is consistent with SCAG RHNA forecasts, which state that 780 units
are needed in the City during the 2006 -2014 planning period to meet its "fair share" of the regional
housing needs. This represents only one -half of one percent of the nearly 15,000 existing housing units
in the City, according to the California Department of Finance. The intent of the Housing Element is to
analyze the City's capacityto accommodate the future housing need allocation identified by the RHNA.
It does not grant specific development entitlements or propose any land use changes that could induce
substantial population growth. [Sources A and O]
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
No Impact. The Housing Element includes goals and policies that promote the conservation and
rehabilitation of the existing housing stock of the City of Rosemead. Two key goals are: 1) "Encourage
the maintenance and upgrading of existing housing stock to ensure a decent, safe, and sanitary home
for all Rosemead residents" and 2) "Protect existing stable, single - family neighborhoods throughout the
City." Examples of Housing Element policies include:
• Encourage the rehabilitation of existing substandard units to bring them up to code and extend
their useful life.
• Conserve existing mobile home parks that are economically and physically sound, and establish
relocation assistance guidelines for parks that are converted.
To support these goals and policies, the Housing Element contains several programs intended to
preserve and enhance the existing housing stock, including programsto provide owner - occupied home
rehabilitation loans, assist homeowners with design of home improvement projects, and a code
enforcement program to ensure that all properties are properly maintained and their useful lives
extended. Furthermore, the proposed Housing Element is not a development project and does not
propose any new development, land use changes or alterations to the existing environment of the City.
In addition, there are no policies or programs within the Housing Element that will displace any
substantial number of homes or residents in the City.
C. Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
No Impact. Refer to previous statement XII(b).
Rose HOUSING ELmjENT UPDATE PAGE 35
LWT]AL STUDY
XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES Would the project:.
a. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the
provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically
altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant
environmental impacts, in orderto maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or
other performance objectives for any of the public services:
Fire protection?
No Impact. Fire protection service is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The
Fire Department operates two fire stations within the City Station No. 4 at 2644 North San Gabriel
Boulevard, and Station No. 42 9319 East Valley Boulevard. Average response time within the City
is 4:47 minutes for emergency responses, within national standards, and 6:36 minutes for non -
emergency responses. Since the Housing Element is not a development project or land use plan, it
will not result in an increase in demand for fire protection services or an increase in the Fire
Department's response time to emergency calls. [Source B]
ii. Police protection?
No Impact. Police protection services are provided to the City by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs
Department (LASD). Service is primarily administered from the Temple Station in the Region I
patrol area. The Station's response time goals are four to five minutes for emergency calls, eight to
nine minutes for priority calls, and 30-40 minutes for routine calls. The Station currently achieves all
of these response time goals. Since the Housing Element is not a development projector land use
plan, it will not add population or housing to the area that would result in an increase in demand for
police protection services or an increase in the LASD's response time to emergency calls. [Source
B]
iii. Schools?
No Impact. All housing development and rehabilitation actions within the City will conform to the
General Plan and Municipal Code. The proposed Housing Element would not have a substantial
direct or indirect impact on the number of housing units in the City beyond those anticipated by the
General Plan. As a policy document, the Housing Element does not grant any development
entitlements or propose any land use changes that would introduce additional population and thus
increase the need for school facilities. [Source A]
iv. Parks?
No Impact. Adoption of the Housing Element will not result in adverse physical impacts associated
with the provision of new or physically altered park facilities. As a policy document, the Housing
Element does not grant any development entitlements or propose any land use changes that would
result in the construction of park facilities or lead to an increased need for park facilities. All future
development that occurs under policies identified in the Housing Element will be subject to site -
specific environmental review by the City and comply with the applicable policies and regulations
related to public service.
V. Other public facilities?
No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document concerning the provision of housing for the
residents of Rosemead. It does not propose the construction of any public facilities, nor does it
grant any development entitlements or make any land use changes that would increase the need
for any public facilities in the City.
RosENEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 36
JNITIAL STUDY
XV. RECREATION Would the project:
a. Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated?
No Impact. As previously discussed, the proposed Housing Element is not a development project or
land use plan and does not grant entitlements to any new development or propose any land use
changes or alterations to the existing environment of the City. Thus, it will not introduce new population
that would substantially deteriorate parks and recreational facilities through increased use.
b. Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
No Impact. The Housing Element does not have provisions or requirements for the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities.
XVI. TRANS PORTATION/TRAFFIC Would the project:
a. Cause an increase in traffic, which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and
capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of
vehicle trips, the volume of capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)?
No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document, not a development project or land use plan,
and does not grant any development entitlements or introduce any land uses. Thus, it will not lead to an
increase in vehicle trips, volume- capacity ratio, or congestion
b. Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the
county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways?
No Impact. The proposed Housing Element will not grant any development entitlements, change the
designated land uses of the City, make any alterations to the existing roadway network or result in any
increase in population. Thus, it will not affect vehicle traffic in a manner that exceeds roadway level of
service standards.
C. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a
change in location that results in substantial safety risks?
No Impact. The Housing Element does not grant any development entitlements or propose any land
use changes that would introduce additional population, contribute to increased air traffic levels, or
necessitate a change in the location of any aviation facilities.
d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document, not a development project or land use plan. It
does not call for any changes to the design of the City's roadway network, nor does it introduce any land
uses not included in the General Plan.
e. Result in inadequate emergency access?
No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document and will not alter land use or circulation
patterns. The City has designated specific evacuation routes, including major and secondary arterial
roadways, which permit adequate emergency access. [Source A]
RosEwEAD Hou&wG ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 37
INMAL STUDY
Result in inadequate parking capacity?
No Impact. The Housing Element does not grant entitlements to any development projects or make
any land use changes that could place additional demand on the City's existing vehicle parking supply,
nor does it propose alterations to the physical environment of the City that could reduce the amount of
available parking. All future development, residential and otherwise, will adhere to parking requirements
in the Citys Municipal Code.
g. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation
(e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?
No Impact. The General Plan Circulation Element contains Goal 2, Policies 2.1 through 2.6, and
Actions 2.1 through 2.5, which concern the development of infrastructure and service to support
alternative travel modes. All future residential development will be reviewed in accordance with these
requirements. The proposed Housing Element is not a land use plan and does not grant any
development entitlements, nor does it contain any goals, policies or programs that contradict or alter the
alternative transportation provisions of the Circulation Element. [Source A]
XVILUTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Would the project:
a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality
Control Board?
No impact. The City of Rosemead contracts with the Los Angeles County Consolidated Sewer
Maintenance District for maintenance of local sewer lines that connect to trunk lines owned and
operated by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, District 15. According to the General Plan
EIR, the sewers in the southern portion of the City (south of Interstate 10) are likely operating at or near
capacity, while the sewer operation level in the northern part of the City is unknown. However, since the
Housing Element does not grant any development entitlements, propose any new land uses or make
any alterations to the existing physical environment of the City, it will not cause or contribute to
increases in wastewater generation. [Source B]
b. Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
No Impact. The Housing Element is not a development or land use plan, but rather a policy document.
It does not require the construction or expansion of water or wastewater facilities, nor does it grant any
development entitlements or introduce any land uses that will increase the generation of wastewater or
the demand for potable water.
C. Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental
effects?
No Impact. Rosemead is a highly developed area that has an extensive stormwater drainage system in
place. Since the proposed project does not grant any development entitlements or alter the type or
intensity of land uses permitted within the City, there will be no adverse impacts to the existing
stormwater drainage system. The adoption of the proposed Housing Element will not result in the need
to construct new storm drain facilities. [Sources A and B]
d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements
and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed?
No Impact. Domestic water service in the City is provided by six water purveyors through existing
water lines and facilities: Adams Ranch Mutual Water Company, San Gabriel County Water District,
Golden State Water Company, Amarillo Mutual Water District, and the San Gabriel Valley Water
ROSENEAD HOUSxG ELEMENT UPDATE PACE 38
1NITUL STUDY
Company. According to the General Plan EIR, the two smallest purveyors —Adams and Amarillo —
are not required to submit urban water management plans (UWMPs). The UWMPs for the four
remaining companies, the purveyors source their water from a combination of groundwater and
imported water. Groundwater comes from the San Gabriel Valley Groundwater Basin, part of which lies
directly under the City. Imported water is purchased from the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal
Water District, which in turns purchases water from the larger Metropolitan Water District. The
imported water is used mainly for groundwater recharge.
As previously stated, current policies and practices ensure that the City's water supply can
accommodate the future level of growth projected in the General Plan. Additionally, the proposed
Housing Element is not a development project or land use plan and will not grant development
entitlements or change the type or intensity of land uses from those anticipated in the existing General
Plan and analyzed in the General Plan EIR. There will be no adverse groundwater impacts. [Source B]
e. Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may
serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected
commitments?
No impact. Refer to previous statement XVI(a).
f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's
solid waste disposal needs?
No impact. The City of Rosemead contracts with Consolidated Disposal Services for solid waste and
refuse collection services. According to the General Plan EIR, the City disposes approximately 66,000
tons of waste to landfills annually. Most solid waste collected in Rosemead is driven to the Bel -Art
Waste Transfer Station in Long Beach, where it is moved onto larger trucks and taken to the Chiquita
Canyon landfill in Santa Clarita. About 60 percent of solid waste collected in the City ends up at
Chiquita Canyon, while 30 percent goes to the Puente Hills landfill in City of Industry. The remaining 10
percent is burned for energy, composted, or used in other ways. The General Plan EIR states that
projected levels of growth under General Plan land use policies would increase the City's solid waste
generation by approximately 484 tons per week, which is only one percent of the combined capacity of
the two landfills. However, Puente Hills is scheduled to close in 20.13, while Chiquita Canyon is
scheduled to close in 2019. Once this occurs, the City's increased waste generation will have to be
absorbed by other facilities.
