Welcome to the Sierra Madre Housing Element Update
The City of Sierra Madre, along with all jurisdictions in the Southern California (SCAG) Region, is mandated by California State Law to prepare a Housing Element update for State certification. The Housing Element is part of Sierra Madre’s General Plan and establishes policies and programs to further the development, improvement and preservation of housing. State Housing Element law requires that each City and County identify and analyze their community’s existing and projected housing needs for an eight-year period, which for SCAG jurisdictions extends from October 2021 through October 2029, for the 6th cycle planning period.
Through a comprehensive analysis of existing and future needs, the State has determined that an additional 1.34 million housing units need to be constructed in the SCAG region during the above-mentioned planning period. Although not yet finalized, SCAG has allocated Sierra Madre a regional housing needs allocation, or “RHNA”, for 204 units to accommodate the estimated growth need among the following income levels:
|
6th RHNA Cycle (2021 -2029)
Units Allocated to Sierra Madre
|
|
Income Category
|
Housing Units
|
|
Very Low Income (< 50% AMI)
|
79
|
|
Low Income (51-80% AMI)
|
39
|
|
Moderate Income (80 – 120% AMI)
|
35
|
|
Above Moderate (> 120% AMI)
|
51
|
|
Total
|
204
|
Income Category (% of County AMI)
AMI = Area Median Income for LA County |
One of the important steps in the Housing Element Update process is to identify sites to accommodate this estimated growth at each income level. Choosing sites is completed with a thorough analysis of site-specific constraints, including but not limited to, size, location, current use, and development potential. Because of the built-out nature of the community, some of these sites may fall within the Measure V boundary and would require a public vote to redesignate as housing exceeding 13 units/acre.
City staff has conducted three public hearings before City Council to discuss potential sites for the Housing Element update (March 10, June 23, 2020 and October 13, 2020). The City Council and staff would like your input and feedback on potential sites.
Links to Recorded Council Meetings
Click here view Housing Element Item on March 10, 2020
Click here to view Housing Element item on June 23, 2020
Click here to view the Housing Element item on October 13, 2020
Upcoming workshop and meeting will be posted here.
Potential Sites for Housing
The City Council and staff would like
your input on potential sites for where new housing should be considered to
address Sierra Madre’s regional housing needs. Are there areas in the City that
are currently underutilized or properties that should be considered for
potential redevelopment for housing? Are you aware of any property owners
considering development of their properties? You can use the link below to
see the sites under consideration by City Council, and provide us your feedback
on these and any additional sites in the comment box below.
Click here to view the potential sites for housing
Affordable Housing on Congregational Land
The City hosted a zoom meeting with faith leaders of Sierra Madre and Dr. Jill Shook of Making Housing Happen to explore the concept of placing affordable housing on congregational land. The discussion presentation slides and video can be view below.
Presentation 1
Presentation 2
Get Involved!
There are many ways to get involved, and we want your participation! Public Participation will occur through the following methods:
Virtual Community Workshop - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1st AT 6PM
The Sierra Madre Planning & Community Preservation Department will be hosting a Community Workshop regarding the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update to be conducted online via Zoom. Community members are invited to participate and learn more about the Housing Element Update, including Sierra Madre’s existing and projected housing needs, identification of sites for new housing, and potential housing strategies. There will be opportunities to ask questions, share ideas, and provide input.
This community workshop will be held online as the City balances the health risks associated with COVID-19 during the current State of Emergency and in the interest of public health and safety. If you have any questions, please email housingelement2021@cityofsierramadre.com or you may contact Clare Lin, Associate Planner at (626) 355-7138.
Click here to view the recorded virtual community workshop, presentation slides, and questions and answers.
Additional Resources
Click here to view the 2014-2021 Housing Element Update
CA Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Southern CA Association of Governments (SCAG)
Regional Housing Needs Assessment - Frequently Asked Questions