Hayward

Housing Element Status
Certified
Rent Burden
53%
rent burdened
Affordable Housing Production
33%
affordable permits issued
Housing Policies and Programs
20
total policies
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Proposed Policies and Programs

Housing policies and programs are the strategies and laws that cities and counties legally have at their disposal to produce more and preserve existing affordable housing, as well as protect existing residents from getting displaced from their homes and communities.

5th Cycle Programs and Policies

20
policies and programs

Local housing policies and programs, as part of a housing element, have significant impacts on a city or county reaching its affordable housing goals. Each additional housing policy has a significant impact on the residents who are most in need of affordable housing. However, the number of policies or programs that a jurisdiction includes in their housing element is not meant to imply how well a city or county is addressing local housing needs since the quality and impact of each will need to be determined as well. Policies and programs listed here from jurisdictions’ Housing Elements are intended to allow readers to review the text themselves and see if a city or county is doing all they can to reach their affordable housing goals.

Historic 2018 Policies and Programs Categorization

To further policy innovation and local action, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) contacted all of the region's jurisdictions to track the adoption of key housing policies throughout the nine county Bay Area in four major categories Protect, Preserve, Produce, and Prevent. This data is from ABAG’s Policies and Program list and was last updated in 2018/2019.

Protect
7/11
Preserve
5/9
Produce
8/14
Prevent
5/8
Acquisition/Rehabiliation/Conversion
By-Right Strategies
Condominium Conversion Ordinance
Flexible Parking Requirements
Form-Based Codes
Graduated Density Bonus
Homeowner Repair or Rehabilitation
Housing Development Impact Fee
Just Cause Eviction
Mobile Homes Conversion Ordinance
Preservation of Mobile Homes (Rent Stabilization Ordinance)
Reduced Fees or Permit Waivers
Rent Stabilization
Streamlined Permitting Process
Surplus Public Lands Act
Tenant-Based Assistance
Commercial Development Impact Fee
General Fund Allocation
Home Sharing Programs
Housing Overlay Zones
Implementation of SB743
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
In-Lieu Fees (Inclusionary Zoning)
Locally-Funded Homebuyer Assistance
One-to-One Replacement
SRO Preservation Ordinance
Hayward's Recorded Housing Policies

The California Department of Housing and Community Development tracks all of the ongoing and completed programs from 2018 onward and can be seen in the table below.

