HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC 2000-26PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 2000-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DIAMOND - BAR ;ADOPT THE GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 00-01 DRAFT 2000-2005 HOUSING ELEMENT, FOR
THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
A. RECITALS.
1.
On April 18, 1989, the City of Diamond Bar was established as a duly organized
municipal corporation of the State of California.
2.
On July 25, 1995, the City of Diamond Bar adopted its, General Plan. The
General Plan establishes goals, objectivesand strategies to implement the
community's vision for its future.
3.
Pursuant to the requirements of Government Code Section 65588(a), the City of
Diamond Bar has reviewed the Housing Element of the General Plan of the City
and has determined that it is appropriate to revise that Element to reflect the
f—
results of this review:
'a 4.
The City prepared a draft revised Housing Element for the period of 2000-2005
and submitted it to the state Department of Housing and Community
Development ("HCD") for review on September 21, 2000, pursuant to
Government Code Section 65585(b). The City in the form of a letter dated
November 3, 2000, received HCD's comments on the draft.
5.
Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, Public
Resources Code Sections '21000 et seq. ("CEQA" ), the State CEQA guidelines,
California Code of Regulations, Title' 14, Article 11, Section' 15168(c)(2) and
15162, the City has determined that this project is consistent with the previously
certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report and Addendum certified
July25, 1995. In October 2000, Cotton/Beland/Associates prepared a study
demonstrating that no new environmental effects could occur and no new
i
mitigation measures would be required by the 20002005 Housing Element. The
October, 2000, Cotton/Beland/Associates stud is incorporated orated herein as if se
y rp t out
in full and attached hereto as Exhibit "A."
6.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65090 and 65353, notification of the public
hearingfor this project was published in
P J the San Gabriel Valley Tribune bune and
y
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspapers on, October 26, 2000, in a one eighth
I
page legal advertisement. Also, three other public places were posted.
7.
The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing with regard to
the General Plan Amendment No. 00-01, Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element, at
1
i
_ v...._,
which time public comments were received by the Commission. The public
hearing was opened on November 14, 2000, and concluded on November 28,
2000.
8. The Planning Commission, considered, individually and collectively, the revised
Housing Element, and after due consideration of public testimony, staff analysis,
and the Commission's deliberations, the Planning Commission hasdetermined
that the General Plan Amendment No. 00-01, Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element,
attached hereto as Exhibit `B" and incorporated by reference into this Resolution,
implements the goals and the needs in terms of the type of housing envisioned by
the City's :General Plan.
9. On November 28, 2000, the Planning Commission recommended that the City
Council adopt General Plan Amendment No. 00-01, Draft 2000-2005 Housing
Element, attached hereto as Exhibit `B."
B. RESOLUTION.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby found, determined and resolved by the Planning
Commission of the City of Diamond Bar, as follows:
I. The Planning Commission hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set forth
in the Recitals, Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct.
2. The Planning Commission hereby specifically finds and determines that, having
considered the record as a whole, there is no evidence before this Planning
Commission that the General Plan Amendment No. 00-01, Draft 2000-2005
Housing Element, proposed herein will have the potential of an adverse effect on
wildlife resources or the habitat upon which the wildlife depends. Based upon
substantial evidence, this Planning Commission hereby rebuts the presumption of
adverse effects contained in Section 753.5 (d) of Title 14 of the California_ Code
of Regulations.
3. The Planning; Commission has reviewed the Housing Element Guidelines adopted'
by the HCD pursuant to Section 50459 of the Health and Safety Code and the
findings contained in HCD's comment letter of November 3, 2000, and has
revised the draft in response to those comments.
4. The revised Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element is in full compliance with the
requirements of Government Code Sections 65580 - 65589.8.
5. The revised; Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element is consistent with the other
elements of the General Plan because` the revised Housing Element uses the land
use designations of the Land Use Element and those designations in turn are
reflective of, and consistent with, the policies and provisions of the remaining
elements of the General Plan.
2
6. The housing goals, objectives, and policies stated in the revised Draft 2000-.2005 ;
Housing Element are appropriate for the City of Diamond Bar and will contribute,.
to the attainment of the state housing goal.
7. The adoption of the revised Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element will aidthe City's
efforts to assist in the development of housing for all members of the community.
8. For the foregoing reasons, the adoption of the revised Draft 2000-2005 Housing
Element is 1 in'the, public interest.
9. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council adopt the
General Plan Amendment No. 00-01, Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element; for the
City of Diamond Bar attached hereto as Exhibit `B" and incorporated herein by
reference.
The Secretary of the Planning Commission shall:
(a) Certify as to the adoption of this Resolution; and
(b) Transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to. the City Council of the City
F of Diamond Bar.
C
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 28'x' DAY OF NOVEMBER
A
2000, BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR.
,I
'i BY.
Steve Nelson, Chairman
1, James DeStefano, Secretary of the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar, do
hereby- certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced, passed, and adopted, at a
regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 28th day of November, 2000, by the
following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kuo, Ruzicka, Tye, VC/Zirbes Chair/Nelson
4 NOES:: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAINED: COMMISSIONERS:
ATTEST:
j 4Jes DeStefano, ecretary
n„
Version Revised 11-28-00
3
"I
_ -
EXHIBIT "A"
�. FINDING OF CONSISTENCY
k
WITH GENERAL PLAN 'EIR
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR 2000-2005 HOUSING ELEMENT
October, 2000
The City of Diamond Bar proposes adoption ofan updated Housing Element (Element) for the
City's General Plan. The updated Element covers the 2000-2005 planning period for the SCAG
(Southern California Association of Governments) region. The Element proposes goals and
programs to meet the City's anticipated housing needs through 2005.
Adoption of a housing element is considered a "project" underthe California Environmental Quality'
Act (CEQA). Thus, environmental review is required pursuant to CEQA (Public Resources Code
Section 21000 et seq.), the State CEQA Guidelines (Govemment Code Section 15000et seq.), and
the City of Diamond Bar CEQA Guidelines. This document serves as the project environmental
documentation pursuant to CEQA.
Background
The California State Legislature has identified the attainment of a decent home and suitable living
environment for every Californian as the State's major housing goal_ Recognizing the important
role of local planning rams in the pursuit of the goal, � n9 pro9 p g ,the Legislature has mandated that all
cities and counties prepare a housing element as part of their comprehensive General Plans.
Section 65302 (c) of the Government Code sets forth the specific components to be contained in
a community's housing element.
State law requires housing elements to be updated at least every five years to reflect a
community's changing
Nous
itY' ng n9 ng needs. As stated above,"Diamond Bar's current update
2000-2005 period for the SCAG region. Covers the
Existing Housing Element: The Diamond Bar Housing Element was comprehensively updated
in 1995.
The 1995
Element sets -fortho9 Dais. and program g p m objectives armed .toward .meeting a
projected need of .781 now housing units between 1989 and 1994. (Since1994, the State has
extended the housing element cycle for the SCAG region several times, , with the cycle now
covering 1998=2005) The Element was found in statutory compliance by the State Department
of Housing and Communityr Development.
ExistingGenera! Plan: l n July 1995, Diamond Bar adopted a comprehensive update of its General
Plan, including the Housing Element. The 1995 General Plan sets forth policy for land use
development in Diamond Bar and within its sphere of influence over the next 20 years. The
certified General Plan Final Program EIR 41995) indicated that development in accordance with
adopted land use policy would not result in any unavoidable significant environmental impact:
Significant impacts that could be mitigated or avoided included impact with respect to soil/erosion,
20&Diamond Bar,.in y g Plan Firidlrl9 of consisisncy
2000.2D0.5 Housing Ern+�nt i with logs awns! Plan SIR
i SrmnSaM.
seismic-induced gmundshaking, short-term construction-related air emissions, long-term air
emissionsfrom mobile and stationary sources, water` supply', short-term construction noise,
,schools, fire protection, and recreation. Implementation of mitigation measures identified in Final
4 Program EIR are currently monitored as called for in the adopted Mitigation Monitoring Program_
Proposed 2000-2005 Housing Element
The proposed 2000-2405 Housing Element includes the major components identified below. These
components are currently in place under the existing Housing Element.
a. An analysis ` of the City's population, household and employment base, and the
characteristics of the City's housing stock.
b. A summary of projected housing needs of the City's households.
c. A review of potential constraints to meeting the City's identified housing needs.
d.. An evaluation of opportunities that will further the development of new housing.
e. A statement of the Housing Plan that will address Diamond Bar's housing needs, including
housing goals, policies, and programs.
For the 1998-2005 SCAG planning period, the Element identifies the need for construction of 144
units, distributed among the following income levels:
Very Low Income (0-50% median family income (MFI)) , 23
Low (51=80% MFI) 17
Moderate (81-120% MFI) 27
Above Moderate {over 1200% MFI) 76
i
Total Households 144
To meet these needs, the 2000-2005 Housing Element sets forth 14 programs, some of which were
contained in the 1995 Element and continue to be relevant to the next planning period, as well as
several new programs. The table on the following page identifies Element programs, with new
Programs printed in boldface type.
Relationship of the Housing Element to Balance of General Plan
The 2000-2005 Housing Element works in tandem with the balance of the General Plan to
implement land use policy regarding the distribution and intensity of residential development, as
set forth on the land use policy map. The Housing Element does not propose any change to the
land use policy map or to the density limits established for each of the residential land use
categories. Rather Housing e9 smg Element policies and Programs work
to implement certain land use
goals by facilitating development of newhousing on those properties designated for residential use.
Thus adoption of the Housing Element will not provide for any new housing beyond that allowed
by land use policy set forth in the 1985 General Plan.
Diamond Bar Gwwral Prsrr Findi o/CansisMnc
?OOt?-2U05 Housing E/wnani 2 "d1h 1995 Goneraf Plan EIR
Additional goals and anticipated effects of Housing Element implementation are the rehabilitation
of substandard housing units and ensuring equal access to housing for all income groups.
Table I
2000-2005 HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAMS
Residential code Enforcement
+ Senior Mousing Development
• Minor Home Repair
0 Lend Use Element
► Single-family Rehabilitation Program
+ Mhted Use Development `
► Section 8 Rental Assistance Program
Second Units
• Preservation of Assisted Housing
► Affordable Housing lnceruives0ensity Bonus
• Mobilehome Park Presentation
• Efficient Project Processing
► ' First-time Homebuyer Assistance Program
Feil Housing
Environmental Analysis
The EIR prepared and certified for the 1995 General Plan adoption Is a''Program EIR. as defined
in Section 15168 of the State CEQA Guidelines. As such, the EIR examines impacts associated
with the long-term implementation of the General Plan, particularly build -out of vacantand
underutilized properties in accordance with adopted land use policy. As noted above, the analysis
contained in the General Plan Program EIR indicated that all potentially significant effects
associated with General Plan implementation could be avoided or reduced to levels considered less
;,. than significant.
Section 15168(c)(2) ;of the Guidelines states that if a project' is proposed which has been the
subject of a prior certified EIR or adopted Negative Declaraton, and "If the agency (City) finds that
pursuant to Section 15162, no new effects could occur or new mitigation measures would be
required, the agency can approve the activity as being within the scope of the project covered by
the program EIR, and no new environmental document wouldbe required."
Section 15162 of the Guidelines define the conditions under which a subsequent EIR would be
required for a project as follows:
(a) Substantial changes are proposed in the project which require major revisions of the FIR
due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or substantial increase in
the severity of previously identified significant effects:
(b) Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is
undertaken which will,require major revisions of the previous EIR due to involvement of new
significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously
identified significant effects; and/or
(c) New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been
known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was adopted.
I`
Diamond Bar General Plan Finding of Consistency
2000-2005 Nouseng Eloment 3 with 199S Genera/ Plan EIR
--- _
"���ip�,_.,-�
shows any of the following:
1. The revised project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the
.moi. previous EIR;
2. Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown
in the previous EIR;
3. Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be
feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project,
but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative; or
4. Mitigation' measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those
analyzed in previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects
on the environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure
or alternative.
As stated above, the 2000-2005 Housing Element will not result in any land use policy change. -
thus, the project will not facilitate the creation of any additional housing units beyond those
anticipated and accounted for at build out by current land use policy. Element programs aimed at
the preservation of existing affordable units Will act to preserve housing, and proposed housing
rehabilitation programs will improve the quality of existing housing stock. These two types of
programs will have beneficial effects. The Density Bonus Program is an existing City program that
is addressed by current housing and land use policy. Existing and proposed new programs that
provide housing assistance will neither increase nor decrease the number of available units. None
of the Housing Element programs will result in any new environmental effect not already considered
in the 1995 General `Plan EIR.
Findings
Based on the above analysis, the City of Diamond Bar hereby makes the following findings:
1. In 1995, the City of Diamond Ser adopted a comprehensive General Plan update and certified
a Final Program EIR for the project.
2. The 1995 General Pian EIR conducted that long-term implementation of the General Plan
would not result in any unavoidable significant environmental effect
3. The proposed 2000-2005 Housing Element VAN not facilitate the creation of any additional
housing units beyond those anticipated and accounted for by current land use policy.
4. Proposed new Housing Element programs will improve the quality of existing housing and
improve access to housing for all needs ;groups.
5. Adoption of the 2000-2005 Housing Element will not result in any new environmental effects,
and no new mitigation measures are required.
S. Pursuant to Section 15168(c)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, no new environmental documentation
is required for adoption of the 2000-2005 Housing Element.
Diamond Bar General Ran FWding or Consistency
1000.200; Nousing,�dvnw+t 4 with 1005 cawrs! Dan E!R
TOTAL P.05
1. INTRODUCTION
A. COMMUNITY CONTEXT
The City" of Diamond Bar is located in the southeast corner, of Los Angeles County,at the
intersection of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. The City is situated at the
eastern end of the East San Gabriel Valley, adjacent to both State Routes 57 and 60 ("Pomona
Freeway') as shown in Figure 1. Diamond Bar began as Rancho Los Nogales (Rancho of the
Walnut Trees) after a Spanish land grant in 1840. At its height, it was one of the largest cattle and
walnut ranches in Southern California. Until the mid -20th century, this land was alternately
combined and divided for various agricultural uses. in 1956, the Christiana Oil Corporation and the
Capital Oil Company, a subsidiary of the Transamerica Corporation, purchased the Diamond Bar
Ranch. A comprehensive development plan was prepared and approved forthe City, making it one
of the first master -planned communities in Los Angeles County.
During the 1960s, suburban development spread eastward from the Los Angeles basin, stimulating
local housing and population growth'as Diamond Bar's open hillsides, were, replaced with homes.
Despite its initial`conception as a master -planned community, Diamond Bar was not developed in
an orchestrated manner while it remained an unincorporated community.. In March 1989, local
voters approved incorporation in order to assert stricter control over local development. On April
18 1989,` Diamond Bar became the 86"' city in Las Angeles County, and by 2000 has grown to a
papulation of approximately 59,000 and 18,000 housing units.
Demographic shifts are occurring in the City. In 1990, approximately half of Diamond Bar residents
were white, one-quarter of the residents were Asian,' and nearly one-fifth of residents were
Hispanic. While no updated census data is available, current enrollment data for schools located
in Diamond Bar provides some insight into the changing raciallethnic'composition of the City_ In
1998199; approximately 45 percent of the City's public school students were Asian, 31 percent were
white, 17 percent were Hispanic and 7 percent were Black.
The City's population is aging; between 1980 and 1990, the median age for Diamond Bar increased
from 27..5 years to 31.9 years. During the same period, adults between the ages of 35 and 64
increased significantly as a proportion of the population, from 31 percent in 1980`to 40 percent
in 1990, attracted by the many move -up housing, opportunities in the City. The senior population
also grew; the share of the population aged 65 years and above increased from 2 percent to 4
percent during the ten-year period. In terms of actual numbers, the senior population increased
from approximately 600 persons in 1980 to nearly 2,300 persons in 1990..The City will continue
to experience growth in its senior population as persons in their 50's and early 60's age in place.
In contrast to the size of its population, Diamond Bar has a relatively small employment base; in
1990 there were approximately 14,000 obs in the City. Major employers include Allstate Insurance,
Travelers Insurance; South Coast Air Quality _Mara,ement. District, and thee Walnut Valle
Unified
School District.` While the City actually lost jobs during the early <1990's like many California
communities hit by recession, SCAG projects a dramatic increase in employment between 2000
T Cif adopted a Redevelopment Plan in 1997 aimed at stimulating economic activity
and 2020. he y p p
and job growth.'
1-1
o
D/A Li
CHINO HILLS
P
CHINO
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Fsesfone
r..
1 742
ti Reservation - 1
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- - - - - -
- -
1 1
BREA - l
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'SAN BER NR RD/NO "
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T
COUNY
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- YORBA
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LINDA
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so
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;
57
NAHEIM
91
ORANGE.
COUNTY
E
SOURCE: CBA, Inc., July 2000
DIAMOND BAR CITY LIMITS_
Figure 1
��. North:' No Scale
Re ional
g ,
LOcati on
Jurisdiction
1990
2000
% Change
Diamond Bar
539672
59,101
10.1%
Brea
32,873
36,967
12.5%
Chino Hills (*)
48,041 ;
60,238
25.4%
Walnut
29,105
33,203 1
14.1%
Yorba Linda(�agu
63,112
20.4%.
Los Angeles County
9,884,255 1
11.5%`'
01 a 41 M& -'
G'rowt41990
Figure 2: Population 72040
70,000 -�
60,000'
56,000
I
40,000
30,000
20,000'
'10,000
t
0
Diamond Bar Brea Chino Hills "' Walnut Yorba Linda
0 1990 2000
2. Age Characteristics
Age is an important influence on housing, demand"because people of different age groups have
different housing needs. Traditionally, the assumption has been that the young adults (20 to 34
years old) prefer apartments, low -to moderate -cost condominiums, and smaller single-family units. .
Adults between 35 ' and , 65 years old provide the major market for moderate- to high-end
apartments, condominiums, and sir.fgle-family hoiizes. This segment of the population is more likely
to have higher incomes and larger household sizes_ The senior population (65 years and older)
tends to demand low to moderate -cost apartments"and condominiums, group quarters, and mobile
homes.
Bar was ""31.9 ears slightly higher than the Los Angeles
In 1990, the median age In Diamond B "81.6y , g Y 9 9
County median age of 30.7 years.., Between 1980 and 1990, the median' age for Diamond Bar
increased significantly from 27.5 years to 31.,9.years; Demographic projections indicate that
countywide, the median age of the population will continue to increase., Between 1980 and 1990,
the proportion of Diamond Bar's population aged between 20 and 34 years old decreased from 28
percent to 23 percent. During the±same period;` adults between the ages of 35 and 64 increased
significantly as a proportion of the population, from '31 percent in 1980 to 40 percent in 1990,
attracted b the man move -up housing o ortunities in the Cit The senior population also grew;
y y P. 9 PP Y•
the share of the population aged 65 years;and above increased from; 2 percent to 4 percent during
the ten-year period. In terms of actual numbers, .the senior population increased by more than "
'
350%, from 624 persons in 1980 to 2,271 persons in 1990.` This indicates that special attention
must be paid to the housing and supportive services needs of senior residents. Table 2 and Figure
3 show the age distribution of Diamond Bar's population in°1980 and 1990.
