Pittsburg

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Housing Element Status
In Progress
Rent Burden
61%
rent burdened
Affordable Housing Production
72%
affordable permits issued
Housing Policies and Programs
67
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

67
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
4/11
Preserve
2/9
Produce
4/14
Prevent
1/8
Condominium Conversion Ordinance
Flexible Parking Requirements
Homeowner Repair or Rehabilitation
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
In-Lieu Fees (Inclusionary Zoning)
Locally-Funded Homebuyer Assistance
Reduced Fees or Permit Waivers
Tenant-Based Assistance
Acquisition/Rehabiliation/Conversion
By-Right Strategies
Commercial Development Impact Fee
Form-Based Codes
General Fund Allocation
Graduated Density Bonus
Home Sharing Programs
Housing Development Impact Fee
Housing Overlay Zones
Implementation of SB743
Just Cause Eviction
Mobile Homes Conversion Ordinance
One-to-One Replacement
Preservation of Mobile Homes (Rent Stabilization Ordinance)
Rent Stabilization
SRO Preservation Ordinance
Streamlined Permitting Process
Surplus Public Lands Act
Pittsburg'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
13-P-2.3.F
Continue to support community based job training programs to help individuals learn necessary skills to attain higher paying jobs and transition out of the Section 8 program.
Ongoing. Future Build provides pre-apprenticeship training for low-income residents in East Contra Costa County. Training is offered in the building trades, solar theory and installation, construction, and hazardous waste. The program also provides post-graduate services including job coaching, referrals, and assistance from workforce investment job placement specialists. Successful graduates have been hired at Plumbers Local 159, Iron Workers Local 378, Laborer’s Local 324, Solar City, Aerotec, and Tesla. Opportunity Junction (headquartered in Antioch) also provides job training and placement in addition to career counseling and placement assistance.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-2.5.A
Continue to advocate for and operate the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Increase the number of vouchers available, when possible.
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburg continues to provide rental housing assistance to approximately 948 Section 8 voucher holders, which includes 185 Housing Choice Vouchers for homeless veterans in Contra Costa County. In 2017, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburg opened the Housing Choice Voucher Wait List and conducted a lottery. In 2020, HA Staff began purging the Wait List in preparation in assisting applicants who were selected for consideration when funding is available. In October, the HACP Staff applied for additional funding for Housing Choice Vouchers (Veterans’ Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers aka VASH Vouchers) for homeless veterans in Contra Costa County. Additional VASH vouchers were awarded in Summer 2018 & Spring 2019.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-3.1.E
Give preference to persons who live and/or work within the City of Pittsburg in the purchase or rental of local price restricted housing units constructed and/or acquired with local affordable housing funds.
A local resident and employee preference policy was implemented for all participants in the First Time Homebuyer Program prior to its dissolution; however, there is no local preference policy for potential occupants of inclusionary housing units.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-4.1.B
Continue to offer housing rehabilitation loans to owners of single-family and multi-family residences.
During the 2019-2020 fiscal year, $116,792 of CDBG funds was allocated for the housing rehabilitation program to sustain the existing housing stock, much of which is occupied by low-income residents. During the same period, $23,910 was expended under the Housing Rehabilitation program and assisted 2 Pittsburg resident with the renovation of their home.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-2.6.A
Continue to offer rehabilitation loans and possibly grants to low- and moderate-income homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their residence and/or replace existing energy inefficient appliances.
During the 2020-2021 fiscal year, $10,000 of CDBG and $100,000 of Successor Agency funds were allocated for the housing rehabilitation program to sustain the existing housing stock, much of which is occupied by low-income residents. During the same period, $43,966 was expended under the Housing Rehabilitation program and assisted 2 Pittsburg residents with the renovation of their homes.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-2.5.C
Provide support for the development of rental units for extremely low-, very low-, low-, and moderate-income households that are developed by nonprofit organizations by offering technical assistance, funding application assistance, fee waivers and deferrals, and financial assistance if and when available.
Implemented on a case-by-case basis as affordable housing projects are proposed.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-3.1.F
Continue to refer families to Pacific Community Services (PCS) for fair housing issues or complaints. Provide posters with fair housing referral information in the lobby area of the Housing Authority office and add information to the Housing Authority’s website.