While the issue of solid waste generation is ongoing and serious, the Housing Element will not
contribute to it. The Housing Element does not grant any development entitlements or change the types
or intensities of land uses contained in the General Plan. Thus, it would not increase the population or
the generation of solid waste in the City. [Source B]
g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
No Impact. The City of Rosemead is currently complying with AB 939, which requires the City to adopt
and implement a SRRE and to divert 50 percent of the solid waste from its landfills by the year 2000.
The City has entered into a multijurisdictional agreement as a member of the Los Angeles Area
Integrated Waste Management Association, which has an approved diversion rate of 59 percent. The
City will continue to comply with the all federal, state and local statues and regulations related to solid
waste. [Sources B, N]
RosEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 39
INITIAL STUDY
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community. Reduce the number of or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or
animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or
prehistory?
No Impact. Refer to previous statements in Section IV (Biological Resources) and Section V (Cultural
Resources).
b. Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable?
( "Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are
considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of
other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)?
No Impact. The proposed Housing Element is not a development project or land use plan, but rather a
policy document. It does not grant any development entitlements or change the land use policies of the
General Plan, nor does it make any alterations to the physical environment of the City. Therefore it
would not contribute to the cumulative impacts of other projects in the area. Furthermore, the Housing
Element will be consistent with other elements of the General Plan, which was already analyzed in the
certified EIR for cumulative environmental impacts.
C. Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or indirectly?
No Impact. Previous sections reviewed the proposed Housing Element's potential impacts related to
aesthetics, agricultural resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils,
greenhouse gas emissions, hazardous materials, hydrology and water, land use, mineral resources,
noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation /traffic, and utilities. As
explained in these previous sections, implementation of the proposed Housing Element will not result in
significant environmental impacts related to these issues.
ROSEMEAD HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PAGE 40
INTTTAL STUDY
F 4
City of Rosemead A
g
DRAFT NEGATIVE DECLARATION of
City of Rosemead 2008 -2014 Housing Element,
.9*1
Project: City of Rosemead 2008 -2014 Housing Element
Location: City of Rosemead, County of Los Angeles, California
Project Proponent: City of Rosemead (Lead Agency)
Project Description: The purpose of the Housing Element is to provide suitable housing for all
residents of Rosemead regardless of income, age, race, religion, gender or
ethnic background. This Housing Element sets forth the City's 2008 -2014
strategy to address the community's housing needs. It includes the
preservation and improvement of the community's residential character, the
expansion of housing opportunities for all economic segments of the
community, and the provision of guidance and direction for local
government decision - making on all matters relating to housing.
As required by State law, the City of Rosemead has identified programs in
this Housing Element to meet its "fair share" of the existing and future
housing needs. According to the Southern California Association of
Governments, Regional Housing Needs Assessment, there is a need for an
additional 780 units in the City between 2008 and 2014.
Existing Condition: The City of Rosemead is primarily a low- density residential community
located in a highly urbanized area of Los Angeles County. Land use
estimates indicate that over 99 percent of the land in the City is developed
and a majority of the land is designated in the General Plan for low- density
residential uses. In January 2008, the City had a population of 57,003
residents.
Summary of Impacts: Attached is the Initial Study prepared for the 2008 -2014 Housing Element.
According to the Initial Study, the proposed Housing Element could not
Availability of Document
Complete copies of the Draft Negative Declaration and Initial Study are on file at Rosemead City
Hall, 8838 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California 91770 -1787. Anyone wishing to view these
documents should contact the Community Development Department, Planning Division at (626) 569-
2140.
Findings:
In accordance with the City of Rosemead policies regarding implementation of the California
Environmental Quality Act, the City has conducted the Initial Study attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference to determine whether the proposed project may have a significant adverse effect
on the environment.
On the basis of the Initial Study, the City of Rosemead hereby finds:
O The proposed project would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment;
therefore, it does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report.
❑ Although the proposed project could have a significant adverse effect on the environment,
there will not be a significant adverse effect in this case because the mitigation measure
described in the attached Initial Study have been added to the project and will reduce any
such effects to a level of insignificance. An Environmental Impact Report is therefore not
required.
Notice:
This document is an information document about environmental effects and is provided for public
review. The decision- making body will review this document before considering the proposed
project.
This Draft Negative Declaration may become final unless written comments or an appeal is received
by the office listed above by 6:00 p.m. on April 25, 2011. If you wish to appeal the appropriateness
or adequacy of this document, address your written comments to the City's finding that the project
will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment: (1) identify the environmental effect(s),
why they would occur, and why they would be significant, and (2) suggest any mitigation measures
whit h you believe would eliminate or reduce the effect to an acceptable level. Regarding item (1)
a=, explain the basis for your comments and submit any supporting data or references.
31aa1 2011
Date
COMMkinl} ��I�om �irecl��
Name tr Title