I
IIS
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22
.- , :� r•
, �� -
ewe - s_�, . r,.
t
y
Housing Needs
Assessment'
Table 2: Age Distribution -1980 and 1990
_
I
�
Age Group
1980
1990
Persons
% of Total
Persons
% of Total
LA County
% of Total
Under 5 years
3,421
10.9
5,056
9.4
8.3
5-9
5,154
I 16.4 I
6,912
12.911
i
7.3
10-14
2,532
'; 8.0
3,357
6.3
'
6.6
15-19
1,459
4.6-
2,471
4.6
7:2
20-24'
11666
` 5.3
2,870
5.3
9.1
25-34;
7,014
22.3`
9,352
17.4
19.8
35-44
5,381
17.1
11,121;
20.7
15:1
45-54
2,853
9.1 I
6,895
12.8
9.5
55-64
1,378
I 4.4
3,367
6:3
7.3
65+
624
f
2.0' '
2,271'
4.2
5.7
Total
31,482,
100.4 I
53,672
100.0
100.0
Median Age
27.5 years
31:9 years
30.7 years
Sources; 1980 and 1990 Census
Figure 3: Age Distribution 1980 - 1990
f
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
Q
0.0%
1b.0%-
5.6%.
5.0%
F
k)hder 5 5-9 A0114 „ 1 -19 20 24. 25-34 35-44,'
45-54 55-64
fi5+
�I
J980
199D "
�f
11
,ail
2-3
T
Table -8: Households by Income Group -199Q
Los Angeles
Ci of Diamond Bar
tY
County
Income Groups
(defined as % of the Area MFI) ,
Number of
Households
% of Total
- % of Total
Very Low Income(<50% MFI)
1,183
7%
28%
Low Income (51 to 80%MFI)
1,352
8%
15%
Moderate Income (81 to 1200/6 MFI}
3,042
18%
8%
Upper Income (>120% MFI):
1':1,324
i 67%
49%
Total
16,901
100%
100%
Source: 1990 Census; CHAS Data Book, Household Income for 1989.
The percentage of Diamond Bar households in the very low and low income groups is much lower
than that of households in Los Angeles County. Approximately 15 ,percent of the households in
Diamond Bar have -very low, or low incomes comparing to 43 percent of Los Angeles County
households. Diamond Bar is predominantly a moderate and upper income community, with
approximately 85 percent of its households in these income ranges. Lowes income households
in Diamond Bar are likely comprised of seniors and some of the City's renter households. Figure
the County.
6 compares Diamond Bar's households by income: group with those of
.figure 6: Households by Income Group
100%a
80%'
c 60%°
0 40%
a _ 20%
f
a. 0%
Diamond Barr' Los Angeles County
Upper Income
Moderate Income
Low Income
Very Low income
2-10
Service Provider
Target Group
I Services Provided
East San Gabriel Valley Homeless
Homeless individuals
Emergency shelter, referrals, advocacy -
Coalition (ESGVHC)
benefit counseling.
Winter Shelter Program
ESGVHC
Homeless and "at -risk" low
Information and referrals, emergency food'
Emergency Assistance Center
income men, women and
and clothing, transportation (bus tokens
236E College Street
children
and taxi vouchers), counseling.
Covina
Pomona/Inland Valley Council of
Homeless women and children
Soelter up to 30 days; daily case
Churches
management and supportive services_
Shelter Program
I
Pomona Neighborhood Center
Homeless individuals and
Errrployment services, emergency food and
999 W. Holt Boulevard, Suite D
families
clothing, information and referral.
Pomona
Catholic Charities
tow income families and
Counseling and poverty services: food,
Brother Miguel Center
individuals
shelter, vouchers, job training referrals.
315 N. Park Avenue
Pomona
House of Ruth
Battered women and children
Emergency shelter, transportation and
outreach offices in Pomona
counseling; 24-hour telephone hotline.
WINGS Shelter
Battered women and children
Emergency housing for 45 days; food,
Covina
clothing and counseling.
Salvation Army Family Services
Homeless individuals and
Emergency food,, clothing, furniture
151 Viking Avenue
families
vouchers, referrals, youth and adult
Brea
programs, shelter and utility assistance
I
(when funds available).
Sheepfold
Women and children
Emergency shelter.
Brea (central area)
The majority of Qiamond Bar's housing stock is in good condition. However, the City's Code
-Enforcement Office has identified 1four older neighborhoods characterized by alder housing
which is beginning to exhibit signs of deferred maintenance such as peeling paint, worn roofs,
and cracked asphalt driveways. Table 15 summarizes the characteristics and physical problem
conditions of these older residential neighborhoods. The Housing Element will establish a
program directed at improving housing stock in these areas through targeted rehabilitation
assistance.
Table IS: Older Residential Neighborhoods for Potential Housing Rehabilitation
Neighborhood Characteristics I Problem Conditions
#1 Northwest Diamond Bar: - Land use: single-family, - Deferred maintenance
Happy Hollow/ Sunset residential - Cracked asphalt driveways
Crossing/ Prospecters -Constructed 1962 -1973
#2 Northwest Diamond Bar: -'Land use: single-family -Deferred maintenance
Ballena/ Laspino/ Pinto Mesa residential - Cracked asphalt driveways
-'Constructed 1964 -1967 + "
i
#3 Central Diamond Bar: - Land use: single-family - Deferred maintenance
Moonlake/Northampton residential -Cracked asphalt driveways
Constructed 1965 - 1979
44 Central:Diamond Bar: • -;Land use: single-family - Deferred maintenance
Castle Rock/ Pathfinder residential - Cracked asphalt driveways
- Constructed ca. 1964
Source: City of Diamond Bar; Office of Code Enforcement, May 2000.
4. Housing Costs
Evaluation of sales prices and rental rates provides information on the affordability of the City's
housing stock to various income groups.;
Housing Prices
According to the 1990 Census, the median value of a housing unit in Diamond Bar was
$272,900, significantly higher than the Los Angeles County median of $226,400. However, the
value reported by the Census was the respondent's estimate of how much the property; would
sell for if it were for sale; it does not represent an actual market value.
Recent market data from the California Association of Realtors (CAR) summarizes home sales
by quarter. According to CAR, the median sales price of a home in Diamond Bar for the first
quarterof2000 was $221,000, compared to median sales price of $187,000 for Los Angeles
,h r County. CAR data is based on actual sale transactions completed in the first quarter of 2000.
Figure 8 compares median home prices for Diamond Bar, nearby cities, and Los Angeles
County based on home sale during the first quarter of 2000; this data includes sales of both
NeedsHousing -
single farnily homes and condominium units. Sale prices recorded for, Diamond Bar and Chino
Hills were similar; the=highest sialel prices -were recorded in Yorba Linda. =
"`
Figure ,8 Median Horne Sales Price
i
$330,000
$350,000
$300,000
$260, 000 $262, 500'
$250,000
$221,000
$225,D00
187' o00
$200,000
$150,000
$100, 000
kZZZ
s5b,bboll
Brea I Walnut LA County
Diamond Bar Chino Hills Yorba Linda
'Source: California Association of Realtors, 1;st Quarter 2000.
Detailed housing market sales data for Diamond Bar are provided in Tables 16 and 17., Based on
„
sales volume of nearly, 500 single family homes, the median sale price for the period July 1999
through March 2000 was .$253,000. During this period, there were also approximately 300
condominium units sold at a median sale price of $129,000. Most single family home sales were
for 3 -'and 4 -bedroom units while most condominium sales were for 2 -bedroom units. The wide
range of prices for single family homes and for condominiums is indicative of the variety in size,
location, quality and amenities available in Diamond Bar.
Table 16: Prices of Single=Family Homes - July 1999 to March 2000
Number of
Median
Average
Number of
Bedrooms
Price
Price
Price Range
Units Sold
2
$203,000
$325,500
$196,000 _17,00,000
4
3
$226,000
$246,148
$151,000 - $688,000
179
4 .
$278,000
$304,326
$153,000 - $2;000,000
275
5 or more
$311,000
$482,396
$244,0.00 -$1,700,000
26
Total
$253,000
$292,551
$151,000-$2,000,000
484
.Source: Dataquick based on County Assessor files, July 1999 -March 2000.
2-20
NeedsHousing - - nt
Housing Costs and'Affordability°
Housing affordability can be inferred by comparing the cost of, ,renting or owning a home in Diamond
Bar with the maximum affordable housing costs to,households of different income levels. Taken,,
together, this information can reveal who can afford what size and type; of housing as well as
indicate the type of households that would likely experience overcrowdingor overpayment.
The federal Department of Housing and;Urban Development (HUD) conducts annual household
income surveys for metropolitan,areas'across the country, including Los Angeles,County. These
income surveys are adjusted for differences in'the type and size of a family. HUD uses these
income levels to determine the rrtakimum'amount that a house.hold,c6uldr pay for housing and their,
eligibility -for federal housing; assistance. Accordin to HUD, the 2000 Area Median Family Income
9 Y
(MFl) for a four -person household'in Los"Angeles County is $52,100.
I
Tables 19 and 20 below provide" the annual income for very low, low, and moderate -income
households by the maximum affordable housing payment based on the federal standard of 30
percent of, gross household income. Standard housing costs for utilities, taxes, .and property
insurance are also shown. Maximum affordable home prices are based on household income and
purchase assumptions. Maximum affordable rent is based on household income, indexed for family
size and taking into consideration apartment size.
Table 19: Affordable Home Prices by Income..Category
Property
,i
Monthly Takes, Max.
`
Affordable Utilities, Affordable Affordable Max.
Income Income Housing Homeowner's' Mortgage 30 -Year <' Affordable
Group Limits cost Insurance Payment Mortgage ' Home Price
Very Low $26,050 $651 $150 $501 $68,275 $75,900
Low $41,700 $1,042 $200' $842 $114,750 $127,500
Moderate $62,500 $1,562 $200 -"$1,362 $185,600' $206,200
Note: Calculation of affordable mortgage and home price based on an 8% interest rate, 10% downpayment,
and Los Angeles County Area Median Family Income of $52,100 for, 2000, Income limits assume a
family of four, persons.
Table 20: Affordable Rents by Income Category
Income Group Income Maximum Utility Affordable Monthly
Limits Housin Cost Allowance Pa ment
g y
Very
(0-50%�MFI) "$26,050
$651.-$50
$701
Low
(51-60% MR)
S41700
$1,042
$50
$1,092
Moderate $62,500 $1,562 $50 $1,512
(81-120%o MFI)
Note: Calculation"of.affordable rent assumes a maximum housing cost of 30 percent of gross
income, including utility cost. Income limits assume a family of fourIpersons and therefore imply a
2 -bedroom apartment.
2-22
Housing Needs - -
Households with arty
housing problem
overpayment >,
Cost burden > 30%I
'
C. REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS
4
41%
State law requires all regional councils of governments, including the .Southern California
Los Angeles County
Association of Governments (SCAG), to determine the existing and projected housing need for its
( 39%
region (Government Code Section 65580 et. seq) SCAG must also' determine the share of need
allocated to each city; and county within the SCAG region. This Js called the Regional'Hbusing
Needs Assessment (RHNA).
T. Existing Housing Needs'
A`continuing priority of communities is enhancing or maintaining their quality°of life. A key measure
of quality of life1n a' cdmmUnity is the extent of "housing problems". The Department of Housing
and Urban Developinent and SCAG have developed an existing need'statement that details'the
number of households which are paying too'much for housing or,live in overcrowded units. These
conditions are defined below.
Overcrowding: refeisto4hbusing unit which is occupiedby more than one person -per room,
excluding kitchens', bathrooms; hallways and porches, as defined by the Federal Government.
Overpayment: refers to a household paying more than'30 percent of its gross income for
housing (either mortgage or rent), including cost of utilities, property insurance, and real estate
taxes as defined by the Federal Government.
According to the 1990 Census, an estimated 45 percent of Diamond Bar's households have housing
problems including overcrowding and overpayment. Cost burden is the fiousing`problem
greatest
for residents of Diamond Bar; there was very little overcrowding` Table 21 compares overcrowding
and ove'r'payment for Diamond Bar to Los Angeles County:
Table 21: Housing Problems
Jurisdiction
Households with arty
housing problem
overpayment >,
Cost burden > 30%I
Overcrowded
> 4.0 person/room
City of Diamond Bar
45%
41%
60/0
Los Angeles County
49%
( 39%
7.9%
Housing Needs - -
J4fter vacancyadjustrnents and housing unit losses are calculated, Diamond Barhas a total
RHNA of 144 units. Table 22 describes Dl' amond Bar's share of the region's future housing, its
total allocation' and the relatiVebreakdownT byL affordability level.
Table 22; Diamond`Bar's,,;Draft.Regional Housing NeedsAssessment (RHNA)
Housing
Income Group
Income Limits
Units
Distribution
Very Low.
(0=50% MR) '"
$26,050
23
16%
Low
(51-80% MR)
$41,70017
12%
Moderate
(81-120% MFI)
$62,500
27
190/0
Upper
(> 120°!o MR)
Not Applicable
76
Total Need
143
100°!0
Annual Need
19
13%,
Source: Southern California Association'of Governments' (1998).
I
2-26
Housing Constraints
Under the Home Mortgage" Disclosure Act (HMDA), lending ;institutions are required to disclose
information an the disposition of loan applications and the income, gender, and race of loan
applicants.. As shown .in Table 23, approximately 69 percent of the 2,374 applications for
conventional mortgage loans to purchase homes in Diamond Bar in 1998 were originated
(approved by lenders and accepted by applicants), higherthan the nationwide mortgage origination
rate of 60 percent. The overall denial rate was 12',percent, while 20 percent of all conventional loan
applications were withdrawn closed for incompleteness;" or not accepted by the applicants. At 20 ""
percent, the denial rate for low-income applicants was.the highest among the three income groups.
However, only 8 percent of applicants for conventional mortgagesDain mondtarwere low-income
{<80% MFI) while 20 percent of applicants were moderate income (80-120% MR), and two-thirds
of applicants were upper income 0120% MR)._ "This; reflects the fact that' fewer homes on the
market are priced at levels affordable tolow and moderate income households.
Table 23:Dispositlon of Home Purchase Loan
conventional Loans .
Government -Assisted Loans " "
Applicant
Income
Total
a/0
0!0 _�_
%`
,: Total
°!o"
°
!°
p
/0
Applications
Originated
Denied
Other*
Applications
Originated
Denied
Other`
Low -Income "
184
63.0%
'' 20.19/0
16:8%
t 116
77.6%
'' 10.3%
12.1%
{< 4Q% MR)
Moderate -Income
475
73.3%
11.2%
f '15.6%
15411
73.4%
9.5%
I 17.1%
(80-119%o MR)
Upper Income
159570.4%
9.7%
19.9%
141
69.5%
10.6°!
19.9%
(=!> 12U% MR)
i
N4 t Available
120
�_ 33.39/0
27.5%
" 392%
17
47.1%
11.8%
41.1%
Total
2,374
68.5°!01
11.7%
19.8%
4321
72.2%i
10.2%
17.6%
Source: Home Mortgage Disclosure
Act (NMDA) Data, 1998
-Other" includes applications approved but not accepted, files closed for incompleteness, and applications withdrawn.,
Diamond Bar had a relative) smalfnumber of applicant Ilcants for overnment-assisted loans,'such as
.; Y pp 9
.; pp g ban one-
FHA, VA and FmHA. The 432 applications overnment-assisted loans constitute less t
fifth the :number of conventional loan, appiication5. among the applications for government-
assisted,loans, the denial rate for low-income applicant households was also higher than thatfor
M oderate- and; upper: income applicants However; it should be' noted that low-income' households
have a °much better chance of receiving approval "'under a government -assisted loan than a
' conventional loan. Nearly 80 percent of the applications for government -assisted loans by low=
income households were originated, in comparison to 63 percent for conventional loans.
24 shows the disposition of conventional and government -assisted home improvement loans.
,Table
Compared to mortgage loans, home improvement loans were much more difficult to secure, as is
typical inmost jurisdictions. The overall. approval rates for conventional and government -assisted
p ry y percent and 38 percent, respectively.
home _im improvement loans were very lomr onl. �41 y. Important
"
factors for determining eligibility for home improvement loans include the amount of owner equity
in a property, the current appraised value'of, the home, and the applicant's household debt
r
Nearly 20 percent of Diamond Bar housing units are over thirty years in age, the age at which
M
homes typically begin to require major repairs and upgrading. An additional 30 percent of the City's
3-2 .,
usi
I
B` GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
.Aside 4rorn market; factors, actions by the City can have an impact on the price and availability of
housing. Land use controls, site improvement requirements, building codes; fees, and other local
programs intended to improve the overall quality of housing may serve as po#ential consttaints to .
the development and improvement of housing.
1. Land Use Controls
The Land Use Element of'the General Plan forth the City's policies for guiding local
development and growth. These policies, together with existing zoning regulations, establish the
i amount and distrlbutlon of land rases within the City. The Diamond Bar General Plan provides for
I six residential land use categories, as shown in Table 25. Densities range from one to 20 units per
acre, with the majority of .the city :designated for low density single family development .at an
average -density of 3 units per acre.
In addition to six residential land use districts, the Land Use Element provides for residential uses
' within the Specific Plan Overlay and Planning Area classifications.> Development `within areas
Speck Plan or Planning Area are processed through use of a master plan or specific
designated
plan pursuant -to Government Code Section 65450, a planned unit development; or similar .
mechanism, and development intensities must be consistent with those specified in the General
Plan. Specific Plan and Planning Area projects must provide a greater level' of community
amenities and: cohesiveness; achieve superior design', an create a more' desirable living
environment than could be achieved through conventional subdivision design and requirements.
The General Plan Land Use Map designates four areas as mixed 'use Planning Areas,
encompassing, over 1,200 acres. Two of these Planning Areas include a residential component,
providing for an additional 274 housing units. PA -1 which includes the Tres Hermanos Ranch
provides for units, while PA -2 located east' of Diamond 'Bar Boulevard and north of Grand
Avenue` provides for 130 units. The General Plan currently designates one area with a Specific
Plan overlay, a 3,500 acre agricultural/significant ecological area within the City's southern sphere
of influence.
3-4
Housing Constraints
Table .25 Residential Land Use Designations
Prior Zoning
Maximum
General Plan
District(s) and
Dwelling Units
Designation
Minimum Lot Size
per Acre
Description
Rural Residential (RR)
R-1
10,000
1 DUI acre
Hillside areas intended for rural living,
RPD
10,000
including the keeping of animals, with
R-1
9,000
supporting accessory structures.
