Housing Element Update 2021-2029
South Pasadena Certified Housing Element
Final Approved Housing Element May 2023(PDF, 10MB)
July 29, 2024
City received certification letter(PDF, 191KB) from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
February 13, 2024
Letter received from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click link below to access: HCD Letter(PDF, 201KB)
May 30, 2023
City Council approved the Environmental Assessment and adopted the 2021-2029 Housing Element by a vote of 4-0.
City Council Resolution No. 7817(PDF, 142KB)
Environmental Assessment(PDF, 13MB)
May 17, 2023
The Draft Housing Element is scheduled for the City Council public meeting on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers.
May 16, 2023
Letter received from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click link below to access:
HCD Letter(PDF, 173KB)
May 11, 2023
The Planning Commission will consider the Draft Housing Element for recommendation to City Council at a special meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. The Planning Commission Agenda Packet can be accessed using link below:
May 17, 2023 Planning Commission Agenda Packet(PDF, 7MB)
May 5, 2023
The Planning Commission will consider the Draft Housing Element for recommendation to City Council at a special meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. The Draft Housing Element and related environmental disclosure documents (Notice of Preparation and Initial Study) can be accessed using links below:
- 5th Draft Housing Element, Clean Version(PDF, 10MB)
- 5th Draft Housing Element, Redlined Version(PDF, 10MB)
- 5th Draft Housing Element, Cumulative Redline(PDF, 17MB)
- Notice of Preparation(PDF, 650KB)
- Initial Study(PDF, 5MB)
The following documents were submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click links below to access the documents:
- HCD Transmittal Letter(PDF, 184KB)
- 5th Draft Housing Element, Clean Version(PDF, 10MB)
-5th Draft Housing Element, Redlined Version(PDF, 10MB)
- 5th Draft Housing Element, Cumulative Redline(PDF, 17MB)
April 28, 2023:
On Monday April 24, 2023, City staff had a status conference with HCD reviewers. Three minor text edits and one program revision were recommended in order to achieve HCD certification. The City has rescinded the March 24, 2023 version of the 5th Draft Housing Element. The four changes have been excerpted and redlined for ease of review. The City is releasing these changes for a seven-day comment period, through 4:00PM on Friday, May 5, 2023.
Excerpt Showing Changes to Programs 2.i, 2.m, 3.b, and 3.m(PDF, 193KB)
Please send all comments to: housingelement@southpasadenaca.gov
March 24, 2023:
The following documents were submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click links below to access the documents:
1. HCD Transmittal Letter(PDF, 221KB)
2. 5th Draft Housing Element, Clean Version(PDF, 9MB)
3. 5th Draft Housing Element, Redlined Version(PDF, 9MB)
4. 5th Draft Housing Element, Cumulative Redline(PDF, 17MB)
March 17, 2023:
The City of South Pasadena is re-releasing its 5th Draft Housing Element for additional public review until March 24, at 12:00 noon. On March 7, minor changes were made after the March 2 version was released, and public comment was taken until March 13. In response to comments after March 2, changes were made to address public comments and the March 7 version was posted. In response to comments made after March 7, several minor edits were incorporated in the March 13th draft that was sent to HCD, based on comments received during the comment period and a typographic error identified by staff. Those edits include: p. 18 and 267, clarifying the Program 2.m exemption to the inclusionary housing ordinance will apply up to 10 units; p. 18-19 and 267-268, clarifying that the Program 2.n that the DTSP and zoning code would be amended to reflect the densities identified in the housing element within 120 days after results of the outcome of the height limit and ballot measure; p. 20-21 and 269-270, clarifying that the Program 3.b development standards would be updated consistent with Program 2.n based on the outcome of the height limit and ballot measure; and p. 177, correction of a typographic error reference to a table.
These edits are shown in redline in the “Second Public Review” document below (please see link below). No changes have been made since the March 13th draft posted below. A clean version of the entire document, as well as a redline version showing all changes from the 4th draft, are linked to below as part of the March 13th submission to HCD. To allow the public to comment on changes to the 5th Draft, the comment period is now being reopened through Friday, March 24th at noon.
Please send all comments to: housingelement@southpasadenaca.gov
- March 17, 2023 (Second Public Review)(PDF, 187KB)
March 13, 2023: The following documents were submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click links below to access the documents:
1. HCD Transmittal Letter(PDF, 266KB)
2. 5th Draft Housing Element, Clean Version(PDF, 9MB)
3. 5th Draft Housing Element, Redlined Version(PDF, 9MB)
4. 5th Draft Housing Element, Cumulative Redline(PDF, 17MB)
March 7, 2023: The 5th Public Review Draft of the 2021-2029 Housing Element is being updated to further address the following programs: 1.b “Convert Caltrans Homes to Affordable Housing”, 2.n “Citywide Height Limit Ballot Initiative”, 3.b “Mixed-Use Developments and Adaptive Re-Use”, and 3.m. “Implement SB 9 and SB 10”. Changes in this update are highlighted in yellow. This updated version of the 5th Public Review Draft will be available for public comment through noon on March 13, 2023. All comments received, included those sent to-date, will be addressed. Please send all comments to: housingelement@southpasadenaca.gov
Click links below to access the documents:
- 5th Public Review Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element (Update)(PDF, 8MB)
- Redline Version (Update)(PDF, 9MB)
March 2, 2023: The 5th Public Review Draft of the 2021-2029 Housing Element is now available for public comment through March 9, 2023. Please send all comments to: housingelement@southpasadenaca.gov
Click links below to access the documents:
- 5th Public Review Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element(PDF, 8MB)
- Redlined Version(PDF, 9MB)
February 9, 2023: A hybrid in-person/virtual Housing Element community meeting will be held on Thursday, February 9th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM to discuss the 5th Housing Element Draft.
