Amendments proposed for zoning ordinances

COUNCIL

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Bill 897, which both took effect on Jan. 1, include numerous changes to the state ADU laws. The changes proposed by the new state laws include an increase to the maximum building height limit and a number of technical changes intended to make ADUs easier to build.

“In addition to amendments required for compliance with State Law, staff is recommending several changes to further facilitate production of ADUs, consistent with the city’s Draft 2023–2031 Housing Element program recommendations regarding conversion of commercial portions of mixeduse buildings to ADUs and construction of

HABITAT

Continued from Page A1 families and seniors living in the city with necessary home repairs, accessibility modifications and aging-in-place adaptations so they can remain safely in their homes.

Home repairs would be confirmed for applicants who own their home, earn an income below 80% of the area median income, live within city limits and demonstrate urgent need based on other criteria, according to staff.

Habitat staff would manage the pilot program from the initial application solicitations through application submissions, evaluations and qualifications.

The staff members would work directly with homeowners, contractors and subcontractors to develop the necessary scope of work, obtain any required permits and oversee the construction process to successful completion.

This work will include payment of funds to contractors and subcontractors for completed work. No funding will be paid directly to homeowners.

A one-time investment in a home repair can greatly extend two ADUs (double-ADUs) on existing multiunit properties,” according to the city of Santa Barbara.

Amendments are proposed for both the Inland Zoning Ordinance and Coastal Zoning Ordinance. After adoption by the council, the amendments would be submitted to the California Coastal Commission as a standalone Local Coastal Program amendment. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendments on Nov. 17, and the council’s Ordinance Committee reviewed the proposed amendments on Dec. 6. Both forwarded a recommendation to the council for adoption.

“Although the city has approved a growing number of ADUs, property owners have expressed interest in increasing the allowed number of ADUs on properties with existing multi-unit development,” staff said. The city will conduct outreach to evaluate and implement procedural changes to assist ADU applicants and develop additional guidance to support residents who are seeking city ADU approvals. email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com the life of the home and is far more cost-effective than new construction, staff said. The average cost of a home repair is approximately $5,000 while new construction costs can be as high as $500/square foot.

In addition, the city will research and collaborate with community organizations and nonprofits who are interested in offering ADUs as deed-restricted affordable housing, and look for ways to implement a pilot program with incentives for property owners to provide ADUs as deed-restricted housing or housing choice vouchers for lowincome seniors, students and other community members in need of affordable housing.

“It is critical that Santa Barbara retains its current affordable housing stock through rehabilitations that ensure decent and sustainable housing,” staff said. “Safe, decent and affordable housing creates an environment of safety and security for all residents.

“The vast majority of government funding targets rental housing exclusively. While this is important, Santa Barbara has a vast array of affordable housing needs, including low- and very low-income households who own their home but have scarce resources for needed repairs.”

According to Habitat Program data captured since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020:

• Habitat’s home repair clients are 78 years old, on average.

• Seventy percent of households served include homeowners who have a disability. The average annual income of homeowner repair clients is below $30,000 annually.

• All homeowners served are at or below 80% of the area median income for Santa Barbara County.

“Staff supports Habitat’s request to establish and operate a pilot program in order to assist low-income homeowners with needed home repairs. Attending to repair and rehabilitation needs will ensure preservation of housing, enabling low-income households to remain in their homes,” the city staff said.

Habitat has operated the same program for Santa Barbara County for the past year “and has an excellent record of providing successful rehabilitation projects that address the needs of several households in the community,” staff said.

“By offering a one-year pilot program, the city can assess the success of the program before committing to supporting an ongoing program.” email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Established in 2000, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County partners with low-income individuals and families to build or improve a place to call home.

Homeowners build their residence alongside volunteers and purchase their home, paying an affordable mortgage. Habitat has built 22 new homes for 84 people (half of whom are children) and led efforts to rebuild and repair 180 homes across southern Santa Barbara County.