R-1
8,500
Maximum allowed density for NEW ,
residential subdivisions will be 1 DU/
gross acre or lower densities where
required by Chapter 22.22 (Hillside
Management).,,
Low Density
R-1
10,000
3 DUI acre
Intended primarily for parcels
Residential (RL)
RPD
10,000
developed with existing
p g detached
Max 3 DUI acre
e
R A
10,000
_ .
single-family ngle family tlwelfmgs. Maximum
R-1,
9,000
allowed density for NEW residential
R-1
8 500
'subdivisions will be 3 DU/gross acre.
Low Medium Density
R-1
8,000
5 DUI acre
<Intended primarily for existing
Residential (RLM)
RPD
8,000
subdivisions developed with detached
R -A
8;000
single-family dwellings. 'Maximum
R-1
7,500
allowed density for NEW residential
R-1 '
6,o00
I :subdivisions will be 5 DUI gross acre.
R-2
Medium Density
R-3
5,000
12 DUI acre
-Intended primarily for areas
Residential (RM)
developed with existing planned'
townhome, condominium, apartment,
mobile home, and other multi -family,
projects. Maximum allowed density for
NEW residential projects will be 12
DU/ gross acre_
Medium High Density
Residential (RMH)
R-3 `
5,000
16 DU/ acre
Intended for areas'of existing and
i
plannedtownhome, condominium,
apartment, other multi family projects
and mobile home parks. Maximum
allowed density for NEW residential
projects will be 16 DUI gross acre.
High Density
Residential RH
R-3
5,000
20 DUI acre
'Intended for areas of existing and
r o sed high dense condominium
do
P Po 9 density minium
and apartment projects, other high
density residential projects, and
mobile' home parks. Maximum allowed
density for NEW residential projects
will be 20 DUI gross acre.
it
Source: Diamond Bar Development Code, November 3 1998.
i
'7
3-5
There are r
maximum b
siti(
2 Residential Developrnent.5tandards'
Diamond Bar's 1998 Development Code provides for the following ,residential zones, consistent
with the six residential land use districts in the GeneralPlan:
o
• Rural'Residential.(RR)
• Residential RL
,LowDene�ty ( )
Low Medium Residential (RL
• Medium
Density Residential (RM)
Medium
High Density (RMH)
• High Density Residential (RH)
When the City incorporated in 1989, development standards were governed by the Los Angeles . .
County zoning ordinance. Upon adoption ofthe Plan in 1995; the City began to; work on
its own development; procedures and zoning standards iwhich it adopted as a comprehensive
Development Code in 1998. The prior zone districts (R -I R-2, R-3 etc.) identified in Table 25 and
depicted on the City's Zoning Map'willbe replaced with the new, simplified. zone districts.
The development standards"for these zones are summarized in Table 26. Development densities
are regulated by minimum, lot size, maximum density, required setbacks and height limits.
Multifamily residential zones RM, RMH and RH Iprovide for densities of 12 -2Q units per acre, with
density bonus provisions specified in the Code forprojects which incorporate an affordable housing
component. These standards, when viewed in the context of the entire community, offer a balance
}
of housing opportunities.
fee.+ fnr i in+n +Iiroia-¢fnry Ctn inti IrP_C
`.
There are r
maximum b
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....,,,-__-<-�._x.. --r. __ ,
b unitt a and on a per bedroom basis
The Development Code calculates parking requirementsy type, P
,
for multifamily units, as illustrated in Table 27. Garages are required for single family, duplex and
multi -family dwelling units; mobile homes may have tandem parking in an attached car. ort. ;In
eneral,,two garage parkingspaces are required.for each unit. However,
he City has adopted :reduce.d parking requirements for studio apartments, secondary
residential units senior k�ousin projects, and senior congregate care facilities. Reducing parking
requirements ;� fors senior, housing help to rninimize.eonstruction cost.'
Table 27: Parking. Requirements
i
Unit Type Parking Requirement
Single-family
2 spaces in a fully enclosed garage. ; In hillside areas, additional parking for ,
guests may be required by the director.
Duplex housing units .
spaces for each unit, in a garage
Multi -family dwelling,
Studio units - 1 space foreach unit, in a garage, plus guest parking{*).
condominiums and other
attached dwellings.
1` bedroom or more = 2 spaces in a garage for each unit, plus 0.5 additional
spaces for each bedroom over 2, plus guest parking O. ;
Mobile homes (in Mobile Home
2:,s paces for each mobile home (tandem parking allowed in an attached
arks
parks)
carport), plus guest parking'(').
Secondary residential units
1 space (carport or garage) in addition to that required for a single-family unit.
Senior housing projects'
1 space for each,unit with half the spaces covered, plus 1 guest parking
space for each 10 units.
Senior congregate care facili#les
0.5 space fore each residential unit, plus 1 space forleach 4 units for guests
and employees.
Group quarters (including 1 space for bed, plus 1 space for each 8 beds for guest parking, 1
boarding houses, rooming . , space fore each employee on largest shift.
houses, dormitories, and
organizational houses) `
Source: Diamond Bar Development Code, November 3,1998
(') Guest parking shall be provided at the ratio of 1 space for each -4 required parking spaces. Spaces shall be dispersed
yy evenly throughowt the project and clearly marked=for guest parking only. .
iI
Affordable Housing Incentives✓ Density Bonus Provisions
1n order to specifically facilitate the development of affordable housing, the City utilizes Affordable
Housing Incentives/ Density Bonus Provisions (Development Code Chapter 22:18). Incentives
provided for in Chapter 22;18 apply to developments of five or more dwelling units. If a density
bonus and/or other incentives cannot be accommodated on a parcel due to stricticompliance with
the
the provisions of the Development Code, , the Council is authorized to waive or modify
_3-8
r
• •mr
ilk
Second Units
parcel
proposed for a secondary dwelling unit -shall° cornplyw,iith all ofi the following requirements:
• The appiicant shall be the owner'and resident of the main dwelling;
t
• The parcel shall have,a minimum area of 10,000 square feet, a minimum width of 50
feet, a minimum depth of 100 feet, and a minimum buildable pad size of 400 square feet,
exclusively1for the secondary unit,'
- The parcel shall be developed with only one existing owner occupied, single-family
detached main dwelling unit; and
The following findings shall be made, to approve a Minor Conditional Use Permit for a secondary
dwelling unity
The secondary ,,unit is compatible with the design of the main dwelling unit' 'and the
surrounding neighborhood in terms of scale, exterior treatment
9 height, setbacks and
landscaping, and will not cause excessive noise, traffic, or other disturbances to the
existing residential neighborhood, or result in significantly adverse effects on public
services and resources; and
• The secondary dwelling unit will not contribute to a high concentration of these units
sufficient to change the character of the surrounding residential neighborhood_
i'
Mobile. Homes/Manufactured Housing ,
i
! Pursuant to State law, manufactured housing placed on a permanent foundation is permitted in atl
residential zones. Such housing is subject to the samedevelopment standards and design review
criteria as stick -built housing as set forth by the zoning district. However, mobile home parks
require`a conditional use permit in all residential zone districts. Mobile homes constitute less than
two percent of Diamond Bar's housing stock. 'There are two mobile home parks in Diamond Bar,
both located in the western ,portion of the City: Diamond Bar Estates and Walnut Creek Estates.
3-10
Housing Constraints
is
. Table 29: Development Deposits
Fee Type
Fees
Administrative Development Review
$1,000 deposit .
Appeals
$500 , or fee to ,be determined by
DputyGiyMaager.,e
Certificate of Compliance
$500 fee
Conditional Use Permit '
$2,000 deposit
Development Agreement
$3,000 deposit
Development (Zoning) Code Amendment
$4,000 deposit.`
Development Review
$2,000 deposit
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or
Actual costs` including City'overhead;
Negative Declaration
deposit to be determined by Deputy
City Manager.,
General: Pian Arnendment
$5,000 deposit
Minor Conditional Use Permit
$1,000 deposit
Minor Variance-'
$450 fee
Preliminary Project Review
$1,000 deposit
Specific Plan
$4,000 deposit
Variance
$2,000 deposit
Zone"Change/ Map Amendment
$4,000 deposit
Zone Variance
$2,000 deposit `
Zone Ordinance Amendment
$2,OOa deposit
Zoning Clearance.
$30 fee
Source: Planning Division Fee Schedule, City of diamond Bar, July 6, 1998
The City's, ropessing fees afire i�un ulative �, ori xample, if an application for a Lot Line.Acijustmerrt
also requires a'MinorVaeiance,;both fees wit, be charged. Atso, specifietl projects,may be subject
to a deposit and an hourly'rate; .rather than eflat applcationfee(s) in compliance with the"City's
Fee Resolution.
New residential development projects in Diamond Bar are subject to school fees. As mentioned
earlier, there= are two school districts serving the City. Walnut Valley Unified School District
assesses a fee of $1'.93 per square foot for residential development (e.g. "living space" of all new
or remodeling can5truction over 500 square feet, not including garage or uncovered patio).
Pomona Unified School District assesses '6fee of $1.84 persguarefoot of residential development.
Hencefees for a new 2,000 square foot single fiamily borne would be approximately $3,600
,"school
to $3,800 and school fees for a new 1,200!condominium would be approximately $2,200 to $2,300
per unit.
5. Buildm.g odes des_and E nfo rcement
In addition to land use controls, local building codes also affect the cost of housing. The City has
adopted the Uniform Building Code (UBC) which establishes the minimum standards for new
construction. While the City may impose more stringent standards, it cannot adopt any which are
3-12
3-13
Housing
for
Department before submitting an application to verify which materials are necessary
application filing.
A prospective applicant is strongly encouraged to request a pre -application conference
with the Department before formal submittal of a permit application. The purpose of this
conference is to inform the applrcant of.cityrequirements as -they applyto the proposed
development project, review the procedures outlined in the Development!Code,'explore
possible alternatives or modifications . and identify necessary technical 'stud'ies and
required informationrelating to. future'environmental review.
2. InitialAppliction lev�ew`
Completeness Review. The Direetor'reviews all applications for completeness and . .
accuracy before they are accepted as being complete and officially filed.' Processing of
applications does not commence until all required fees/deposits have been paid. Without
the application fee'; ora deposit if appiicable,',the application is not deemed complete.
The applicant is informed in writing within 3O days of submittal, either that the application
is complete and has been accepted for processing, or that the application is incomplete,
and that additional inforrr►ation, specified in the letter,i is required-.
If a pending application is not deemed complete within six months after the first filing with
the Department, the app lication '.expires and is deemed withdrawn, and any remaining
deposit amount is refunded, subject to administrative processing fees—,
1 Environmental Assessment .
After acceptance of a complete application, the project is reviewed in compliance with
the California Environmental quality Act (CEQA), to determine whether the proposed
irements of GEQA oris not a- ro ect as defined by CEQA, `
m' tfrom the re u P j
project is exe p q
whether a negative declaration maybe issued, or. whether an environmental impact
r report (El R) is required.
4: Staff Report and Recommendations
A staff report is prepared by the Director that describes the conclusions/ findings about
the proposed land use and development. The report includes recommendations on the
approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval, of the application; based on the
evaluation and consideration of provided by an initial study or environmental
.information
I
impact report. Staff reports are furnished to applicants at the same time as they, are
provided to the Hearing Officer, or members.of the Commission and/or Council, before .
a hearing on the application.
Development Review. An application for Development Review is required for residential
.projects thatpropose four.dwelling units or more (detached or attached) and that involve
the .issuance of a' Building Permit for construction or, reconstruction of a structures)
meeting the following criteria."
l
3-14
Housing Constraints
Slope Stability - Landslides and Subsidence `
'Y
Large portions of^Diamond Bar are covered with major hillsides,,which serve as a significant
constraint to development; Figure 9 illustratesthose areas ofthe city with slopes greater than 25
percent. Development on such severely sloped parcels requires modification to the natural terrain
whichsignific;pntlyi,addstothe.costrof development.
In addition to 'slope constraints, many of the hillsides in Diamond Bar° have a potential for
landslides. The stability of a slope is attributed to such factors as the soil type, gradient of the
local drainage
slope (particularlythose greater 25 percent),', underlying geologicstructure, and
patterns. The rolling topography and composition of local soils throughout Diamond Bar create
numerous areas for potential landslide hazards. Although many historic landslide locations have
since been stabilized;',there:still exist a number of potential landslide areas along the eastern third
of the City, as well as inrTonner Canyon (Sphere of Influence); as illustrated in Figure 9.
Infrastructure
Presently, there are no sewer lines inplace in the developed southeaster end of the 1,250-acre
development known as The Country Estates. The 800-acre Tres Hermanos parcel will also require
installation of infrastructure.! Tres Hermanos Ranch has moderate slopes and sufficient area to
permit construction of affordable housing:
While the City's commercial "areas are typically less affected by the physical constraints described
above, the major commercial intersections in Diamond Bar are already severely congested and
' cannot support trip-intensive land uses such as multi-family residential. Eight intersections in the
city Y p currently operate at Level of Service E or F and experience very poor operating conditions and
-
significant delay;'these intersections are illustrated in Figure 9`. In addition, Diamond Bar is a
"housing rich/jobs poor" community, and needsthe limited amountof commercial land designated
in the General Planta maintain its tax base and serve its resident papulation.
D. CONTRACTUAL CONSTRAINTS
Many,-open space areas in` Diamond Bar were precluded from development as a condition of,
approval for the tract. Often, these areas were calculated as the open space requirement for the
adjacent development, and additional densities may have been granted in exchange for retaining,
these areas as open space. `
Some residential development in Diamond Bar have formed private homeowner's associations, and
have placed Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) on open space areas in their tracts,
thereby limiting permitted development. In many instances, the deed restrictions on development
in open` pace areas were a resuit'of trade-offs to allow greater density in the flatter portions of the
residential tract.
Major'vacant land .areas subject to development restrictions are- mapped in Figure 10_
f
nousmg neeas (as aetermmea Dy atHtal. i�ai
Source: Development Services Department, City
4
I
I[�L�.�®7•�°l't�-�lei i�i6i716� i=�-9CoIa®i1�l�:C�IaCeT•Ti m£�iii
141 11 nl¢TJA,'IZI,1��i;
• a .
•�... .ter �.. a .S, '�.�.: A�„�, '�.z. �..,A.�. , ��, ta.� ��a....
^as �
y h
Maximum
Residential; .
Density
'. Vacant :
Unit
(DUlac)
Acreage
Potential
1 DU/ ac
440
223
3 DU/ac
40
46
5 DU/ac
0
0
12 DU/ac
0
0
16 DU/ac
1.5
24
20 DU/ac
14.9
298
720—
144
if Diamond Bar, September 2000
t
4-2
HOUSING ELEMENT Hcusinq Resources
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Resources
Housing units built in Diamond Bar since Januaa 1998 can be subtracted: from the Cit 's RHNA.
11
new construction has';; b'ee'n custom, homes selling for $500,E100 or more ancl'�nrould therefore count
only, as ,above moderate income" units ::"Che J 998=2005 RHNA had Galled for 23 very low income
units,17' low income units, 27 moderate income units and 76'units for,householtls above mocier"ate `
income' Thus biambnd: Bar has a remaining need of 6i units within very lbw, low ant! moderate
income categanes. ,
Given the City's zoning designations -and the rnaxihium`allowable densities compared to the density
thresholds defined above; ,units affordabke to ve lbw -income and' Iouv-income uvould heed" to be
located in the Hi h Densit` RH zone.
W q
,.
Availability o Public Facifrties and''Services
All land currently des gnated'for residential use xs served b sewer ah avatar. fines `streets storm
drains and tele hone electrical and as I►nes;..
The Ci#y Gbl ec#svanqus impact fees from developers to.couer..the costs
o prov{thing n oes aey services and mfra$tr�ctui a These fees apU t r to ne w developments �n the
C�#y and dnnexed portions.of the'Spher!of.lhfluence''
B. FINANCIAL RESOURCES
The City has access to a variety of existing. and potential funding sources available for affordable
housing activities. They include programs from local,;state, _federal and private resources. The
following section describes the two Most significant housing funding sources currently available in .
Diamond Bar: 'Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and HOME funds.
For many cities, redevelopment housing set-aside funds are one of the primary sources of
financing used for the preservation, improvement; and developmen# of affordable housing. The
City of Diamond Bar had established a Redevelopment' Project Area in 1997. However, on'August
14, 2000, the California State Supreme Court announced that twill not review a previous appellate
court's decision which invalidates Diamond Bar's redevelopment area. The City of Diamond Bar
had asked fora review of the decision after the appellate court ruled that the City did not show
sufficient evidence of blight, a requirement for establishing a redevelopment project area. From
4..4
HOUSING ELEMENT
Housing Resources
the beginning, he City has disputed claims'that blight does not exist in the community, and has
charged that the definition of blight, as characterized under previous case law, should also apply
. to Diamond Bar's redevelopment project area.
The appellate court's ruling reversed a 1997 Superior Court decision which found in favor of the
City and its redevelopment agency. The Superior Court's decision was then appealed on behalf
of the approximately one dozen residents.who, initiated the original
lawsuit against the city's
redevelopment project area.
Table 32: Financial Resources Available for Housing Activities
Program Type, 'Program Name
Description
Eligible Activities
1. Federal
Community
i Grants awarded to the City
Acquisition
Programs .
Development Block
on a formula basis for
Rehabilitation
Grant (CDBG)
housing and community �, .
v
Homebuyer assistance
development activities.
Economic development
•
Homeless assistance
• "
Public services
Home Investment '=
Grants that can be used for,
• '
New construction
Partnership Act
various housing activities.
Acquisition and Rehabilitation
(HOME)
Funds must be used to i
Homebuyer assistance
assist low-income
Tenant -based assistance
households.
Planning
Section 8 Rental
Rental assistance payments
•
' Rental assistance
Assistance Program;
to owners of private market
rate units: on behalf of very
low income tenants_
Emergency Shelter
Grants used to improve the
• '
Renovation
Grants (ESG)quality
of existing'
•
Conversion of buildings
emergency shelters and to
Rehabilitation
increase the number of
Operating costs
sites for shelter,
development.
Section 202
Grants to non-profit
Acquisition
developers of supportive
• "
Rehabilitation
housingfor the elderly.
Y
New construction
j
• ;
Rental assistance"
• '
Support services
i
i
I'
�—k
4-5
1
HOUSING ELEMENT
•'-•'-
Table 3.2: Financial Resources Available for Housng;Activities
Program Type
;Program Name
Description
Eligible Activities
Section 108 Loan .