YEAR
PROGRAM NAME
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
STATUS
ACCOMPLISHED DATE
HOUSING CYCLE
2022
Mortgage Credit Certificate Program
H-2.1 Homeownership Housing To assist tenants to become homeowners to reach a 60 percent ownership occupancy rate, within the parameters of federal and state housing laws
The City contributes towards the administration costs of the MCC program, which is administered by the Alameda County Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). The MCC program allows low- and moderate-income homebuyers to deduct 15% of their annual mortgage interest payments on their federal income tax returns, effectively lowering the dollar amount of their monthly mortgage payments. CDLAC did not provide MCC funds to counties statewide in in 20202022 and a. As a result, no MCCs were issued.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Foreclosure Prevention and Counseling
H.1-5 Address foreclosures. To preserve homeownership and promote neighborhood stability.
The City used is utilizing CARES Act Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds to provide educational workshops and foreclosure/delinquency prevention counseling to low-income Hayward homeowners through Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA), a legal services and advocacy non-profit. and education in response to COVID-19.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Affordable Housing Development on Large Sites
H3.1 Diversity of Housing Types.  Allow for a range of residential densities and housing types, prices, ownership, and size, including low-density single-family uses, moderate-density townhomes, and higher-density apartments, transit oriented developments, etc.
Affordable housing on large sites is encouraged through early discussions with residential developers who are referred to the City's inventory of vacant and underutilized residential and mixed-use sites that can accommodate the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). In 2016, the City of Hayward entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to manage the disposition and development of former right of way for the now defunct Route 238 Bypass. This land is divided into 10 parcel groups and must be disposed of by 2027. In 2022, the City approved two development applications for Caltrans Parcels including Parcel Group 5 which consists of development of a 72-lot subdivision with 18 Accessory Dwelling Units deed restrcted for very low income households on a 37.75 acre site composed of several aggregated parcels; and Parcel Group 8 which consisted of development of an 96 unit, affordable housing development deed restricted for low income households on a 1.56-acre portion of a larger, approximately 20-acre site.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Residential Rental Inspection Program
H-1.1 Code enforcement. Safeguard the stock of safe, sanitary rental units within the City and protect local residents through systematic inspection of rental housing throughout the City.
The City’s Code Enforcement Division of Development Services Department continues to inspect rental property on an ongoing basis to be sure that Hayward’s housing stock remains safe and sanitary. In 2022, the Code Enforcement Division conducted 140 complaint based inspections on 256 units and nine proactive inspections on 53 units for a total of 291 units inspected in the calendar year.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Density Bonus
H-2.2 Provide Incentives for Affordable Housing. The City shall promote the use of density bonuses and other incentives to facilitate the development of new housing for extremely low, very low, and low-income households. development
In December 2022, the City adopted an updated Density Bonus Ordinance that complies with recent State legislation. A brochure highlighting the updated program is in progress and expected to be completed in early 2023.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Funding for Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing
H-Goal 6. To provide housing choices that serve the needs of special needs populations, including seniors, homeless, female headed households, large families, and persons with disabilities, including developmental disabilities
Community Services funds agencies that provide such services. In January 2019, the City Council approved a Navigation Center to increase shelter beds for literally homeless Hayward adults (18+ years old). The Navigation Center opened in November 2019. The Navigation Center is funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID-19 stimulus funding, Permanent Local Housing Allocation, Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention, Proposition 47, and general fund monies. In December 2020 the City Council approved opening a second temporary Navigation Center, housed out of a Hayward hotel, to provide isolation shelter and housing navigation services to homeless individuals vulnerable to COVID-19. The Navigation Center Hotel Annex Project is funded out of PLHA and general fund monies. In February 2021, the City opened the Hayward Navigation Center Annex to provide medically fragile adults (18+) with temporary non-congregate shelter. In July 2021, the City Council authorized American Rescue Plan COVID-19 stimulus funds in the amount of $3M to extend the Navigation Center Hotel Annex Program through January 2023. Across the Navigation Center and the Navigation Center Hotel Annex Project, over 300 previously homeless individuals have graduated the program into housing. The Hayward City Council additionally authorized $2M in ARPA funds to expand Hayward Winter Shelter to a nightly and year-round shelter. The Winter Shelter Expansion was initially authorized for twelve months, beginning in September 2021. Funding was approved to continue operations into 2023, with daytime resource hours discontinued in March 2023. The City continues to spend down this one-time stimulus funding and will continue to seek ongoing funds for emergency shelters and transition housing. The City of Hayward has applied for federal Congressionally-Directed Community Project funding (earmarks) for emergency shelter infrastructure updates but funding has not yet been determined. The City worked with a nonprofit and received state funding (Community Care Expansion) for 40 units of transitional housing/recuperative care.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Universal Design Principles
H-6.1 Address Special Housing Needs and H-6.7 Range of Housing for Seniors. Provide housing choices that serve the needs of special needs populations, including seniors, homeless, female headed households, large families, and persons with disabilities, including developmental disabilities
The City's Building Division follows the 2016 California Building Code Part 2, Volume 1, Chapters 11A, Housing Accessibility, and 11B, Accessibility to Public Buildings, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing when evaluating all proposed developments. These chapters apply to all new multi-family residential development and require that a certain percentage of units within a multi-family residential development be adaptable and accessible. This policy will continue to be implemented on a case-by-case basis. The application of these chapters is a good step in addressing the intent of this program as Chapter 11A and B address disabled access design criteria in the California Building Codes and the requirements for residential and commercial occupancies/uses. These codes model the ADA guidelines.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)
H-2.4 Integration of Affordable Housing.  Assist in the provision of housing that meet the needs of all socioeconomic segments of the community.