Currently, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburg staff refers fair housing issues to PCS. Fair housing information, including complaint forms and City contact information is available online. The Housing Authority Website will continue to be updated throughout the coming year. This program will continue to be implemented on an ongoing basis depending on the availability of funding.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-5.2.A
Publicize the existing street tree program in neighborhoods where street trees are scarce. Expand the program as funds become available.
This program has not been implemented.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-2.5.B
Continue to publicize the Housing Choice Voucher Program/benefits, and encourage the participation of single and multi-family property owners.
The Housing Authority continues to market the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program by directly contacting and informing landlords and property managers about the program and by keeping program information current on the City website.
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-4.1.A
Continue to investigate complaints and take appropriate action involving Building and Housing Code violations in single-family and multi-family rental housing.
The Building Division administers the City’s Residential Rental Inspection Program which was established in 2006, with the adoption of Ordinance No. 06-1259. The Rental Inspection Program involves the identification and registration of rental properties in the City, the physical inspection of properties, and the issuance of correction notices and citations in order to gain compliance. This is accomplished through inspection, notification, communication, and the issuance of citations. The Building Division is also a key member of the City’s Code Enforcement Team. The team includes staff from the Police Department, Engineering and Planning Divisions, the City Manager’s office, and the City Attorney’s office. This group systematically addresses the more egregious Municipal Code violations in addition to establishing a proactive response to citizens’ concerns. During the 2020-2021 fiscal year, $152,000 in CDBG funds was allocated to Code Enforcement activities to investigate complaints and take appropriate action involving residential code violations
Ongoing
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-1.1.E
Support the use of Planned Development zoning for projects, when utilized to accommodate innovative site plans aimed at preserving open space, offering new recreational opportunities, and/or increasing the supply of affordable housing.
The City has utilized the PD District zoning to allow for higher density mixed-use development as well as high-density, luxury apartments in the hills. In 2016, 2018, and 2019 the City approved the Waterstone, Liberty, and Alves Ranch subdivisions, which included requests for Planned Development (PD) zoning to allow the development of 485 units, plus 20 accessory dwelling units which are affordable by design. Each subdivision utilizes innovative site plans to help maximize the number of units on these infill sites. In 2020, the City approved the 270-unit San Marco Villas III Apartments Project on a site with PD zoning.
Upon request by developers or as deemed appropriate
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-1.5.B
Work with Delta Diablo Sanitation District and Contra Costa Water District to reduce or waive fees for utility installations for accessory dwelling units.
New accessory dwelling unit (ADU) laws went into effect on January 1, 2020 that define the maximum standards that can be applied to ADUs and Junior ADUs. The City Council adopted revisions to the City’s ADU ordinance to bring them into compliance with the new State laws. The passage of these laws has significantly raised interest in the construction of ADUs in Pittsburg. In 2020, the City issued 12 permits for attached and detached ADUs. The development agreement for the SW Hills Faria Project, if approved, would require construction of 150 attached ADUs throughout the future subdivision. Other subdivisions that have ADU construction requirements as part of their development agreements include the Liberty and Waterstone subdivisions. The City has also received SB 2 grant funds to prepare pre-approved ADU plans that could be used by residents to help reduce the cost of ADU construction. The consultant contract for that work was approved by City Council in 2020.
2015-2017
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-1.6.B
Monitor the City’s inventory of sites appropriate to meet housing at all income levels and ensure that adequate sites remain available throughout the planning period, in compliance with Government Code Section 65863(b).
Ongoing. The Successor Agency to the City of Pittsburg Redevelopment Agency (Successor Agency) staff maintains a list of City and Successor Agency-owned parcels that is available to the public upon request. In addition, all City employees have access to an online Geographic Information System (GIS) web page that contains up-to-date property information, which staff can provide to the public upon request.
2014-2022
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-2.2.A
Continue to implement a Home Rehabilitation Loan Program, providing grants to extremely low-, very low-, and low-income senior and disabled households to increase the handicap accessibility of their homes. Advertise the loan program through flyers, online materials, and outreach at the Senior Center and the Housing Authority.