Provides loan guarantee`to "
i
. *
Acquisition
cbBG entitlement
•'
Rehabilitation ,
jurisdictions,for pursuing '
• ''
Homebuyer assistance'
'large capital'impt6Vement
• r
'Economic development
projects. ''Jurisdictions must
Homeless assistance
pledge its future 'CDBG
I
Public services
allocations for repayment of
the loan. Maximum loan ,
amount can be up to five
times'the entitlement
jurisdiction's most recent
approved` annual allocation.
Maximum loan term is 20
years.
2. State
Mortgage Credit
Income tax credits available
Horne Buyer Assistance
Programs;
Certificate (MCC)
to first-time home buyers for
Program
the purchase of new or
existing single family
housing. ;,Local agencies
make certificates available.
California Housing"
CHFA sells tax exempt
Home Buyer Assistance
Finance Agency
(CHFA) Home
bonds for, below market rate
loans to first-time
Mortgage Purchase
homebuyers. i Program
ter,
Program -
operates through
{
participating lenders who '
originate,loans for CHFA
pur chase:
California Housing
Below market rate financing
"'
New Construction
k
Finance Agency
offered to builders and "
•
Rehabilitation
(CHFA) Multiple Rental
developers ofmulti-family
Acquisition
Housing Programs
and elderly rental; housing.
Tax exempt, bonds provide
below-market mortgage
I
money.
Low,income Housing ,
Tax credits available to
New Construction
Tax Credit (LIHTC)
individuals and corporations
Rehabilitation
that invest in low-income
Acquisition of properties from
rental housing. Tax credits
20 to 150 units
sold to people with high tax
liability, and proceeds are
used to create housing.
4=6
4-7
r
jx
HOUSING ELEMENT
Housing re
Table 32: Financial Resources Available for Housing Activities
Program Type -
Program Name
Description
'Eligible Activities
3. Local
City of Industry
20 percent of Agency tax"
New Construction
Programs :
Redevelopment "
increment funds are set- <
Rehabilitation
Housing Set -Aside '
aside for affordable housing
• `
Acquisition
Funds
activities; City of Industry
set-aside is administered by
LA County CDC and can
be expended within 15 -mile
radius.
4. Private
Federal National
Loan applicants apply to
•
Homebuyer assistance
Resources/,"
Mortgage Association
participating lenders for the
".
Rehabilitation
Financing
(Fannie Mae)
following: programs: fixed
Programs ,
rate mortgages issued by
4
s
_
private Mortgageinsurers
'mortgages ich fund the
purchase and rehabilitation
of a home: low down -
payment mortgages for
single-family homes in
underserved low-income
and minority communities. "
=.
4., Private
California Community
Non-profit mortgage
New Construction
Resources/ :;
Reinvestment -
banking consortium
Rehabilitation
+
L
Financing
Corporation (CCRC)
designedto provide long;
Acquisition
Programs
term debt financing for
(Continued)':'affordable
multi -family
rental housing. Non-prot
and for profit developers `.
contact member banks..".; .
Federal Home" Loan
Direct subsidies to non-
New Construction "
Bank Affordable
profit and for-profit
-- Housing Program .
developers and ,public
agencies for affordable low ,
income ownership and
rental projects
Low Income Housing
Non-profit lenderoffering
Redevelopment costs
Fund (LIHF)
below"market interest, short.
Site acquisition
term loans for affordable
Construction
housing in both urban and
Rehabilitation "
aural areas. Eligible
applicants include non-
profits and government
'
agencies.
4-7
r
jx
-`-
HOUSING . Resources:
Table 32: Financial Resources Available for Housing Activities
Program" Type
Program Name
Description
Eligible Activiities"
Private Lenders
The Community `
Varies, depending on
Reinvestment Act (CRA)
individual program offered by
requires 'certain regulated ."
bank
financial institutions to
achieve "goals for lending in
Clow- and moderate -income
neighborhoods. As a result,
most of the larger private
lenders offer one or more
affordable housing
,
programs, including first-
time' homebuyer,'housing .
rehabilitation, or new
IT construction assistance.
7
7 Community Qevelopment Block Grant (CDBG) Funds `
Through the CDBG program, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
provides funds to local governments forfunding a wide range of community,development activities
for low-income persons. The .CDBG program;., provides formula funding to "larger cities and
counties, while'smaller cities (less than 50,000 population) generally compete for funding that is
allocated to and administered by the state or county: Although Diamond Bar's population is large
enough to be considered a "larger city", Diamond Bar receives its allocation of CDBG funds through
the Los Angeles County Housing and Community Development Department.
The CDBG program is very flexible in that the funds can be used for awide range of activities. The
eligible activities include, but not limited to acquisition an dlordispositionof real estate orproperty,
public facilities and improvements, relocation, rehabilitation 1 and construction (under certain
limitations) of housing, homeownership assistance, and clearance activities: The City currently
allocates most of its CDBG funds to programs and services with less than 10 percent designated
for housing activities.
2 HOME InvestmentPartnership Program
Established by the Federal government in 1990, the HOME program is designed to improve and/or
expand;a jurisdiction's affordable housing stock. Unlike the CDBG program,, HOME funds can only
be used for affordable housing activities. Specifically, HOME funds can be used for the following
activities which promote affordable rental housing and lower-income homeownership: building
acquisition, new, construction, reconstruction,, moderate or substantial rehabilitation, homebuyer
assistance, and tenant based assistance.`
There are fairly'strict requirements governing the use of the funds. Two major requirements are
that HOME funds must be: (1) used for activities that target certain income ;groups (lower income
4-8,
HOUSING ELEMENT HousingResources!:,,,
6. Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
Created by the ,1986` Tax Reform Act; the LIHTG program "has been used to encourage the
,. construction and rehabilitation of law -income rental housing: it allows investors an annualtax credit
over a ten-year period; provided that the housing meetsthe low-incomeoccupancy requirements:
a minimum of 20 percent of the �inits must be affordable to ;households at 50 ercent` of area
median income (AMI) 'or 40 percent affordablefio those at 60,percent o f AMI. The Iota( credit over
the ten-year period has a present value equal to 70 percent of -the qualified, construction and
rehabilitation expenditures. This program has liinitations`which affect the amount'of tax credits
received, such'as 'ten year"'requirement for,housing,being ptarchased;�a minimum rehabilitation
expenditure for rehabilitation projects11.Th!77e taiC credit is typically sold . a large °inVestors at a
syrtidica#ion uelue
I
7.'Mortgage Credit C�,ertificates (MCC)
The MCC program is designed to help tov✓- anti moderate ih66m6 first-time homebuyers q%ialify for
conventional first mortgage loans 'by increasing th0`homdb�iyer's after�tax i'ncorne Cis `
„The'M
a direct tax credit for eligible homebuyers equal to 20 percent of the mortgage interest paid during
the year. The other 8!0 percent of mortgage interest. can still betaken as an incorr►e deduction..
Diamond Bar is a participating city in the County -run MCC program and has issued 20 MCCs to
date.
8. Section,8 Rental Assistance
The federal Section 8 program provides -rental assistance to low-income persons in need of
affordable housing. There are two types of subsidies uritler,Section 8: certificates `and vouchers.
A. certificate pays the difference between' the fair market rent and 30 percent of the tenants'
monthly income, while a voucher allows a tenant to choose housing that may cost above' the fair
market rent figure, with the tenant paying the extra cost. ?he°voucher also allows the tenant to rent
a unit below the fair market rent figure with the tenant keeping the savings. '
The Housing Authority`of the County of Los Angeles (HACLA)-coordinates and administers Section
8 rental assistance on behalf of the unincorporated areas and -the cities that do not have #heir own
housing authorities. In July 2000, 46 households in Diamond Bar were receiving Section'8 rental
assistance; 26 of the households were seniors, most "of whom resided at the "Seasons'.. Diamond .
Bar Senior. Apartments. HACLA's current waiting list includes six additional Diamond Bar
households requesting Section 8 assistance and 25 households awaiting, conventional public
housing.
9. Southern- Califomia Horne Financing Authority (SCHFA) Programs:.'
CHFA administers a number of ownership and rental housing programs funded with the proceeds
from tax-exempt bonds. The single-family is offered by the'County of Los Angeles for the purpose .
of assisting firsttime homebuyers in purchasing homes by offering below-market interest rate loans
to qualified borrowers:: The program offers- options: 1) a. Low Rate option and 2) a Rebate
option which gives the homebuyer a gift of 3.5 percent of the loan arnount`to be applied toward
4-1:0
'HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Resources
"C. OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION
Utility -related costs can directly impact the affordability of housing in Southern" California. To help
control utility costs; Title 24 'of °the California Administrative' Code'sets forth mandatory energy
standards for new deivelbpmi§nt, and requires adoption of an "energy budget". In turn, he home
building industry must comply with these energy standards while localities are responsible 'for
enforcing the energy, conservation regulations:
The following are among the alternative ways to meet these energy standards. Alternative 1: The
passive solarapproach which requires propersolar orientation, appropriate evels of thermal mass,
south facing windows,�andmoderate "insulation levels. Alternatives 2: Generally' requines higher
levels of insulation than Alternative '1, but has nothermai mass orwindow orientation'requrements.
Alternative & ;Also -,is. without passive 'solar design but requires active solar water heating in
exchange for less stringenflnsulation and/or glazing'requirernents: ` .
Additional opportunities for energy, conservation include the following techniques: (1) locating the
structure on the northern portion of thesunniest portion of the site; (2) designing the structure to
admit the maximum amount of sunlight into the building and to reduce exposure to extreme
weather conditions; (3) locating indoor areas of maximum usage along the south face of the "
building and placing ;corridors, closets, laundry rooms, power core,'and garages along the north
face; (4) making the main entrance a small enclosed space that creates an air lock be the
building and its exterior; orienting the entrance away from prevailing winds; or using a windbreak
to reduce the wind velocity against the entrance.
iz
Southern California Edison Customer Assistance Program .
Southern California Edison (SCE) offers a variety of energy conservation services under Customer
Assistance Programs (CAP). These services are designed to help low-income households, senior
citizens, permanently disabled, and non-Englishspeaking customers control their, energy use. All
CAP participants must meet the federally -established, income guidelines_'; Most of the services
offered: are available free of charge.
Southern California Gas Company Involvement Program'
The Southern California Gas Company offers an, energy, conservation service known as the
Community Involvement Program, JCI P). Provided free of`charge, this service provides
weatherization for the homes or apartments of low-income families, provided` they meet the
federally -established income guidelines.
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Ran
.x
Table 33 summarizes the City's 1989-19994 RHNA and Housing Element objectives, and provides
a comparison With actual levels of production.
Table 33- 1989-1994 RHNA, 1989 Housing Element Objectives,
and lJnits Constructed tluring!, 989-1997
Income Category
9989-1994 RHNA
I Units Constructed
1989-1 11997,,i
Very Low
117 (15%)
( 0 (0%)
L,ow �, � ,
182 (23
0 �,(0°Io)
Moderate
144 (19%)
96 (41 °l°)
Upper
338 (43%6),,59
Total
781 f
237
s
Source: Development Services Department, Gity of Diamond Bar, September 2000
Based on a review. of Building Department records,, a total of 237 units were developed in the City
between 1989 and 1997. While the majority of units developed were single-family homes with
sales,prices, targeted to upper income hoouseholds, two condominium projects were built With sales
prices at levels affordable to moderate income households. , Na mu{ti-family rental, units were
produced, not because of any local site or development constraints, but due to,a lack of
development interest.;and downtum in apartment construction Statewide.,:
The City's overall shortfall in housing production in contrast to the RHNA is primarily the result of .,
the economic recession of the early to mid 1990s. The RHNA was developed prior to the recession
and assumed that the economic prosperity experienced in the late 1980s, would continue in the
1990s. In actuality, housing construction activities were significantly lower the leuels-projected
by SCAG throughout the region.
fd
}
Policy 3.1 Maintain an inven#ory of potential sites available for future housing development
,_.;..i,dc.±cM�ilNdlrtdilll .,-15-
m ;
HOUSING
ELEMENT Housing
GOAL 4
Mitigate potential governmental constraints which may hinder or discourage
housing development in Diamond Bar.
Policy 4.1
Continue to provide regulatory incentives and concessions to facilitate affordable
housing development in'the City.
Policy 4.2 "
Promote the expeditious processing and approval of residential projects that meet
General Plan policies and City regulatory requirements.
Policy 4.3
Policy 4.4
Periodically review City regulations, ordinances, departmental processing
procedures and residential fees related to rehabilitation and/or construction to
assess their impact on housing costs, and revise as appropriate.
L.
GOAL 5
Consistent with the Vision Statement, encourage equal and fair housing,
f
opportunities for all economic segments of the community-
':,Policy 5.1 .
Continue to enforce fair housing laws prohibiting arbitrary discrimination in the
building, financing, selling or renting of housing on the basis of race; religion, family
status; national origin, physical handicap or other such circumstances_
Policy 5.2
Direct persons with fair' housing complaints to the appropriate Agency for
investigationand resolution-
Policy 5.3
Encourage apartment managers and owners to attend fair housing seminars offered
1:
I
I
Apartment rtment Association of Greater Los Angeles.
by the p 9
it
5-5
I
�I
Ili _,�. . _ ....:.._. ....
..... ..... ... :.-m �I,=mafP#a@'ifllll�°"`1'Ia'-........�_...� '
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Plan
C. HOUSING PROGRAMS
40
The goals and policies contained in the Housing Element address Diamond.Bar,'s identified housing
needs,' and are implemented through; a series of , housing programs offered through ;the
'Development Services Department. Housing programs define the specific actions the City will
undertake to ''achieve the stated goals and policies. According to Section 65583 of" 'the State
Government Code, a city's', housing programs must address the following five major areas:
Conserving the existing supply of affordable hous!ng
• Assisting in the provision of housing; ,
• Providing adequate sites to'. achieve a variety and diversity of housing;
• Rem flving govermmn#al cons#taints as;necessary; and
Promoting equafhousing opportunity
Diamond Bar`s housing plan for addressing unmet needs, removing constraints, and achieving
quantitative and qualitative objectives is described in this section accordingtothe above five areas_
The housing°programs described on the following pages include existing programs as well as
'several new programs which have been added to address the City's unmet housing needs. The
program summary (Table 34) included at the end of this section specifies for each program the
following: five-year objective(s), funding source(s), and agency responsible for implementation of
the program.
CONSERVING THE EXISTING SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING '
Conserving and improving the housing stock is an important goal,for diamond Bar. Although the
majority of the City's housing stock is in good condition,. 11 Heady 20 percent of the housing stock is
30 years or older, the age when most homes begin to require major rehabilitation improvements.
By identifying olderresidential neighborhoods for potential housing rehabllitatian, the City has taken
a pro -active approach to maintaining the quality of its current housing stock, The r focus
neighborhoods identified by this Plan as evidencing physical problem conditions can be specifically
targeted for City housing improvement assistance.
1. Residential Code Enforcement Program
The City implements a, -pro. -active Code 'Enforcement Program. Neighborhood inspections. are
conducted on a regular basis throughout the entire city. The checklist for residential violations
includes inoperable vehicles, trash storage, parking on paved areas only, structure maintenance,
landscape maintenance, and fence and wall maintenance. After the neighborhood inspection,
letters are sent out to all property owners in areas where violations have been observed. A follow -
5 -6
,
HOUSING Housing
Fire -year :Objective: The City's objective is 'ta continue current levels of Section 8 rental
assistance, and to direct eligible households tothe County program.
5. Preservation of Assisted Housing
Diamond: Bar contains only one assisted housing project, the 149 -unit Seasons Apartments
(formerly "Heritage Park"), for senior citizens. This proJect was constructed in 1988 and was
originally financed under the Los Angeles County Multi -family Mortgage Revenue Bondprogram.
The project was'refinanced in November, 19.99 under the 'California Community Development
Authority's Multifamily Housing Re -funding Bond, and viral transferred to non-profit ownership.
According to the terms of the new bond agreement, income restrictions for residents and
corresponding rent limits were set. For the duration of the bond which expires December 2, 2034,
all units will be affordable: 30 units (20%) will be very low income, 82 units (25%) will be low
income, and 37 units Will be moderate income (defined as 100% AMI). The Seasons Apartments
are owned by he Corporate Fund for Housing, anon -profit organizption.
Five-year Objective: Preserve 149 low and moderate income units in the Seasontr Apartments.
6.. Mobilehome Park Preservation
There are two mobile home parks in Diamond Bar, both located in the western portion of the City:
Diamond Bar Estates and Walnut`Creek Estates.:These mobile home parks had been developed
before incorporation of the City on land ;previously designated as Industrial under
the -County's
jurisdiction. The Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Map adopted in July, 1995
designated both
mobilehome parks "residential" in order to, preserve their status and,preventfuture inconsistencies.
Any proposed land use change to the mobile home parks would now require an; amendment to the
City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, as well as .adherence to State mobile home park
closure requirements.
Five-year Objective: The City will continue to support' preservation of its two mobilehome parks
as important affordable housing resources.
ASSISTING IN THE PROVISIONr OF "HOUSING `
To enable more households to attain homeownership in Diamond Bar, the City participates in two
mortgage assistance' programs: the Homebuyer Assistance` Program and=the Mortgage Credit
Certificate (MCC). These programs are very important given that housing prices in Diamond Bar
rank among the Highest in eastern= Los Angeles County and northern Orange County., The cit ° is
also supportive of the development of senior housing to meet the'4needs; of its growing senior
population.
-8
I
..; HOUSINGHousing . '
s
The City can assist in establishin , a second senior facilit
g y in
several ways. First, .the Cit .. .
y y can itlent�fiy suitable sites for development.:.Second the, bit can
rovideland write-downs re ulato incentives and/or'directfinancialassistance."
portion
of the Gity's CbBG funds can,Used, to Help firionce`so.nior and.workforcehousing projects. New
housing developments in Diamond`Bar, may also: be eligible for. City of industry funds; as well as
other funding sources identified in.,Resources chapter, of the Element (Tablei 32). Typical
local government assistance can serve as gap financing, to bridge the difference between the total
project cost and the equity investment plus market rate debt. Ake matively, the City may acquire
a'site and provide it to the developer at no or low-cost.
Five-year Objective: The City will identify, and evaluate sites suitable for new senior and workforce
housing.:,The, City will additionally contact aandlproperty owners re ardira the Cit 's i`nteres# in -
assistin in the deveto meet of senior andworkforce housinq.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE HOUSING SITES
Arnajor element in meeting the housing needs of all segments of the lcommunity is the provision
of adequate 's
saes of all types, sizes and prices of housEng. The City's General Plan, .Development
Code, and specific plans dictate where housing may locate, thereby affecting the supply of land
available for residential development.
9. Land Use Element
The Land Use Element of the General Plan provides for a variety of housing types in Diamond Bar,
With densities ranging from one unit per acre to, 20 dwelling units per acre. Higher densities can
be achieved through the City's density bonus provisions, and through development agreements.
