Los Altos’ process for approving the construction of secondary suites is too difficult and restrictive, residents said at the first community workshop last week to update the city’s housing component.
One resident noted that it took over a year to get her ADU permit approved.
“There has to be a better process,” she said. “20 years ago it was easier to get my house licensed – simplifying would be a big help.”
The Jan. 13 discussion, led by representatives of the city’s housing elements consultant, Lisa Wise Consulting, focused on gathering feedback from residents as the city seeks to reassess its housing needs in part of state mandates requiring the predominantly single-family zoned community to generate more housing – much more. Los Altos is required to deliver 1,958 new units – its Regional Housing Needs Allocation, or RHNA – during the next housing element cycle, 2023-2031. Of these units, 843 must be at market rate and 1,115 below market rate.
The purpose of the housing element is to compel cities to provide their “fair share”, with housing needs being met for a wide range of demographic groups – from low-income seniors to those with special needs.
Last week’s workshop included a description of the housing component, an overview of local demographics and online participant surveys with multiple-choice questions. (Example: What are the most critical housing issues in Los Altos? Number of units built received the most votes, followed by housing for young families.) the workshop.
ADUs can be added to the number of slots and are considered to help meet the requirement.
“I should look at the comments first – I’m not aware of anything we’re doing that’s too restrictive,” City Manager Gabriel Engeland told the town crier. “We will definitely look at our process and streamline it in any way we can.”
Lisa Wise’s rep Jen Murillo, who led much of the Jan. 13 discussion, said about 550 to 650 units would need to be rezoned out of R1, or single-family zoning, to meet RHNA goals.
“We want to preserve single-family zoning,” another resident said.
Some also cited a lack of response from the city to questions already asked and inadequate outreach.
“If we have 30,000 residents and 50 people showing up for (this) meeting, it’s not enough,” said one resident.
However, several comments from residents reflected a desire to make the housing component work. One described how duplexes can be tastefully blended into single-family homes. Others suggested using church and school properties to
lodging.
City officials envision a nearly year-long process of public comment and data refinement in developing and implementing the plan.
Next steps include further discussion at the Planning Commission meeting on February 3, another community workshop scheduled for March 1, and a housing element project to be sent to the Department of Housing and Community Development in the United States. ‘state for review. The final document is expected to be adopted in December and will enter into force in January 2023.
For more information, visit losaltoshousing.org.