You can participate the community meeting in-person or virtually via Zoom:
In-person:
Amedee O. "Dick" Richards Jr. Council Chambers, 1424 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83928957128?pwd=NXNaaWVEY2lscXV0a1ZIT08rY1VuQT09
Webinar ID: 839 2895 7128
Passcode: 770157
February 1, 2023: City Council Special Meeting at 7:01 P.M. The special meeting agenda, staff report, and HCD comment letter are available via link below:
City Council Special Meeting, February 1, 2023 (southpasadenaca.gov)(PDF, 1MB)
January 27, 2023: City received comment letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click below for the comment letter:
HCD Comment Letter(PDF, 227KB)
December 12, 2022: The following documents were submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click link below to access the documents:
1. HCD Transmittal Letter(PDF, 246KB)
2. 4th Draft Housing Element, Clean Version(PDF, 7MB)
3. 4th Draft Housing Element, Redlined Version(PDF, 7MB)
4. 4th Draft Housing Element, Cumulative Redline(PDF, 13MB)
December 5, 2022: The 4th Public Review Draft of the 2021-2029 Housing Element is now available for public comment through December 12, 2022. Please send all comments to: housingelement@southpasadenaca.gov
Click links below to access the documents:
- 4th Public Review Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element(PDF, 8MB)
- Redlined Version(PDF, 7MB)
November 2, 2022: On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, Housing and Community Development (HCD) sent a corrected letter. HCD corrected information in regard to the dates for SCAG region jurisdictions to complete rezoning. Click below for the comment letter.
HCD Comment Letter(PDF, 205KB)
October 28, 2022: City received comment letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click below for the comment letter:
HCD Comment Letter(PDF, 224KB)
September 15, 2022: The following documents were submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click links below to access the documents:
1. HCD Transmittal Letter(PDF, 616KB)
2. 3rd Draft Housing Element, Redlined Version(PDF, 19MB)
3. 3rd Draft Housing Element, Clean Version(PDF, 13MB)
4. HCD Comments and 3rd Draft Responses(PDF, 242KB)
5. Stipulated Order and Judgment(PDF, 240KB)
6. Settlement Agreement(PDF, 3MB)
September 8, 2022: The 3rd Public Review Draft of the 2021-2029 Housing Element is now available for public comment through September 15, 2022. Please send all comments to: housingelement@southpasadenaca.gov
Click links below to access the documents:
3rd Public Review Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element(PDF, 10MB)
Redlined Version(PDF, 15MB)
August 20, 2022: "Thank you to all who attended the Housing Element Community Meeting in person or by Zoom." Click here to view the presentation(PDF, 1MB)
(PDF, 630KB)
July 8, 2022: City received comment letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click below for the comment letter:
HCD Comment Letter(PDF, 213KB)
June 29, 2022: In order to address HCD’s informal, preliminary comments on the 2nd Public Review Draft, the City has sent this letter(PDF, 339KB) with changes to incorporate into the draft. These changes, and additional comments, are provided here for public comment.
April 21, 2022: 2nd Public Review Draft is available for public comment. Click below:
2nd Public Review Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element(PDF, 12MB)
Redlined Version(PDF, 13MB)
Planning Commission Presentation
December 21, 2021: City received comment letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Click below for the comment letter:
HCD Comment Letter(PDF, 257KB)
October 12, 2021: Public Review Draft is available for public comment through December 22, 2021: Public Review Draft 2021-2029 Housing Element(PDF, 9MB)
The Community Development Department has provided presentations to assist in review of the review draft, which are posted here:
Full Meeting recordings are available on the City's YouTube page:
The City of South Pasadena is preparing a housing element (Chapter 6 of the General Plan) for the 2021-2029 planning period in conjunction with state mandates and the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The City has released two Public Review drafts, which have been reviewed by the State Department of Housing & Community Development. Additional HCD comments are being addressed in order to achieve certification and the City anticipates releasing a third draft in September 2022, to be followed by Adoption hearings.
South Pasadena is a community of 25,458 residents with 10,007 housing units. In conjunction with planning for the 2021-2029 housing element cycle, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) released South Pasadena housing and demographics data in August 2020.