The Land Use Plan provides fora net increase of 735 units, including '298.high density units. This
residential -development potential is more than adequate to address the City's share of regional
housing needs, which are identified as 144 dwelling"units between 1998 and 2005. The City will
maintain a current inventory, -of available sites for future residential development.
Five-year Objective: The City, will continue to provide appropriate land use designatian5 and
5=.10
IM M
�- �: ��.y. a� r.^^ .Tro"" '1 '`� 1 a"4`�..p""W. �5.. + �.�--j-x.,m+� *sd+$`•,.v�-,y...' "5" .::
Fi
''^----"v''.'�`,"`."_`d,sx"
swyp-v k9�..k� ,�..d.tfislgr.�.�r... �.,... ...i h�
_i:.,
of 400 square 'feet exclusively for the secondary unit. A secondary dwelling unit >maybe rented.
Although the City's revised Development Code was adopted in November 1998, to date there have
been no requests for planning approval of second units.
Five-vear Obiective
- r .
Housing
�
Housing Program Program Gaal
Responsible
Five -Year Objective(s)/ Funding '.
Timeframe Sources)
Department or
Agency
Providing Adequate Residential Sites
9. Land Use Element
Provide adequate sites at varying.
Maintain current sites
General Fund
Development
Services Dept.
densities for future housing
inventory, coupled with
development.
incentives for affordable
production.
10. Mixed Use
a
General Fund
Development
Development
j Services Dept.
I
I Development`
11. Second Units
Provide opportunities for scattered
k4'e"'
General Fund
second unit rentalsintegrated in
Services Dept.
single-family neighborhoods.
Removing Governmental Constraints
12. Affordable Housing
Facilitate the production of
Develop summary
General Fund
Development
Incentives/ Density
affordable housing through
handout, and distribute
Services Dept.
Bonus
provision of regulatory and
to development
community
financial assistance.
Development
13. Efficient Project
Provide efficient developmentContinue
to offer stream-
General Fund
Processing
processing procedures.
line development
Services
. ,
processing, and
periodically review
procedures.
Promoting Equal Housing Opportunities
14. Fair Housing
Further fair housing practices in
General Fund,
Development
Program
the community.
CDBG
Services Dept.;
Long Beach
Fair Housing
I�
Foundation
Five -Year Goals Summary:
TOTAL UNITS TO BE CONSTRUCTED: 143 (23 Very Low, -17 Low, 27 Moderate, 76 Upper)
TOTAL UNITS TO BE REHABILITATED: 50 (25 Low, 25 Moderate)
TOTAL UNITS TO BE CONSERVED: Conserve 46 very low-income (Section 8) rent subsidies and 149 assisted, units for
seniors in "The Seasons Apartments".
5-15
I
Appendix A
EVALUATION OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS UNDER
ADOPT HOUSING ED OtJS G ELEMENT
;�-
E
i
Under State Housing Element law, tommunities are required to assess the achievements under
their adopted housingprograms as part of the five-year update to their housing elements. These
results should be quantified where possible (e.g the number of units'that were rehabilitated), but
may be qualitative where 'necessary (e.g mitigation of governmental constraints). The results
should then be compared with what was projected or planned in the earlier element. Where
I significant shortfalls exist between what was planned and what was achieved, the reasons for such
differences must be discussed.
Diamond Bar's prior Housing Element was adopted in 1995, and sets forth a series of housing
programs with related' objectives for the following Itopic` areas; conservation and improvement of
j the housing stock; provision of adequate affordable housing; provision of adequate housing sites;
j removal of governmental constraints; and promotion of equal housing opportunities. This section
reviews the current appropriateness of these programs, the effectiveness of the Element, and the
1, progress in implementation since 1995.-
A-6
a,�_
z � � � A-7
2.3.4 Provide information regarding the iavailability of emergency shelter. ;
Although the City does not have a homeless population, any persons nee tling
`
shelter would be referred to appropriate facilities and services in the San
Gabriel and Pomona {/alley'areas:
2.3.5 " Pursue State, Federal, and private programs designed to expand housing
opportunities for all segments of society: including the elderly and the
handicapped,. Determine the extent to which such programs are Consistent
with the goals and objectives of'the'Diamond Bar General Plan, and the extent
to which,such programs can bie.incorporatedinto 1uture development within the
City. A prionty,will be to pursue entitlement status'through HUD and secure
= ,permanent CABG funding.
k.
The City has entered into a contract with a private consultant to coordinate
programming and carry out limited administration of the CDBG programs.
2.3.6 Following acquisition of Federal Community Development Block Grant funds
by 1994, designate a Housing Coordinator in the Planning Department to make
applications for various State and Federal Programs. Earmark at least
$25,000 annually from various sources toward meeting the housing needs of
Diamond Bar residents.
The City has entered into a contract with a private consultant to coordinate
programming and carry out limited administration of CDBG programs, including
housing.
Vlfork with thei Los, Angeles County Housing Authority and nearby cities to
establish a continuous emergency shelterprogram serving the eastern portion
of the County.
While Diamond, Bar doesnot currently have a homeless population, the City
will continue to coordinate with and direct any homeless persons"to local social
service providers.. A variety of facilities in the .San Gabriel Valley. ,and the
Pomona Valley region: provide senrices.to the homeless or to persons who are
at risk of becoming homeless, including battered women and low. income
families,
-2.3.8,,,, " As, appropriate encourage the development %of, child care facilities in conjunction
with new development.,
One of the City's largest employers, the _South _Coast Air Quality Mana ement
9
District (AQMD) has developed a major child care facility which is open to the public
at large as well as employees.
A-8
. .6 �S f -.s' 1 .'E4 Y ri•' vP�••.
Appendix
based. In Section 8 rental assistance ro rams the
p g subsidy is linked to the family and assistance
provided to any numberiof families accepted by willing private landlords. This type of subsidv is
said to be "tenant based."
Housing. Unit: A room or group of rooms used `by one or more intlivitluais living separately from
others in the structure, with direct access to the outside or to a public hall and containing separate
toilet andi kitchen facilities. r'
HUD: See U. 'S. Department of Housing 'and Urban Development
Income Category: Four categories are used to classify a household according to income based
on the median income for the county. Under state housing statutes,' these categories are defined
as follows: VeryLow 0-50%0 of County median); Low 50-80°
_( _tY ), ( /o of County median); Moderate 80-'. ,
o 0
120% of Count median); .and U Upper over 1 20 /o of .C.
Y pp County, median).
( Y )
Large Household: d A household with 5 or more members.,
s
Manufactured+ Housing: Housing that is constructed of manufactured components, assembled
partly at.the site rather than totally at the site. Also referred to as modular housing.
Market Rate Housing: Housing which is available on the open market without any subsidy. The
price for housing is determined by the market forces of suppty and demand and varies by location'
Median Income: The annual income for each household size within a region which is defined
annually by HUD. Half of the households in the region have incomes above the median'and half
have incomes below the median.
Mobile Home: A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is at least 8 feet in width
and.32 feet in length, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling unit
when connected to the required utilities, either with or without a permanent foundation.
x.
Mortgage Revenue :Bond (MRB) A state, county or city program providing financing for the
development of housing through the sale°of tax-exempt bonds. '
Overcrowding: As defined by the U.S. Census a household with greater than '1.01 persons per
room, excluding bathrooms; kitchens, hallways, and porches. 'Severe overcrowding is defined as
households with greater than 1.51 persons.per room.
Overpayment: Theextentto which gross housing costs, including utility costs, exceed 30percent
of gross household income, based on data published by the U.S'. Gensus Bureau. -` Severe
overpayment, or cost burden, exists if gross housing costs exceed 50 percent of gross income;
Parcel: The basic unit of land entitlement. A designated area of land, established ,,by plat,
subdivision, or otherwise legally defined and permitted to be used, or built upon.
Physical Defects: A housing unit lacking complete kitchen or bathroom facilities (U.S. Census
definition). Jurisdictions may expand the Census definition in defining units with physical defects.
B-4
PLANNING COMMISSION
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF.
DIAMOND BAR RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ADOPT THE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
NO. 00-01, DRAFT 2000-2005 HOUSING ELEMENT, FOR THE GENERAL
A. RECITALS.
1 . On April 18, 1989, the City of Diamond Bar was established as a duly
2. On July 25, 1995, the City of Diamond Bar adopted its General Plan. The General
Plan establishes goals, objectives and strategies to implement the community's
vision for its future.
3. Pursuant to the requirements of Government Code Section 65588(a), the City of
Diamond Bar has reviewed the Housing Element of the General Plan of the City
and has determined that it is appropriate to revise that Element to reflect the
results of this review.
4. The City prepared a draft revised Housing Element for the period of 2000-2005 and
submitted it to the state Department of Housing and Community Development
("HCD") for review on September 21, 2000, pursuant to Government Code
Section 65585(b). The City in the form of a letter dated November 3, 2000,
5. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, Public
Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq. ("CEQA"), the State CEQA
guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Article 11, Section
15168(c)(2) and 15162, the City has determined that this project is
consistent with the previously certified General Plan Environmental hnpact
Report and Addendum certified July 25, 1995. In October 2000,
Cotton/Beland/Associates prepared a study demonstrating that no new
environmental effects could occur and no new mitigation measures would
be required by the 2000-2005 Housing Element. The October, 2000,
6. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65090 and 65353, notification of the
public hearing for this project was published in the San Gabriel Valley
Tribun and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspapers on October 26, 2000,
7. The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing with regard
the General Plan Amendment No. 00-01, Draft 2000-2005 Housing
which time public comments were received by the Commission. The public
r hearing was opened on November 14, 2000, and concluded on Novembei-28, 2000.
8. The Planning Commission, considered, individually and collectively, the
revised Housing Element, and after due consideration of public testimony,
staff analysis, and the Commission's deliberations, the Planning
Commission has determined that the General Plan Amendment No. 00-01,
Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element, attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and
incorporated by reference into this Resolution, implements the goals and
9. On November 28, 2000, the Planning Commission recommended that the City
Council adopt General Plan Amendment No. 00-01, Draft 2000-2005
B. RESOLUTION.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby found, determined and resolved by the Planning
1. The Planning Commission hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set forth
The Planning Commission hereby specifically finds and determines that,
having considered the record as a whole, there is no evidence before this
Planning Commission that the General Plan Amendment No. 00-01, Draft
2000-2005 Housing Element, proposed herein will have the potential of an
adverse effect on wildlife resources or the habitat upon which the wildlife
depends. Based upon substantial evidence, this Planning Commission
hereby rebuts the presumption of adverse effects contained in Section -
3. The Planning Commission has reviewed the Housing Element Guidelines
adopted by the HCD pursuant to Section 50459 of the Health and Safety
Code and the findings contained in HCD's comment letter of November 3,
4. The revised Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element is in full compliance with the
5. The revised Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element is consistent with the other
elements of the General Plan because the revised Housing Element uses
the land use designations of the Land Use Element and those
designations in turn are reflective of, and consistent with, the policies and
6. The housing goals, objectives, and policies stated in the revised Draft 2000-
2005 Housing Element are appropriate for the City of Diamond Bar and
7. The adoption of the revised Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element will aid the
City's efforts to assist in the development of housing for all members of the
community.
9. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council adopt the
General Plan Amendment No. 00-01, Draft 2000-2005 Housing Element,
for the City of Diamond Bar attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and
The Secretary of the Planning Commission
(a) Certify as to the adoption of this Resolution; and
(b) Transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the City Council of the City of
Diamond Bar.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 28 th DAY OF
NOVEMBER 2000, BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR.
1, James DeStefano, Secretary of the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar,
do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced, passed, and
adopted, at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 28th day of
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kuo, Ruzicka, Tye, VC/Zirbes,
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAINED: COMMISSIONERS: ATTEST:-4kO"
JbAies DeStefano, secretary
Version Revised 11 -
EXHIBIT "B"
CITY OF DIAMOND BAB,
2000-20o,5 HOUSING
R-EVISEDDRAFT
NOVEMBEP, 2000,-,-
COTTON/B ELAN
CITY- OF,DIAMOND -BAR
2000-2005 HOUSING
ELEMENT - I
11 1
EXHIBIT "A"
FINDING OF CONSISTENCY WITH
GENERAL PLAN EIR
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR 2000-2005 HOUSING ELEMENT October,
2000
The City of Diamond Bar proposes adoption of an updated Housing Element (Element) for the
City's General Plan. The updated Element covers the 2000-2005 planning period for the SCAG
(Southern California Association of Governments) region. The Element proposes goals and
programs to meet the City's anticipated housing needs through 2W5.
Adoption of a housing element is considered a"project7 under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA). Thus, environmental review is required pursuant to CEQA (Public Resources Code
Section 21000 et seq.), the State CEQA Guidelines (Government Code Section 15000 et seq.),
and the City of Diamond Bar CEQA Guidelines. This document serves as the project
environmental documentation pursuant to CEQA.
Background
The California State Legislature has identified the attainment of a decent home and suitable living
environment for every Californian as the StaWs major housing goal. Recogni7ing the important
role of local planning programs in the pursuit of this goal, thelegislature has mandated that all
cities and counties prepare a housing element as part of their comprehensive General Plans.
Section 65302 (c) of the Government Code sets forth the specific componerits'to be contained in a
community's housing element.
State law requires housing elements to be updated at least every five years to reflect a
community's changing housing needs. As stated above, Diamond Bar's current update covers the
2000-2005 period for the SCAG region.
Exievng Housing Moment: The Diamond Bar Housing Element was comprehensively updated in
1995. The 1995 Element sets forth goals and program objectives aimeid,toward meeting a
projected need of .781 now housing units between 1989 and 1994. (Since 1994, the State has
extended the housing element cycle for the SCAG region several tims, i with the cycle now
covering 1998-2005.) The Element was found in statutory compliance by the State Department of
Housing and Community Development.
Existfrig General Pian: In July 1995, Diamond Bar adopted a comprehensive update of its
General Plan, including the Housing Element. The 1995 General Plan sets forth policy for land use
development in Diamond Bar and within its sphere of influence over the next 20 years. The
certified General Plan Final Program EIR 0 995) indicated that development in accordance with
adopted land use policy would not result in any unavoidable significant environmental impact,
Diamond Bar General Man Finding of Consistency 200&2ws Housiow sAwnent wAth 1993
seismio4nduced groundshaking, short-term construction -related air emissions, long-term
air emissions from mobile and stationary sources, water supply, short-term construction
noise, schools, fire protection, and recreation. Implementation of mitigation measures
identified in Final Program EIR are currently monitored as called for in the adopted
Proposed 2000-2005 Housing
The proposed 2000-2005 Housing Element includes the major components identified
a. An analysis of the City's population, household and employment base, and the
characteristics of the City's housing stock.
b. A summary of projected housing needs of the City's households.
c. A review of potential constraints to meeting the Citys identified housing needs. d.
An evaluation of opportunities that will further the development of new housing.
e. A statement of the Housing Plan that will address Oiamond Bars housing needs,
including housing goals, policies. and programs.
For the 1998-2005 SCAG planning period, the Element identifies the need for
Very Low Income (0-50% median family income (MFI)) 23
Low (5-1-80% MFI) 17 Moderate (81-120% MFQ 27
Above Moderate (over 1200/1, MFI) 76 Total Households
144
To meet these needs, the 2000-2005 Housing Element sets forth 14 programs, some of
which were contained in the 1996 Element and continue to be relevant to the next
planning period, as well as several new programs. The table on the following page
Relationship of the Housing Element to Balance of General
The 2000-2005 Housing Element works in tandem with the balance of the General Plan to
iMplernentLiand Use policy regarding the distribution and intensity of residential
development, as set forth on the land use policy map. The Housing Element does not
propose any change to the land use policy map or to the density limits established for
each of the residential land use Categories. Rather, Housing Element policies and
programs work to implement certain land use goals by facilitating development of new
housing on those properties designated for residential use. Thus, adoption of the Housing
200&-20-05 2 wfth 1995 Plan
Additional goals and anticipated effects of Housing Element implementation are the
Environmental Ana"s
The EIR prepared and certified for the 1995 General Plan adoption Is a Program EIR, as
defined in Section 15168 of the State CEQA Guidelines. As such, the EIR examines
impacts associated with the long-term implementation of the General Plan, particularly
build -out of vacant and underutilized properties in accordance with adopted land use
policy. As noted above, the analysis contained in the General Plan Program EIR indicated
that all potentially significant effects associated with General Plan implementation could
Section 15168(c)(2) of the Guidelines states that if a project Is proposed which has been
the subject of a prior certified EIR or adopted Negative Declaration, and 'If the agency
(City) finds that pursuant to Section 15162, no now effects could occur or now mitigation
measures would be required, the agency can approve the activity as being within the
scope of the project covered by the program EIR, and no now environmental document
would be required."
(a) Substantial changes are proposed in the project which require major revisions of
the EIR due to the' involvement of new significant environmental effects or
(b) Substantial -changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the
project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous EIR due to
involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in
(c) New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not
have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the
inor Home Repair ILand use Element
Dtamwd Bar Genml plan Fffxbng of Consisfency 2000-2005 N*VWftg Eloment 3 With laps
Ge"ral plan EIR ON
in le -f mily Rehabilitation Program fixed Use Development
PressNation of Assisted Housing
Affordable Homing Incentives/Density
Bonus
Mobilehome Park Preservation
Efficient Promect Processing
First-time Homebuyer Assistance
Fair Housing
Program
Environmental Ana"s
The EIR prepared and certified for the 1995 General Plan adoption Is a Program EIR, as
defined in Section 15168 of the State CEQA Guidelines. As such, the EIR examines
impacts associated with the long-term implementation of the General Plan, particularly
build -out of vacant and underutilized properties in accordance with adopted land use
policy. As noted above, the analysis contained in the General Plan Program EIR indicated
that all potentially significant effects associated with General Plan implementation could
Section 15168(c)(2) of the Guidelines states that if a project Is proposed which has been
the subject of a prior certified EIR or adopted Negative Declaration, and 'If the agency
(City) finds that pursuant to Section 15162, no now effects could occur or now mitigation
measures would be required, the agency can approve the activity as being within the
scope of the project covered by the program EIR, and no now environmental document
would be required."
(a) Substantial changes are proposed in the project which require major revisions of
the EIR due to the' involvement of new significant environmental effects or
(b) Substantial -changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the
project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous EIR due to
involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in
(c) New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not
have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the
Dtamwd Bar Genml plan Fffxbng of Consisfency 2000-2005 N*VWftg Eloment 3 With laps
Ge"ral plan EIR ON
shows any of the
1 . The revised project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in
the previous EIR;
2.1 Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than
3. Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in
fact be feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects
4. Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those
analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more
significant effects on the environment, but the project proponents decline to
As stated above, the 2000-2006 Housing Element Wit not result in any land use policy
change.thus, the project will not facilitate the creation of any additional housing units
beyond those anticipated and accounted for at build out by current land use policy.