During the 2019-2020 fiscal year $116,792 of CDBG funds were allocated for the housing rehabilitation program to sustain the existing housing stock, much of which is occupied by low-income residents. This amount is down from $180,399 from the previous year.
Ongoing; distribute flyers and update outreach materials annually or as needed
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-2.4.H
Review the appropriateness and feasibility of the City’s inclusionary housing regulations as they relate to new and existing for-sale and rental housing development. Evaluate fluctuations in market-rate home sale and rental prices, income trends, and other relevant data, as well as recent case and state law as it relates to the City’s adopted policy. If appropriate, consider adopting a revised inclusionary policy for new development in which fee payment (such as an affordable housing linkage fee) is the primary form of compliance for various types of development. Identify appropriate strategies for working with owners and occupants of existing inclusionary units depending on the results of the analysis.
This program has not been implemented during the current Housing Element cycle.
2017
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-1.2.C
Ensure that at least half the homes approved and constructed on estate size lots in the foothills are over 3,000 square feet (net garage) in size.
All development projects and tentative subdivision maps are subject to review by the Planning Commission; therefore, this policy be implemented on a case-by-case basis.
Ongoing; implement as development projects are proposed
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-1.2.D
Support the development of moderate- and above moderate-income housing within the existing City limits, such as high-end condominiums, townhouses, and single-family units with premium views and amenities throughout the city to increase economic activity within these areas.
In 2015, the Planning Commission approved the construction of Greystone Place (38 units) within the Railroad Avenue Specific Plan (RASP) PDA and the renovation of the Burlessas Building, which would include ground floor retail and eight multi-family residential units on the second floor. Construction of the Greystone Place Subdivision was completed in 2016. In 2016 and 2018, the City approved the Waterstone and Liberty subdivisions, which included requests for Planned Development (PD) zoning to allow the development of 139 units, plus 14 accessory dwelling units. The City also approved the 62-unit Edgewater Apartment Project in 2018. Construction of the Waterstone Subdivision was completed in 2019. Construction of the Liberty Subdivision began in 2019 and is near completion. The Edgewater Apartments Project was completed in 2019. In 2017, the City approved the Esperanza Apartments, a 318-unit multi-family development which will significantly increase the number of moderate- and above moderate-income multi-family units in the City. This project is still on hold. In 2019, the City approved the Alves Ranch Subdivision, which included a request to rezone the site from a combination of High Density Residential (RH-P) and Office Commercial (CO-P) to Planned Development (PD) and Community Commercial (CC) in order to allow a single-family residential project with 346 units, plus six accessory dwelling units. Construction of the Alves Ranch Subdivision is still underway. In 2020, the City approved San Marco Villas III. The Villas project will provide 270 additional market-rate apartment units near the northwest corner of W. Leland Road and San Marco Boulevard.
Ongoing; implement as development projects are considered and proposed
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-2.4.F
Continue to co-sponsor homeownership/credit preparation classes within the community.
Currently, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburg staff provides individual counseling on eligibility requirements, credit issues and pre- & post-homeownership counseling. This program will continue to be implemented on an ongoing basis depending on the availability of funding.
Ongoing; co-sponsor classes on quarterly basis or as appropriate
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-1.2.A
Establish minimum lot sizes when prezoning the foothills to accommodate large homes. Provide flexible lot sizes on up to 50% of the lots, when requested, in conjunction with a density bonus and long-term affordable housing agreement
Developable areas within the southern foothills have been pre-zoned as HPD District, and upon annexation into the City, HPD District regulations would apply. The HPD District does not establish minimum lot sizes; however, the allowable density for new single-family residential development is identified as a range from 0.2 to 4.5 d.u./ac depending upon the average natural slope of a property. This type of density range would be conducive to large lot and large home development.
Ongoing; implement upon request
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
2022
13-P-1.4.C
Encourage owners of very large parcels (in excess of 20 acres) within one-half mile of an established or planned PDA to partner with nonprofit housing developers to develop a portion of the site with housing affordable to low- and moderate-income households.
Implementation ongoing as development projects are proposed within these areas.
Ongoing; implement as development projects are proposed
5th cycle, 2013 to 2022
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