The City has continued to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, administered by the Housing Authority of the Alameda County. Nearly 2,000 hayward households benefit for vouchers annually.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program
H-1.2 Preserve Affordable Single family Homes. 
This is an on-going program. The City previously provided loans to low income households and partnered with Habitat for Humanity to provide rehabilitations for major systems repairs. The City did nto iss no longer issues new loans under this program, but many existing loans are still in effect.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
H-2.3 Inclusionary Housing Assist in the provision of housing that meet the needs of all socioeconomic segments of the community.
The adopted an Affordable Housing Ordinance (updated 2017) applies to all residential development proposals of two units or more and provides flexibility to the developers with respect to the means of compliance with affordable housing requirements. In 2022, the City initiated an update to the Affordable Housing Ordinance which is expected to be adopted in 2023.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Small Lot Consolidation
H-4.2 Clear Development Standards and Approval Procedures. Allow for a range of residential densities and housing types, prices, ownership, and size, including low-density single-family uses, moderate-density townhomes, and higher-density apartments, transit oriented developments, etc.
Development Services Department staff continues to explore small lot consolidation on a case-by-case basis with potential housing developers.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Outreach to Developmentally Disabled
H-6.2 Housing and Supportive Services. To provide housing choices that serve the needs of special needs populations persons with disabilities, including developmental disabilities.
Community Services funds agencies to provide the outreach and services. Access information to these services is available on the City's website.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Exemptions of Transit Priority Projects from Environmental Review
H-3.2 Transit oriented development.  Mitigate any potential constraints to housing production and affordability
Consistent with streamlining provisions of Senate Bill 375 (SB 375), the City recently adopted the Downtown Specific Plan, completed an update to the Mission Boulevard Code, and amended the General Plan to adopt new VMT thresholds to help streamline development review projects that are transit proximate and within 1/2 mile of the City's two BART Stations. In addition, State streamlining legislation (SB 35 and SB 330) have also helped to accelerate developments review through the creation of CEQA exemptions for transit-oriented developments.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Preservation of At-Risk Housing
H-1.4 Preserve at-risk Units. Avoid the loss of assisted housing units and the resulting displacement of low income residents
The City continues to monitor all units considered at risk of conversion to market rate and assist property owners in maintaining affordability of these units. The City supports and assists property owners in applying for State and Federal funding to preserve at-risk housing, and a as funding permits, shall provide financial assistance to nonprofit housing developers in the acquisition and rehabilitation of at-risk housing projects. The City will continue to proactively engage with owners of affordable housing to identify resources to maintain the units as affordable. The continues to ensure that property owners meet noticing requirements if affordability restrictions are terminated.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance for Emancipated Youth
H-6.1 Address Special Housing Needs.  To promote housing, along with supportive services, for household with special needs, including seniors, persons with disabilities, single-parents, and the homeless
The City continues to utilize HOME funding for tenant-based rental assistance to emancipated youth through Abode Services’ Project Independence. The program served 15 emancipated youth in FY 22. 
Ongoing subject to availability of HOME fund
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Affordable Housing Development
H-2.2 Provide Incentives for Affordable Housing. Assist in the provision of housing that meet the needs of all socioeconomic segments of the community
The City continues to partner with affordable housing developers to facilitate new construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental and homeownership developments. The City provides gap financing and assist developers with applications for state and federal funding. Through the Affordable Housing Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), the City is able to prioritize the City's housing goals and at-risk target at-risk populations.
2015-2017; Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Fair Housing Services
H-5.1 Fair Housing Services.  To support service and programs that eliminate housing discrimination
The Community Services Division continues to fund agencies that provide such services through Community Development Block Grant funding.
Ongoing subject to CDBG funding availability
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
No Net Loss Zoning
H-3.10 No Net Loss Zoning. Consistent with Government Code 65863, the City shall consider the impacts of rezoning and General Plan Amendments of residential sites on the City's ability to meet its share of the regional housing need. location, price, and tenure.
The City evaluates all entitlement applications to ensure that no Zone Changes or General Plan Amendments on sites identifed to meet the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). In 2022, the City approved two Planned Development District rezonings however they did not result in a reduction of allowable density on the sites.
Annual
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Minor Home Repair Grant (MHRP)
H-1.3 Residential Rehabilitation. Assist lower-income elderly and/or disabled homeowners to make minor home repairs in order to address health and safe issues, correct code violations, and address systems failures
This is an on-going program. The City partners with Habitat for Humanity to provide rehabilitations for major systems repairs and partners with Rebuilding Together to provide minor home repairs, including improvements for accessibility.
Ongoing subject to CDBG funding availability
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
Boomerang Funds
H-2.2 Provide Incentives for Affordable Housing. Assist in the provision of housing that meet the needs of all socioeconomic segments of the community.
The City continues to explore different funding mechanisms to finance affordable housing, including the use of Boomerang funds.  However, the adoption of those mechanisms has been limited by the full recovery of the local economy. However, the City awarded $33.5 million in local housing funds to incentivize the development of affordable housing. The City proactively seek opportunities to utilize Hayward Housing Authority Funds, Inclusionary Housing Funds, HOME funds, and Hayward's allocation of Alameda County's Measure A1 bond funds to support the development of affordable housing.  The City plans issuing a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to establish an affordable housing development pipeline. Eligible projects would be awarded as funding becomes available. Through the NOFA, the City is able to prioritize the City's housing goals and target at-risk and underserved populations.   Since the last NOFA, the City has collected $4 M in Affordable Housing in-lieu fees. The City plans to award these funds to affordable housing projects in 2023 through a NOFAT
2018-2020
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
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