Element programs aimed at the preservation of existing affordable units will act to
preserve housing, and proposed housing rehabilitation programs III improve the quality of
existing housing stock. These two types of programs will have beneficial effects. The
Density Bonus Program is an existing City program that is addressed by current housing
and land use policy. Existing and proposed new programs that provide housing
assistance will neither increase nor decrease the number of available units. None of the
Housing Element programs will result in any new environmental effect not already
considered in the 1995 General Plan EIR.
Findings Based on the above analysis, the City of Diamond Bar hereby makes the
following findings:
I - In 1996, the City of Diamond 813r adopted a comprehensive General Plan update and
certified a Final Program EIR for the project.
2. The 1995 General Plan EIR conduded that long-term implementation of the General
Plan would not result in any unavoidable sigNficant environrmntal effect.
3. The proposed 20DO-2005 Housing Element will not facilitate the creation of any
additional housing units beyond those anticipated and accounted for by current land
use policy.
4. Proposed now Housing Element programs will improve the quality of existing housing
and improve access to housing for all needs groups.
S. Adoption of the 2000-2006 Housing Element will not result in any now environmental
effects, and no new mitigation measures are required.
Diatnond Bar Generai Pion
2000-200 Hou" Frlam9nr-- Finding of Consistency with 1005 Conaml Plan EIR
TOTAL
Introductio
1. INTRODUCTION
A. COMMUNITY CONTEXT
The City of Diamond Bar is located in the southeast corner of Los Angeles County, at the
intersection of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. The City is situated at the
eastern end of the East San Gabriel Valley, adjacent to both State Routes 57 and 60 ("Pomona
Freeway") as shown in Figure 1. Diamond Bar began as Rancho Los Nogales (Rancho of the
Walnut Trees) after a Spanish land grant in 1840. At its height, it was one of the largest cattle
and walnut ranches in Southern California.' Until the mid -20th century, this land was alternately
combined and divided for various agricultural uses. In 1956, the Christiana Oil Corporation and
the Capital Oil Company, a subsidiary of the Transameric 'a Corporation, purchased the
Diamond Bar Ranch. A comprehensive development plan was prepared and approved forthe
City, making it one of the first master -planned communities in Los Angeles County.
During the 1960s, suburban development spread eastward,frorn the Los Angeles basin,
stimulating local housing and population growth as Diamond Bar's open hillsides were replaced
with homes. Despite its initial conception as a master -planned community, Diamond Bar was not
developed in an orchestrated manner while it remained an unincorporated community. In March
1989, local voters approved incorporation in order to assert stricter control over local
development. On April 18, 1989, Diamond Bar became the 86 th city in Los Angeles County, and
by 2000 has grown to a population of approximately 59,000 and 18,000 housing units.
Demographic shifts are occurring in the City. In 1990, approximately half of Diamond Bar
residents were white, one-quarter of the residents were Asian, and nearly one-fifth of residents
were Hispanic- While no updated census data is available, current enrollment data for schools
located in Diamond Bar provides some insight into the changing raciallethnic composition of the
City. In 1998199, approximately 45 percent of the City's public school students were Asian, 31
percent were white, 17 percent were Hispanic and 7 percent were Black.
The City's population is aging; between 1980 and 1990, the median age for Diamond Bar
increased from 27.5 years to 31.9 years. During the same period, adults between the ages of 35
and 64 increased significantly as a proportion of the population, from 31 percent in 1980 to 40
percent in 1990, attracted by the many move -up housing opportunities in the City. The senior
population also grew; the share of the population aged 65 years and above increased from 2
percent to 4 percent during the ten-year period. In terms of actual numbers, the senior population
increased from approximately 600 persons in 1980 to nearly 2,300 persons in 1990. The City will
continue to experience growth in its senior population as persons in their 50's and early 60's age
In contrast to the size of its population, Diamond Bar has a relatively small employment base; in
1990 there were approximately 14,000 jobs in the City. Major employers include Allstate
Insurance, Travelers Insurance, South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the Walnut
Valley Unified School District. While the City actually lost jobs during the early 1990's like many
California ,communities hit by recession, SCAG projects a dramatic increase in employment
between 2000 and 2020. The City adopted a Redevelopment Plan in 1997 aimed at stimulating
economic activity and job growth.
USING ELEMENT
ntroduction
I
ANGELES
NTY
.NUT-'- I I I I I I 7 I ONTA I RIO,
CITY OF
VDUSTR
WEST
COVINA-
60
.57
0
Bo out 'l
m
BRE A� I SANBERNARDINO]
COUNTY
-YVKb'
LINDA
N
CHI
91
ORANGE
DIAMOND BAR CITY LIMITS
Figure'
Noilh No ScaLe Reaional Location
1-2
2. HOU ING NE DS AS13ESSIVIEN
q
The Housi g"Element eeds Assessment reviews and evaluates Diamond Bar's demographic,
socio-econ mic, and h using char cteristics and trends as a basis for determining the nature
Diamond Bar I 63,672 I 59,101 I 10.1% I
A. POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
Brea 1 32,873 F-3-6—,9-6-7-1 12.5%
1. Population GrowthTrends
Chino Hills 1 48,041 1 60,236 25.4%
Diamond Bar is located in the southeast corner of Los Angeles County, in close proximity to
cities such as Brea and Yorba Linda in northeast Orange County, and to Chino Hills in the
Walnut 1 29,105 1 1 33,203 1 1 14.1
Diamond Bar grew at a slower rate than Los Angeles County and nearby cities for the period
1990 to 2000. Most of Diamond Bar's growth had occurred in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to
the City's incorporation in 1989. Table I and Figure 2 compare population changes from 1990 to
2000 for Diamond Bar, nearby cities, and the County, Whereas Diamond Bar and Yorba Linda
were similar in size in 1990, Yorba Linda, the city with the highest growth percentage in north
Orange County, grew at a much faster rate than Diamond Bar during the 1990s. Population
growth in Diamond Bar was fairly comparable to that which occurred in Brea.
Table 1: Population Growth Trends - 1990 to 2000
Jurisdiction
Sources: 1990 Census; Chino Hills General Plan,
Note: (*) Chino Hills was not incorporated as a city until
Yorba Linda 1
52,4221
63,11 1
20.40/C
T
Los Angeles Count
8,863,16 1
9,884,255 1
11.5
k -A
2-
Housing Needs Assessment
gure 2: Population Growth 1990 -2000
gure 2: Population Growth 1990 -2000
P0,000
0,000
0,000
30,000-
20,000
10,00
Diamond Bar Brea Chlinoi'Aills Walnut Yorba Linda
1990 2000
S
2. Age Characteristi
ge is an important influence on housing demand',because people of different age groups have
AtSr
.'different housing needs. Traditionally, the assumption has been that the young ad 20'tb 34
ears old refer apartments, low- to moderate -cost condominiums, and smaller single-family units.
ears old provide the major market for moderate- to high-end
Adults between -35 and 65
apartments, condominiums, and sirfgle-family homes. This segment of the population is more likely
o have higher incomes and larger household sizes'.- The senior population 65 years and older
ends to demand low- to moderate-costapartments and, condominiums, group quarters, and mobile
omes.
In 1990, the median age in Diamond Bar was -1.9 years, slightly higher than, the Los Angeles
,ounty median age of 307 years. , Between 1,980- and 1990r, the median age for Diamond Bar
ncreased significantly from 27.5. years to 31.9 years, Demographic projections indicate that,
ount wide, the median age of the population will continue to increase., Between 1980 and 1990,
he proportion of Diamond Bar's population aged between 20 and 34 years old decreased from 28
ercent to 23 percent. During the same -period, adults between,the ages of 35 and 64 increased
3ignificantly as a proportion of the "population ',frorn 31 e'rcent'in 1980 to 40 percent in 1990,
attracted by the many move -up housing opportunities in the Cit .,The senior population alsogrew;
he share of the population aged 65 years, andabovp increased from 2 percent to 4 percent during
the ten-year period. In terms of actual -numbers, -,the senior population increased by more than
50%, from 624 persons in 1980 to'2,271 -persons in 1990., This indicates that special attention
ust be paid to the housing and supportive, services needs of senior residents. Table 2 and Figure
show thea e distnbution of Diamond Bar's population in 1980 and 1990.
-2
Housing Needs Assessment Table
2: Age Distribution - 1980 and 1990
Age Group
Sources: 19E
0 and 1990 CenE
us
Figure
3: Age Distribution
1980 -19
0 25.0%
20.0/o
15.0%
0
MZ
10.0%0
5.0%
a)
Persons1-Of
.
Persons
% of Total
LA County
Total
7
% of Total
Under 5 years
3,421
10.9
5,056
9A
8.
5-9
5,154
16.4
6,912
12.9
7.
10-14
2,532
8.0
3,357
6.3
6.
15-1
1;45
4.
'2,471
4.6
7.
20-24
1,666
5.3
2,870
5.3
9.1
25-34
7,014
22.3
9,352
17.4
19.
35-44
5,381
17.1
11,121
20.7
15.1
45-54
2,853
9.11
6,8951
12.81
9.
55-6
1,
4.4
3,361
6.1
7.
65+1
62
2.0
2,2711
4.
5.
T_a_
n n
n n
In "I
I n n
I n n
--19 1-20- 125-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
11980-1 1 1990 1
Sources: 1980 and 1990 Census
Figure 3: Age Distribution 1980 -1990 25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
0
MZ
10.0%0
5.0%
a)
Under5 10-14
2-3
Housing Needs Assessment'
'mation -which in turn affects demand for housing
sown above, whites made up 53 percent of the Ci-
unty. Asians constitute the largest minority group
twice the proportion found in Los Angeles Cour
ss than half the proportion found in'the County. T6bl
s population in 1990 with that of the' County and
)n in Diamond Bar rn -ore closely resembles the
igh proportion of Asians- and relatively low proport
:ity - 1990
:)n ethnic changes within the community
i seearate-'school districts; not,all of the
City of -
Los Angeles
San Gabriel
Diamond Bar
County I
Valle
Ethnic
Persons
% of Total
% of Total
% of Total
3
Race and
Ethnicfty
Facial
and athnic
comp
sition may affe
t household fo
s
rvices within
the community
iamond Beis
populatio
i is predomina
itly white. As s
population
it
1 1990, corn
)ared to 34 pei
cent for the C
a
count for
24 percent
of the populati
n,- more tha
ispanics cc
nstitute 17 p
rcent of the Ci
:y population, le
c
mpares t
o raciallethn
c composition
f Diamond Ba
Gabriel
Valley.
The raci
I/ethnic distrib
tion of populati
abriel Valley,
particular
y with regard t(
the relatively
of
Blacks.
Table 3: F
ace and Ethni
Race/
Greater Los
Angeles.'
chool En
llment
valuation of
school, en
ollment data p
ovides insight -
in
post cenE
us years. 'bi
amOnd Bar'r is
served by, Itw
t
White
28,286
51 M
34.0%
30.2%
Asian
24.3%
11.8%
%
13,065
19.
Hispanic
9,1361
17.0%
44.3%
43.9%
Black
2,93
5.52/
9.5%
6.1%
Other
251
0.50/
0.5%
0.5%
Housing Needs Assessment'
'mation -which in turn affects demand for housing
sown above, whites made up 53 percent of the Ci-
unty. Asians constitute the largest minority group
twice the proportion found in Los Angeles Cour
ss than half the proportion found in'the County. T6bl
s population in 1990 with that of the' County and
)n in Diamond Bar rn -ore closely resembles the
igh proportion of Asians- and relatively low proport
:ity - 1990
:)n ethnic changes within the community
i seearate-'school districts; not,all of the
Total
F_5
1100.0°/
1100.0°/
100.0%
1-f-ntv P ann
I Initarl XiVnv n
1
6reater Los Angeles.'
School Enrollment
Evaluation of school, enrollment data provides insight -on ethnic changes within the community
in post census years. 'biamOnd Bar'r is served by, Itwo seearate-'school districts; not,all of the
School enrollment in the Walnut Valley Unified School District increased dramatically in the 1990s.
California State Department of Education data for the 1 0 -year period 1988189 to 1998199 indicates that
the total number of students enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade in the Walnut Valley USD grew
by about 26 percent, from"I 1,553 to'14,524. It is likely that similar growth in the school age population has
occurred within Diamond Bar as well.
2-4
Housing Needs Assessment
Table 4 summarizes the racial/ethnic distribution of students enrolled in schools located within
the City of Diamond Bar. Comparison of school enrollment data to the 1990 Census (Table 3)
indicates that among the school-age population, White population has decreased while Asian
Table 4: Race and Ethnicity for School Enrollment - 1998199
Walnut Valley and Pomona USD
oource: zaaie OT uawornia, uepartment of
Education Education Data Partnership,
4. Em to ment
29,452 employed persons and 1,086 unemployed
force of 30,538 persons. (The labor force includes
16 years and above.) This represents a labor force
Table 5, most of the residents were employed in two
specialty (40 percent) and sales, technical, and
g to the State Employment Development Department,
100 was 2.5 percent, approximately one-half of the Los
rcent.
2-
K-12 Schools
in Diamond Ba
Accordinc
to the 1990 Census,
there wer
persons ii
Diamond Bar
for a total labor
employed
and unemployed
persons aged
participate
n rate of 96 pe
cent. As shown in
occupatio
s: managerial
and professional
administrative
support (39
percent). Accordi
DiamondBar's
unemployment
rate in April 2
Angeles Gounty
unemplo
ment rate of 5.2 p
—al
R cel
Ethnicity
Persons
% of Total
White
Asian
Hispanic
Black
Other
Total
29,452 employed persons and 1,086 unemployed
force of 30,538 persons. (The labor force includes
16 years and above.) This represents a labor force
Table 5, most of the residents were employed in two
specialty (40 percent) and sales, technical, and
g to the State Employment Development Department,
100 was 2.5 percent, approximately one-half of the Los
rcent.
2-
111111--Nka=
Managerial/Professional) 11,6441 39.5:%—
Table 6: Occupation of Wesidents - 1990
Job Category
Source: 1990 Census
Diamond Bar has a relatively small employment base; in 1990 there were 14,079
jobs in the City. Data from SCAG indicate that the number of jobs actually decreased
in the early 1990s; estimated employment for 1994 was 13,441, jobs and: projected
employment forthe year 2000 is 14,532 jobs. However, Diamond B6r,s employment
bqi-e-i- pr jected to increase dramatically (by approximately 9J
4,000 jobs) between 2000 and 2020. The Red -eve 1"opment Plan adopted by the
City in 1997 should help to stimulate job growth in the City. 'if the, predicted increase
in jobs is realized, there could be an accompanying increase in the demand for'
housing in the City. Thus, job growth could be a major stimulus to housing demand
in the near future.
Major employers in Diamond Bar include Allstate Insurance, Travelers Insurance,
Sales, Technical, Administrative
(Support)
11,362
38.60/
Service Occupation
2,381
8.1 °/
Precision Production, Craft & Repair,
2,151
7.30/
& LaborerS
Operators, Fabricators"
1,852
6.30/
Farming, Forest & Fishin
62
0.2°/
Total Em loved Persons
29,452 100.0%
2-6
Persons Per Household
Diamond Bar 3.42
Brea 2.88
Chino Hills 3.32 Housing Needs Assessment
Between 1990 and,2000, the average household size in Diamond Bar increased from 3.18 to an
estimated 3.42 persons per household in 2000. This increase in household size is a reflection of
larger households moving into the large, single-family homes built in Diamond Bar during the
1980s and 1990s. Table 6 compares State Department of Finance estimates of average
household size for Diamond Bar, neighboring cities, and Los Angeles County. Estimated
household size of 3.42 persons in Diamond Bar is similar to Chino Hills and Yorba Linda, but
Walnut 1 3.98
Table 6: Average Household Size - 2000
Jurisdiction
ment of Finance,
Yorba Linda 3.30
2. Household Income and Income Distribution
Los Angeles County 3.16
Income is a major factor influencing the demand for housing and to a large extent, reflects the
affordability of housing in a community. According to the Census, the median household income
in Diamond Bar was $60,651 in 1989, more than 70 percent higher than the Los Angeles County
median household income of $34,965. Figure 5 shows median household income of Diamond
Bar in comparison to the nearby cities and Los Angeles County.
Figure 5: Median Household Income - 1989
$70,00
$60,00
$50,00
0
$40,00
0
$30,00
0
$20,00
P
Diamond Brea Chino Hills Walnut Yorba Linda LA
Bar Source: 1990
Census
2-
Housing Needs Assessment B.
HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS, -
The characteristics of,households
provide important information about the housing needs in a' community. Income- and affordability are best
measured and examined at the household, levet, as are the special needs 'of certain" groups, 'such, as
large -family households, or female -headed households.
1. Household Composition and Size
The Census defines a "household" a's
all persons who occupy a housing unit, which may include single persons living alone, families, related
through marriage or blood, or unrelated persons sharing living quarters.' Persons living in retirement or
convalescent homes, dormitories, or other group living situations are not considered households. -
Household characteristics are important indicators of the type and size of housing needed in a city.,
According to the 199&Census, 83 percent of the 16,901 households in- Diamond Bar were family
households. This proportion is significantly higher than Los Angeles County as a whole, where 67
percent of all households consisted of families. 16 general, family households have much higher
incomes than non -family households, thereby contributing tothe'City's high median,income.
Singleperson households comprised 12 p6 'rcerit of all households in Diamond Bar, while 5 percent
of households consisted of unrelated persons living together ("other"), Figure 4 shows the City's
household composition in 1990.
Figure 4: Household Composition - 1990
Families 83%
Other 5% Single -Person 120/ Source: 1990 Census
Household size is defined as the number of persons liv
in a housing unit.' A noticeable change in the average household size cover time reflects a change in
household composition of a city. For example, a city's average household size, will'increase over time if thl
is a trend towards larger families. In a community with, a large proportion of elderly households, -the, avere
household size will usually decline.,
2-7
Housing Needs Assessment
For the purpose of analyzing housing needs for varying income levels, the federal Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State Department of Housing and Community
Development have developed the following income categories based on the Median Family
Income (MFI) of a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA):
Very Low Income: 50
percent or less of area MFI
Low Income: between
51 and 80 percent of the area MFI Moderate Income: between 81 and 120 percent of the
area MFI Upper Income: greater than 120 percent of the area MF1
The 1989 MFI of $38,900 for
Los Angeles County was used to interpolate the City's income, distribution from the Census
according to the above categories. Table 7 shows the income distribution of Diamond Bar's
population, while Table 8 provides household composition by income group based on HUD
adjusted income limits, with comparison to Los Angeles County.