Fall 2021 Update on Preparation of the Housing Element
City staff and the project consultants (PlaceWorks and Psomas) continued work on the Housing Element Public Review Draft through the summer. Prior to her departure, on August 10, 2021, the outgoing Planning & Community Development Director, Joanna Hankamer, provided the Planning Commission with a summary overview of the anticipated key policies, programs and RHNA compliance strategy that will be included in the draft. Due to Department staff turnover and in order to ensure sufficient time for legal review, the planned August release of the draft was postponed and is anticipated by the first week of October.
The Planning Commission’s previous study session was held at a Special Meeting on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 with a progress report on the integration of the General Plan, Downtown Specific Plan and Housing Element for consistency with the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). A Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the General Plan/DTSP/Housing Element project is being prepared and the Notice of Preparation was recirculated for scoping suggestions in May. The Commission also discussed the draft strategy that the City presented to the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) for a courtesy review in March. HCD provided constructive feedback for shaping the public review draft in compliance with State law.
Over the last year, the community, the planning commission, and staff have explored strategies to meet the City’s tremendous RHNA obligation. HCD’s comments will be reflected in the public review draft inventory and proposed programs to better align with HCD’s expectations for the City to significantly increase its housing production capacity.
2020 Year-End Update on the Housing Element Planning Process
January 2021: Throughout 2020, City staff and the PlaceWorks consultant team worked hard with the community and conducted extensive research to develop a draft housing element as required by State law and the Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation in 2020:
Previous Workshops
On January 25, 2021, a virtual community meeting on housing, attended by about 60 community members was held with presentations by City staff and the Housing Rights Center. The meeting provided information to the public and questions were answered about tenants’ rights, protections and COVID19 emergency measures and updates on the initiatives that the City is taking to support more affordable housing alternatives, through policy initiatives and planning for the Housing Element update.
Two workshops with presentations and virtual breakout groups were held in September 2020 focusing on the update process, the City’s plans for analyzing sites available for housing, and the State’s requirements for that analysis. Prior to that, the community kicked off the housing discussion in December 2019. View the 2020 presentations and other workshops materials in the table below.
Housing Initiative Workshops
| Date/Time |
Location |
Topic |
Materials |
| Monday, January 25, 2021 |
Online |
Tenant Rights, Protections and COVID-19 Emergency Measures and Updates |
Housing Rights Center Presentation |
| Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. |
Online |
Housing Sites Analysis Options |
Meeting Recording
Pre-Workshop Survey
PowerPoint Presentation(PDF, 6MB)
|
| Wednesday, Spetember 23, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. |
Online |
Housing Sites Analysis Options |
Meeting Recording
Pre-Workshop Survey
PowerPoint Presentation(PDF, 6MB)
|
| Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. |
Online |
Housing Sites Analysis |
Meeting Recording
Staff Report and PowerPoint Presentation(PDF, 8MB)
UPDATED: PowerPoint Presentation(PDF, 5MB)
|
| Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. |
Online |
Introduction |
Meeting Recording
Frequently asked Questions (PDF, 603KB)
|
| Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. |
Online |
Introduction |
Meeting Recording
Frequently-Asked-Questions-2.pdf(PDF, 484KB)
|
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA):
What is the RHNA?
The RHNA is a requirement of State housing law whereby the regional planning authority must allocate a share of the total regional housing need, reflecting projected and existing housing needs, to each jurisdiction. The RHNA allocation in turn determines the number of units for which the jurisdiction’s Housing Element must provide capacity. Once finalized, the City must plan for its RHNA allocation and there are penalties for not doing so.
The State is currently its 6th RHNA cycle and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has allocated 1.3 million housing units to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region, SCAG was required to develop a methodology to allocate those housing units to individual jurisdictions. SCAG's methodology was based on a formula that focused on the following variables:
- Household Growth
- Job Accessibility
- Transit Accessibility
- Social Equity
On March 4, 2021, the SCAG Regional Council adopted the 6th Cycle Final RHNA Plan. The table below shows the current (5th Cycle) RHNA, and South Pasadena’s 6th Cycle RHNA allocation, which the Housing Element is being prepared to address.
| Income Level |
5Th Cycle (2013-2021) |
6th Cycle (2021-2029) |
| Very Low |
17 |
757 |
| Low |
10 |
398 |
| Moderate |
11 |
334 |
| Above Moderate |
25 |
578 |
| Total |
63 |
2,067 |
What does this mean for the City?
The City is required to plan for the 2,061 housing units in its 2021 Housing Element Update. The process will require significant public engagement, a parcel-level analysis of the existing zoning capacity, and evaluation of different housing scenarios.
Additional Resources:
Southern California Association of Governments - RHNA and Housing Page
California Department of Housing and Community Development - RHNA and Housing Elements Page
City of South Pasadena Housing Element (General Plan Chapter 6)
Los Angeles County Website for Information on Building an ADU
South Pasadena Housing Support
Southern California Association of Governments Local Housing Date for the City of South Pasadena