Number of
Hou
ehol
s
Income Level
< $5,000
254
1.5%
1.5%
$5,000
- $9,99
20
-1.2%
2.7%
$1:0,000,-
$14,99
338
2.0%
4.7%
$15,000 -
$24,99
913
5.4%
10.1%
$25,000 -
$34,99
1,403
8.3%1
18.4%
$35,000 -
$49 99
2,924
17.3%1
35.7%
;,000 - $99,999
31144
18.6% 36.2%
)0,000 - $149,000
1,690
10.0% D6.2%
;0,000+
642
.8% 100.0%
al
16.901
100.0%
60urce: 199U Gensus
80%
I-Irgad! Needs Assessment
me Tor -i uou.
-and low income groups is
. Approximately 15 percent of
es comparing to 43 percent
minantly a'moderate and
f its households in these
are likely comprised of
m
Figure 6: Households by Income
Group 100%
Moderate Income ('81 to 120% MR)
3,0421
Los Angeles,
8%
Count
Income Groups
Upper Incornel(>120% MR)
1 321
11,32
'
ity of Diamond
bar
Source: 1990 C
ensus; CHAS
Data BOOK,
ousenoia inc
The percentage
of Diamond Bar
households
in the very Io
much lower th
n that of households
in Los
Angeles Count
the households
in Diamond Bar
have very,
ow or low inco
of Los Angeles
County households.
Diamc
nd Bar is pred
upper income community,
wit
approximatE
ly 85 percent
income ranges
Lower income
households
n Diamond Ba
seniors and sot
ne of the City's
renter hoUSE
holds. Figure
(defined as %, of the Area MR)
Number of
Households
of Total
% of Total
Very Low income <506/o MR
1,183,
--7%
28%
Low Income (51 to 80% MR)l
1,352
8%1
15%
80%
I-Irgad! Needs Assessment
me Tor -i uou.
-and low income groups is
. Approximately 15 percent of
es comparing to 43 percent
minantly a'moderate and
f its households in these
are likely comprised of
m
Figure 6: Households by Income
Group 100%
Moderate Income ('81 to 120% MR)
3,0421
18%
8%
67%
Upper Incornel(>120% MR)
1 321
11,32
49%
i
Totall 16,901 100% 100%
Tablei& Households by Income Group - 1990
Source: 1990 Census; CHAS Data BOOK, mousenoia income Tor -iuou.
The percentage of Diamond Bar households in the very low -and low income groups is
much lower than that of households in Los Angeles County. Approximately 15 percent of
the households in Diamond Bar have very, low or low incomes comparing to 43 percent
of Los Angeles, County households. Diamond Bar is predominantly a'moderate and
upper income community, with approximately 85 percent of its households in these
income ranges. Lower income households in Diamond Bar are likely comprised of
seniors and some of the City's renter households. Figure Om
80%
Figure 6: Households by Income
Group 100%
Diamond Bar Los Angeles County
Upper-income
Moderate income Low income
F7 Very Low income 2-10
BNO St.-
able housing
ed by State
households,
s in each of
% of Total
3. Special Needs Groups
Certain 'segments of the population
may have particular
difficulties in fin
ding decent, afford
because of,their special needs end
circumstances.
These special nee
s groups, as defi
housing element law, include the
elderly, disable
persons, large households,
female -headed
farmworkers, and the homeless.
able 9 summarizes
the numbers of households
or perso
these special needs groups in Diamond
Bar.
Table
: Special Nee
Is Groups - 1990
Number of
Households
Households
Special Need Group
or Persons
or Persons
Elderly 65+ Householder
969
5.7%
Elderly Living Al.on
262
1.6%
Large 5 or more members households
2,866
17.0%
Female -headed Households
1,431
8.5%
With Children
893
5.3%
Total Households
16,901
100.0%
Disabled persons 16 years and over
3,448
6.4%
able housing
ed by State
households,
s in each of
Source: -1990 Census Elderly Persons
Most elderly households have special needs because of their relatively low, fixed incomes, physical
disabilities/limitations, and dependency needs. Specifically, people aged 65 years and older have four
main concerns:
Housing: Many seniors live alone' 'and tend to be renters.
Income: People aged 65 and over are usually retired and living on 6 limited income. Health
care: Seniors are more likely tobe in ill -health and require hospital visits or stays. Ttanspoftation:
Many of the elderly rely on public transportation. A significant number of seniors with disabilities may
require alternative transportation (e.g. paratransit),
As shown in Table 9, approximately 6 percent of Diamond Bar's households were headed by elderly
persons age 65 and above. In addition to the 969 family households headed by a householder age 65 and
above, there were 262 elderly persons living alone- (The census defines 2-11,
65 and over
548
1.0%
Farmworkers.
14
0.3%
Homeless person
0.
0.0%
Total Population!
53,6721
100.0%
Source: -1990 Census Elderly Persons
Most elderly households have special needs because of their relatively low, fixed incomes, physical
disabilities/limitations, and dependency needs. Specifically, people aged 65 years and older have four
main concerns:
Housing: Many seniors live alone' 'and tend to be renters.
Income: People aged 65 and over are usually retired and living on 6 limited income. Health
care: Seniors are more likely tobe in ill -health and require hospital visits or stays. Ttanspoftation:
Many of the elderly rely on public transportation. A significant number of seniors with disabilities may
require alternative transportation (e.g. paratransit),
As shown in Table 9, approximately 6 percent of Diamond Bar's households were headed by elderly
persons age 65 and above. In addition to the 969 family households headed by a householder age 65 and
above, there were 262 elderly persons living alone- (The census defines 2-11,
Hnilsona Leeds
With Work Disability No Work"
persons living alone as "non -family" households.) Elderly persons who live alone
may have special needs for assistance with finance, home maintenance and repairs,
and other routine activities. This is especially true of persons aged 75 years and
older who are more likely to be the "frail elderly." Of the 2,235 persons age 65 and
above, 3.4, percent lived below the poverty level . Diamond Bar has one 149-unitr
senior affordable housing project (The Seasons, formerly known as Heritage Park
'Apartments) ,constructed in 1988,which,is owned and operated by,a non-profit
corporation. As a result of recent refinancing and a new'affordability agreement, all
units will be "affordable" and have the following distribution of income limits: 30 units
(20%) will be Very Low Income, 82 units (55%) will be Low Income, and 25 units
(25%) will, be Moderate Income defined as 100% AMI. There are also 16
state _—Iicensed community care residential facilities for the elderly located in
Diamond, Par, with a' ca'
I pacity„to serve approximately 90 persons. Disabled
Persons
Physical and mental disabilities can hinder access to
traditionally designed housing units (and other facilities), as well as pote'ntially iimit
Table 10: Disability status of Non -institutionalized
Disability
Disability
Status
Disability Total
tus
Sta
Age
No
With Mobility/ Disabled
With Mob
Mobility/
Persons
ilit /
Self-care
Self-care
Self-care
Limitation
Limitation
Limitation
Persons 16 to 64
330
11195'
1,375 2,900
ears old
ersons 65 years and
ver
I
24
196
108 548
Total
574
1,391
1,483 3,448
Source: 1990 Census
Most lower in -come disabled persons are likely to require 'housing assistance. Their
housing need is further compounded by design and location requirements which can
often be costly.' For example, special needs of householdsWith wheelchair-bound or
serni-ambulatory individuals may' require ramps, holdingbars, special bathroom
designs-, wider doorways, lower cabinets, and other interior andexted'or design
features. . Most of the community care spaces are small, private, fac,ilitiesF which
Hobs,ing opportunities for individuals With disabilities can be addressed through the
2-
Housing Needs Assessment limited in
supply. In addition to the development of new units, rehabilitation assistance can also be provided to
Large households are defined as those with five or more members. The size of these households'
createspecial needs in communities which lack adequately -size, affordable housing units for
larger households. Large renter households, consisting mostly of families with children, often'live
in overcrowded conditions because of their lower incomes and the limited supply of large,
affordable dwelling units.
Accordingtothe Census, there were 2,866 large households in Diamond Barin 1990, representing
17 percent of the City's households. In contrast to many communities where large households
consist primarily of lower income ethnic minorities and renters, the majority of Diamond Bar's
large households are families who own their own homes (84 percent) and have relatively high
incomes. However, among the'412 large family renter households, two-thirds experienced one or
more housing problems which include overpayment, overcrowding, or living in'sub-standard
housing conditions. Among large renter households, 205 (76%) of the 271 households with
housing problems had a cost burden of 30 percent or greater.
Female -headed Households
Single -parent households often require special consideration and assistance as a result of their greater
need for affordable housing and accessible day care„ health care, and other supportive services. Female -
headed households with children, in particular, tend to have lower incomes than other types of households.
Because of their relatively low income, such households often have limited housing options and restricted
According to the 1990 Census, there were 1,431 female -headed family households in the City,
893 (63 percent) of which had children under the age of 18. Female -headed families with
children constituted about 5 percent of the City's households. Nearly 7 percent of the female -
headed families were living below the poverty level in 1990. A total of 984 female householders
were living alone; 205 of these women were seniors (21 %).
Farmworkers Farmworkers, are traditionally defined as persons whose primary incomes are
earned through seasonal agricultural labor. They have special housing needs because of their
relatively low income and the unstable nature of their job (having to move throughout the year
from one harvest to the next).
There were approximately 146 Diamond Bar residents employed in farming, forestry, and fishing
occupations in 1990. These individuals accounted for only 0.3 percent of the City's total residents,
Given that there are so few persons employed in agricultural -related industries, the City can
address their housing needs through its overall programs for housing affordability.
7--7T7M777-1
Housing Needs Assessment
Homeless Persons
1990'Census data indicated that there were no homeless persons either in shelters on in "street
locations" in Diamond Bar. Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department officers assigned to Diamond
Bar were questioned to determine if they were aware of any homeless persons living within the
city., The officers indicated, that they knew of no homeless persons or families within Diamond
Bar. Interviews with the directors of area homeless shelters did, not provide any evidence that
homeless persons exist in Diamond Bar.-, The -City's suburban, locationr and the lackof urban
public spaces whicK might attract homeless individuals or families - are, 'also factors, - which
contribute to the absence of homeless persons. Income and wealth characteristics of - Diamond
Bar residents indicate thatr residents have financial and other resources to drawon in the event, of
an emergency which could otherwise precipitate a h6 using crisis.
A- representative of the East San, Gabriel,Valley Homeless Coalition (ESGVHC) indicated that
Diamond Bar is not in the ESGVHC service area and that the Coalition had no record of serving
Diamond Bar residents. However, if a homeless resident of Diamond Bar requested services at
one of the boalition's facilities, he/she would be assisted. While Diamond Bar does not currently
have a homeless,- population, -the City wi R continue to coordinate with and direct any homeless
persons to local social servicel- providers.' A v-dety of facilities provide services to the homeless
-or to persons who are at risk of becoming homeless, including battered- women and low income
families. Table 11 summarizes facilities and services for the homeless in the San Gabriel Valley
ion.
Tar et Group Services Provided
East San Gabriel Valley Homeless Homeless individuals Emergency shelter, referrals, advocacy -
Housing Needs Assessment
Table 11: Inventory of Homeless Services and Facilities East San Gabriel
Valley and Pomona Valley Area
Service Provider
Coalition (ESGVHC)
benefit counseling.
Winter Shelter Program
ESGVHC
Homeless and "at -risk" low
Information and referrals, emergency food
Emergency Assistance
Center
income men, women and
and clothing, transportation (bus tokens
236 E. College Street
children
and taxi vouchers), counseling,
Covina
Pomona/Inland Valley Council Homeless women and children
of
Shelter up to 30 days; daily case
Churches
management and supportive services.
Shelter Program
Pomona Neighborhood
Center
Homeless individuals and
Employment services, emergency food
and
999 W. Holt Boulevard, Suite
D
families
clothing, information and referral.
Pomona
Catholic Charities
Low income families and
Counseling and poverty services: food
Brother Miguel Center
individuals
shelter, vouchers, job training referrals.
315 N. Park Avenue
Pomona
House of Ruth
Battered women and children
Emergency shelter, transportation and
outreach offices in Pomona
counselin • 24-hour telephone hotline.
WINGS Shelter
Battered women and children
Emergency housing for 45 days; food,
Covina
clothina and counselin .
Salvation Army Family
Services
Homeless individuals and Emergency food
clothina
2-15
families vouchers, referrals, youth and adult
Brea
programs, shelter and utility assistance
When funds available).
Sheepfold
Women and children Emergency shelter.
Brea central area
2-15
Housing Needs Assessment ^'7
C HOUSING STOI
CHARACTERISTICS—
This section of the Hous
Element addresses various housing characteristics and conditions that affect the well-being of,piamond I
residents. Housing factors examined include the following: housing growth, housing type and tenure,
and condition, and housing costs and affordability. 1. Housing Prowth
Between 1990 and 2(
housing growth in Diamond Bar waslimited, increasing by only 379 units' from 17,664 to 18,043 units. Am(
its neighboring cities,'Diamond Bar had the smallest housing growth. —,By contrast, Chino Hills increased
housing stock by more than 20 percent and housing in Yorba Linda, increased by nearly 14 percent., I
Angeles County's housing stock grew,by 3 ie 19 compares housing growth in Diamp
neighboring cities as well as Los Angeles County.
e 12: Housing'Growth: 1990 to 2000,
Change 17,664 043 2.1 %,
percent. Tab nd Bar c.
'Ta
1990 to 2000 Jurisdiction 1990 2000
Diamon d Bar 18,
Brea '12,648 13,255 4.8% Chino F
16,286 20,011 22.9% Walnut 8'091 8,594 6.2% Yorba Linda 17,341 19,725 13.7%
—3.4% I'Los Angeles Coun
3,163,343 3,272,169
Sources: 1990 Census; Chino Hills General Plan, 1994; State Department of Finan
January 2000.
Note: (*) Chino Hills was not incorporated as a city until 1991 housing based on unit count conducted in 1993.
2. Housing Type and Tenure
i summary of Diamond Bar's housing stock by unit type in 1990 and 2000.7he composition of the Cfty's housing stoci
2000 is essentially the same -as that ten years ago, with single-family homes comprising 85 percent of
stock, multi -family comprising 13 percent and mobilehomes comprising 1.5 percent. Among the 379 new ui
constructed in Diamond Bar during the 1990s, 291 were single-family homes and 88 units were condominiu
contained in two'
cts. The City has two mobilehome parks, Diamond Bar Estates and Walnut Creek Estates proje
which have been preserved under residential zone classifications.
In terms of tenure, 85 percent of -the units were owner -occupied in 1990 and 15 percent were rer
occupied. Given that the housing stock composition has scarcely changed since 199
0' it 2-16
3. Age and Condition of Housing Stock
Housing Needs Assessment
pied housing have also remained
ant at approximately 4 percent.
)90 and 2000
ave been added to
The age of housing is commonly used as a measure of when housing may begin to require
repairs. In general, housing units over 30 years in age are likely to have rehabilitation needs such
as roofing, siding, plumbing, electrical and other subsystems. Nearly half (48 percent) of the
housing stock in Diamond Bar has been constructed since 1980. Approximately 19 percent of the
housing is 30 years or older (built before 1970), while the remaining 33 percent of housing units
were constructed in the 1970s; some of these homes are likely to be in need of rehabilitation.
SINGLE-FAMILY
1990 2000
is likely that th
proportion
of owner-occupied anc
renter-occu
unchanged- T
e City's OVE
rall vacancy rate has ret
nained const
Subtotal
NO. Of
% of No. of
% Of
85.4%
Table 13
Comparative Housing
Unit Mix - 1
Housinc
Type
N
te: (*) "Other"
units reported by 190
census h
2,27
Units
Total Units I
Total
3. Age and Condition of Housing Stock
Housing Needs Assessment
pied housing have also remained
ant at approximately 4 percent.
)90 and 2000
ave been added to
The age of housing is commonly used as a measure of when housing may begin to require
repairs. In general, housing units over 30 years in age are likely to have rehabilitation needs such
as roofing, siding, plumbing, electrical and other subsystems. Nearly half (48 percent) of the
housing stock in Diamond Bar has been constructed since 1980. Approximately 19 percent of the
housing is 30 years or older (built before 1970), while the remaining 33 percent of housing units
were constructed in the 1970s; some of these homes are likely to be in need of rehabilitation.
SINGLE-FAMILY
Detached
Attached
12,459
2,667
70.5%
15.1%
12,750
2,667
70.7%
14.8%
Subtotal
15,126
85.6%
15,417
85.4%
MULTI -FAMILY
2-4 Units
5+ Units/Other(*)
495
1,775
2.8%
10.0%
495
1,863
-2.7
0.31%
Subtotal
2,27
12.9%
2,358
13.1%
MOBILE HOMES
268
1.5%268
1.5%
TOTAL HOUSING
17,664
100.0% 18,043
100.0%
VACANCY RATE MI 3%4.3%
r6epa-me... of Finance, januay
Note: (*) "Other" units reported by 1990 census have been added to
3. Age and Condition of Housing Stock
The age of housing is commonly used as a measure of when housing may begin to require
repairs. In general, housing units over 30 years in age are likely to have rehabilitation needs such
as roofing, siding, plumbing, electrical and other subsystems. Nearly half (48 percent) of the
housing stock in Diamond Bar has been constructed since 1980. Approximately 19 percent of the
housing is 30 years or older (built before 1970), while the remaining 33 percent of housing units
were constructed in the 1970s; some of these homes are likely to be in need of rehabilitation.
Table 14 summarizes housing units by year built, and Figure 7 illustrates the age distribution of
2-
nent
using Needs Asse
)le 14: Age of Housing -2000,
r Built Units % Share -
1939 or Earlier
3 or Earlier
0.1%
1940-1949
1940 1949
0
77
1950-1959
232
1.3%
1960-1969
3,110
17.20/
1970-1,979
5,943
32.90/
1986-1-989
7,934
44.00/
1990-2000------ T
-814
4.50/
Total
18,043
100.00/
Characteristics Problem Conditions
#1 Northwest Diamond Bar: I - Land use: single-family Deferred maintenance
Happy Hollow/ Sunset residential Cracked asphalt driveways
Hrtlde- Needs Assessment The
majority of Diamond Bar's housing stock is in good condition. However, the City's Code -Enforcement
Office has identified four older neighborhoods characterized by older housing which is beginning to exhibit
signs of deferred maintenance such as peeling paint, worn roofs, and cracked asphalt driveways. Table 15
summarizes the characteristics and physical problem conditions of these older residential neighborhoods.
The Housing Element will establish a program directed at improving housing stock in these areas through
targeted rehabilitation assistance.
Crossing/ Prospecters Constructed 1962 - 1973
#2 Northwest Diamond Bar: - Land use: single-family Deferred maintenance
Table 16: Older Residential Neighborhoods for Potential Housing Rehabilitation
Ballenal Laspino/ Pinto Mesa
Neigh orhood
Source: City of Diamond Bar, Office of Code Enf rcement, May
residential Cracked as halt drivewa s
4. Housing Cos s
- Constructed 1964 - 1967
Evaluation of sales prices and rental rates provides information on the affordability of the City's housing
stock to various income groups.
#3 Central Diamond Bar: Land use: single-family Deferred maintenance
Housing Prices
s $272,900,
flue reported by
were for sale; it
Recent market data from the,Califonnia Association of Realtors (CAR) summarizes home sales by
quarter. According to CAR, the median sales pr 'ice of a home in Diamond Bar for the first quarter of
2000 was $221,000, compared to median sales price of $187,000 for Los Angeles County. CAR data is
based on actual sale transactions completed in the first quarter of 2000. Figure 8 compares median
home prices for Diamond Bar, nearby cities, and Los Angeles County based on home sale during the
first quarter of 2000; this data includes sales of both
Moonlake/ Northampt
According to the 1990 Census, the median value, of on residential Cracked as halt driveways
housing unit in Diamond Bar w
significantly high r than the Los Angeles County median
of $226,400. However, the v
the Census was he respondent's estimate of how m
ch the property would sell for if i
does not repres nt an actual market value.
Constructed 1965 - 1979
Source: City of Diamond Bar, Office of Code Enforcement, May
4. Housing Costs
Evaluation of sales prices and rental rates provides information on the affordability of the City's housing
stock to various income groups.
Housing Prices
According to the 1990 Census, the median value, of a housing unit in Diamond Bar was $272,900,
significantly higher than the Los Angeles County median of $226,400. However, the value reported by
the Census was the respondent's estimate of how much the property would sell for if it were for sale; it
does not represent an actual market value.
Recent market data from the,Califonnia Association of Realtors (CAR) summarizes home sales by
quarter. According to CAR, the median sales pr 'ice of a home in Diamond Bar for the first quarter of
2000 was $221,000, compared to median sales price of $187,000 for Los Angeles County. CAR data is
based on actual sale transactions completed in the first quarter of 2000. Figure 8 compares median
home prices for Diamond Bar, nearby cities, and Los Angeles County based on home sale during the
first quarter of 2000; this data includes sales of both
2-19
Housing Or -Me
single family homes and condominium units. Sale prices recorded for, Diamond Bar and Chino Hills were similar; the highest
prices were recorded in Yorba Linda.
-,Fi9ure„8: Median Home Sales Price
$30,000 $350,000
1 S260,0 $262,5 $300,000- i
$221, OOD 225,000 $250-1000
187,0 $200,000
$150,'oob $100,-000$50,000
$OBrea Walnut LA County Diamond Bar Chino Hills Yorba Linda
'Source: California Association of Realtors, 1 st Quarter 2000.
Detailed housing market sales data for Diamond Bar are provided in Table's 16 and 17. Based on sales volume of ne
500 single family homes, the median sale price for the period "July 1999 through March 2000 was $253,000. Du
this period, there were also approximately 300 condominium units sold at a median sale price of $129,000. Most sir
family home sales were, for 3- and 4 -bedroom units while 'most condominium sales were for, 2 -bedroom units.
wide range of prices for single family homes and for condominiums is indicative of the variety in size, location, qui
and amenities available in Diamond Bar.
Table 16: Prices of Single -Family Homes - July 1999,to March 2000
Numter
Bedr
of
oms
age
Price Price
e
is Sold
2
$203,000- $325,500
$196,000 - $700,000
$226,000 $246,148
$151,000 - $688,00
17
$278,000 $304,326
$153,000 - $2,000,000
27
5 or more
$311,000 $482,-9
$244,000 - $1,700,000
2
Total
$253,000 $292,551
$151,000 - $2,000,00
48
Source: Dataquick based on County Assessor files, July 1999 -March ZUUU 2-20
Housing Needs Assessment
vas $888, again
570. The census
gardless of any
nd Brea; other
have very few
al listings were
ilar age and size
,Brea, although
Median
Average
Price Range
Number of
1 -bedroom
$895 - $1,020
708 - 800 s .ft.
Table
17: Prices
of Multi -Family Home
/Condom iniu
s
1,000 s .ft.
Bedrooms
Price
Price
i Units Sold
Number of
1
$78,750
$78,150
$66,000 - $90,000
1
Housing
Rental Rate
2
$123,000
$125,18E
$70,000 - $242,000
19
The, 1990
median c
ntract rent fDr
a housing unit in
Diamond Bar
significa
itly higher tl
an the Los Ar
geles County median
contract rent
of
defines
contract rent
is the month
y rent agreed to or
contracted for,
r
$178,OOC
$172,797
$55,000,- $241,000
9
Table V
is a com
arison of current
rental rates in
Diamond Bar
commu
ities to whi
h comparis
n was made for home
sale prices
apartme
ts. In the
Tity of Diamond
Bar, most apartments
with lent
constructed
in the lat
1980's, and liave
been comparedo
projects Of
sim
located
in Brea. Re
its in Diamond
Bar were slightl
higher tha
i
4 or more
2-5 00
$224,90
$199,000 -$253,00
Tat
le 18: Representative
Apartment Rents - May 200
R
n e of Rental Costs
Totals
$129,OOCI
$145,012
$55,500 - $253,000 307
Source: Dataqu
ick based on County
iles, July 1999 -March 200 0.
Assessor f
vas $888, again
570. The census
gardless of any
nd Brea; other
have very few
al listings were
ilar age and size
,Brea, although
Jurisdiction Bedrooms
Monthly Rent
Unit Size
1 -bedroom
$895 - $1,020
708 - 800 s .ft.
Diamond Bar 2-bedroorn
$935 - $1,275
923 - 1, 010 sq.ft.
3 -bedroom
$1,035
1,000 s .ft.
vas $888, again
570. The census
gardless of any
nd Brea; other
have very few
al listings were
ilar age and size
,Brea, although
Brea
2 -bedroom
'$1,000 - $1,145
886 - 1,100 s .ft.
3 -bedroom
N/A
N/A
5
Guulucb. 0
_
O
1,11
u
11] ly
In addition to apartment rentals, condominium units may be offered for rent from time to
time. Recent lease rates for 2 -bedroom condominiums have ranged from $900 to $1,350
dollars per month with a minimum lease term of 12 months, The fact that these units
leased within a short time of listing indicates the strong demand for rental housing in
2-
Housing Cosjs and Afforgability
-iousing affor ability can e inferred
Diamond Barwith- the maximum affo
evels. Taken together, th s informatic
lousing as WE II as indicatE the type of
Dverpayment.
fhe federal D
partment'of
ncome surveys
for metropi
ncome surve
s are adjutt(
ncome levels
to determinE
heir eligibilfty
forfederal h
,comparing 1
able housing
can reveal
)useholds th
-Iousing and Urban Develc
ilitan areas -across the cou
d for differeiices in the tyl
,the maximu n amount tha
)using assis ance. Accordi
e cost of r nting or owning a home n
;osts to, hoLiseholds of different income
ho can afford- what size, ands type of
would likely experience overcrowding or
iment (HUD) conducts annual househo d
try, includinc Los Angeles County. The e
and size cf a family. HUD uses the e
a househo) , could pay for housing a d
g'torHUD, t e 2000,A'reaMedian F6mi y
Monthly I Taxes, I I Max.
Tables 19 and 20 below provide the annual income for very low, low, and, moderate -income
households by the maximum affordable housing payment based on the federal standard of 30
percent of gross household, income. Standard housing costs- for utilities, taxes, and property
insurance are also shown. Maximum affordable home prices are 'based on, household income
and purchasea'ssum'ptioni. M ,aximum affordable rent is based on household income, indexed for
Affordable I Utilities, I Affordable I Affordable - Max.
Income Income I Housing IHomeowner'sl Mortgage I 30 -Year Affordable
Table 19: Affordable Home Prices by Income Category
Property
Note: Calculation of affordable -mortgage and home price based on an 8% interest rate, 10%
downpayment, and Los Angeles County Area Median Family Income of $52,100 for
Group Limits I Cost I Insurance I Payment' I Mortgage Home Price
. Table 20: Affordable Rents by Income Category
Income Group,
Very Low
$26,050
$651
15
$501
$68,275 $75,90
LO
41,70C
$1,042
20
$842
$114,750 $127,50
Moderate
$62,50C
$1,562
$20
-$1,362
$185,600 $206,20
Note: Calculation of affordable -mortgage and home price based on an 8% interest rate, 10%
downpayment, and Los Angeles County Area Median Family Income of $52,100 for
Table 20: Affordable Rents by Income Category
Income Group,
Note: Calculation of affordable rent assumes a maximum housing cost of 30
percent
2-
Income
Maximum
utility
Affordable Monthly
Limits
Housing Cost
Allowance
Payment
VeryLow
$26
050
$651
$50
$701
0-509/c MFI
Low
51-80% MFI
$41,700
$1,042
$501
$1,092
Moderate
500
6
56
$1
50
512
$1
81-120% MFI
Note: Calculation of affordable -mortgage and home price based on an 8% interest rate, 10%
downpayment, and Los Angeles County Area Median Family Income of $52,100 for
Table 20: Affordable Rents by Income Category
Income Group,
Note: Calculation of affordable rent assumes a maximum housing cost of 30
percent
2-
Very Low Income Households (0 to 50 percent of MFI). Two-bedrdom apartments in Diamond
Bar rent for approximately $900 to $1,200 per month which significantly exceed the "affordable"
rent level of approximately $700 per month for a Very Low Income family of four. Some form of
subsidy or affordable housing incentives would be required to provide affordable rental units to
Low Income Households (51 to 80 percent of MFI). With an affordable monthly payment of
approximately $1,100, a low-income household would be able to rent a variety of 2- or 3 -bedroom
apartment or condominium units in Dia mond Bar. The best homeownership option for low-income
households is a two-bedroom condominium. Median price for this size unit was $123,000 based
on sale of nearly 200 two-bedroom condominiums between July 1999 and March 2000. Although
Low Income households generally have adequate income to support mortgage payments, they,
frequently lack savings for the required downpayment and closing costs associated with home
purchase. First-time homeowners may require assistance with downpayment and closing costs.
Moderate Income Households (81 to 120 percent of MFI). Moderate income households can
afford all rental options in Diamond Bar, including single-family homes. With a maximum
affordable purchase price of approximately $200,000, moderate -income households can afford to
purchase most condominiums, as well as many older single-family homes. However, the required
downpayment and/or closing costs may also be obstacles to home purchase for moderate -income
'households.
5. Assisted Housing At Risk of Conversion
State Housing Element law requires cities to prepare an inventory including all assisted multi-
family rental units which are eligible to convert to non -low-income housing uses due to termination
of subsidy contract, mortgage prepayment, or expiring use restrictions. Under the State Housing
Element law this inventory is required to cover a 1 0 -year evaluation period following the statutory
due date of the Housing Element (July 1, 2000). Thus this at -risk housing analysis covers the
period from'July 1, 2000 through June 30, 20,10.
The City of Diamond Bar has one assisted housing project for seniors, the 149 -unit Seasons
Apartments (formerly "Heritage Park"), constructed in 1988. This project predates City
incorporation and was originally financed under the Los Angeles County Multi -family Mortgage
Revenue Bond program. The project was refinanced in November, 1999 under the California
Community Development Authority's Multifamily Housing Re -funding Bond. According to the
terms of the new bond agreement, income restrictions for residents and corresponding rent limits
were set. For the duration of the bond which expires 12/01/2034, all units will be affordable: 30
units (20%) will be very low income at 50% AM[, 82 units (25%) will be low income at 80% AMI,
and 37 units will be moderate income defined as 100%AMI. The Seasons Apartments are owned
by the CorporateFund for Housing, a non-profit organization. Long-term affordability of the project
i 's assured for the life of the bond, until December 2034. There are no assisted housing units in
2-23
Wr%i i�-inri K1,=,= A -
Source: CHAS and 1990 Census.
ity of Diamond Bar 45% 1% %
Overc rowd i n
ern
ind
'q )
my
ent
Y, of
>ing
one
as
told
age
> as
ar's
int.
ere
Overcrowding occurs when housing costs are so high relative to household income
that families double -up to devote income to other basic needs of food and medical
care. Overcrowding also tends to result in more traffic, deterioration of homes, and a
shortage of on-site parking. Therefore, maintaining a reasonable level of occupancy
11 Los Angeles County 49%— 09% 11.9%
2-
Overpayment
vercrow ded
C.'REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS
State law requires all regional coun
ils of 'governments'
including the Sout
California Association of, Governm
nts (8CAG), to det
rmine'the existing
projected housing need for its regio
(Government Code
Section 65580 et. s
SCAG must also determine the share
of need allocated
to each city and co
within the SCAG region. This is callE
d the Regional'HouE
ing Needs, Assess
(RHNA).
1. Existing Housing Needs
A continuing priority of communi tie
is enhancing or m
intaining their quali
life. Akeymeasure of quality of life
in a community is
the extent of "hou
Overcrowding- refers to a, hous
ng unft which is occupied
by -more than
person -per room, excluding kit&
ens, bathrooms, hallways
and porches
defined by the Federal Government.
Overpayment,
'refers to a house
paying more than 30 percent of its
gross income for
ousing (either mortg
or rent), including cost of utilities,
property insurance
and real estate taxe
According to the 1990 Census, ar
estimated 45 percent
of Diamond B
households have housing problems
including overcrow
ing and overpaym
Cost burden is the greatest housing
roblem for resideritt
of Diamond Bar; t
Cost burden
> 1.0 Persontroom
Table 21
Housing
Jurisdiction Households with any
housing Prol
Source: CHAS and 1990 Census.
ity of Diamond Bar 45% 1% %
Overc rowd i n
ern
ind
'q )
my
ent
Y, of
>ing
one
as
told
age
> as
ar's
int.
ere
Overcrowding occurs when housing costs are so high relative to household income
that families double -up to devote income to other basic needs of food and medical
care. Overcrowding also tends to result in more traffic, deterioration of homes, and a
shortage of on-site parking. Therefore, maintaining a reasonable level of occupancy
11 Los Angeles County 49%— 09% 11.9%
2-
Although overcrowding is not a sign ificant'problem in Diamond Bar, it was more
pronounced for renters than for owners. According to the 1990 census, 9 percent of all
renter households were overcrowded, compared to 5 percent of owner households -
These rates of overcrowding are significantly lower than for Los Angeles County which
reported overcrowding among 27 percent of renter households and 1 0 -percent of owner
Overpayme
Housing overpayment occurs when housing costs increase faster than income. In
Diamond Bar, like most urban communities in California, it is not uncommon to overpay
for housing. However, to the extent that overpayment is typically concentrated among the
most vulnerable members of the community, maintaining a reasonable level of housing
cost burden is an important contributor to quality of life.
Special needs renter households such as seniors and large families often have the
greatest cost burden for housing. The 1990 Census indicated that among senior renters,
approximately 50 households had a cost burden greater than 50 percent. Very Low and
Low Income large family households had the greatest cost burden. Approximately 20
percent of the City's 412 large family households had a rental cost burden greater than 50
2. Future Housing Need
Future housing need refers to the share of the region's housing need that has been allocated to a
community. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) calculates future housing
need based upon household growth forecasts provided by communities, plus a certain amount of
units needed to account for normal and appropriate level of vacancies and the replacement of units
that are normally lost to conversion or demolition.
In allocating the region's future housing needs to different jurisdictions, SCAG is required to
consider various planning considerations in State law (Section 65584). The planning considerations
are as,follows:, (1) market demand for housing; 2) type and tenure of housing; (3) employment
opportunities, (4) commuting patterns; (5) suitable sites and public facilities; (6)
In 1999, SCAG developed its regional housing need assessment based on forecasts
contained in the regional transportation plan. This contained Diamond Bar's population,
employment and household forecasts from 1998 through the Year 2005. These growth
forecasts are the basis for determining the amount of housing demand. Between 1998
and 2005, Diamond Bar's assigned Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
assumes that total households will increase by 151 for the present Housing Element
planning cycle.
Once household growth is determined, SCAG - makes an adjustment to allow for a
sufficient number of units needed for normal vacancies and replacements for demolitions
and conversions. The vacancy and demolition calculations are based upon average rates
2-
Housing Needs Assessment After
vacancy adjustments and housing unit losses are calculated, Diamond Bar has a total RHNA of 144 units.
Table 22 describes Diamond Bar's -share of the region's future housing; its' total 'allocation and, the
relativebreakdown by affordability level.
Table 22: Diamond Bar's Draft Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Housing Income
Group Income Limits Units Distribution
Very Low
(0-50% 4" $26,050 23 16%
51-80% MR $41 -700 17 12%
Moderate
81-120% MFI $62,50 27 19%
Upper
> 120% MFI Not Applicable 1 76 1 53%
Total Need 143 100%
AnnualNeed 19 13 -/o
Housing
3. HOUSING CONSTRAINTS
The provision of adequate and affordable housing is constrained by a number of factors. This
section assesses the various market, governmental, and environmental factors that may serve
as a potential constraint to housing development and improvement in Diamond Bar.
A. MARKET CONSTRAINTS
1. Construction Costs
The cost of building materials and labor are major factors associated with the feasibility of
constructing new housing units. Residential construction costs range from approximately $60 to
$85 per square foot for a good quality single-family, home, depending on the materials,
amenities and finished details, and from $59 to $82 per square foot for multi -family construction
(City of Diamond Bar Building Permit Cost Calculations).
A reduction in amenities and the quality of building materials (above a minimum acceptability for
health, safety, and adequate performance) could result in lower sales prices. In addition,
prefabricated factory -built housing may provide for lower priced housing by reducing construction
and labor costs. Another factor related to construction costs is the number of units built at one
time. As the number increases, overall costs generally decrease as builders are able to take
advantage of the benefits of economies of scale. This type of cost reduction is of particular
benefit when density bonuses are used for the provision of affordable housing.
2. Land Costs
A key component of the total cost of housing is the price of raw land and any necessary
improvements. Homebuilders typically purchase entitled land, but the cost of infrastructure
improvements often exceeds the actual land purchase price. The diminishing supply of land
available for residential construction, combined with a fairly high demandfor such development,
has served to keep the cost of land relatively high, particularly in built -out areas. A major
constraint to providing affordable housing on'remaining vacant hillside parcels in, Diamond Bar is
the high cost of construction in hillside areas. Another cost constraint for construction in areas
with steep topography is the low ratio of developable area to total land area. Recent residential
projects in hillside areas have developed large luxury homes priced at more than $500,000.
These developments have large amounts of open space and only 25 - 30 percent developable
3. Availability of Mortgage and Rehabilitation Financing
The availability of financing affects a person's ability to purchase or improve a home.
Interestrates are determined by pationa 'I policies andeconomic conditions, and local
governments can do little to -affect these rates. Jurisdictions can, however, offer interest rate
write-downs to extend home purchasing opportunities to a broader economic segment of the
population. In addition, government insured loan programs may be- available to reduce
mortgage downpayment requirements.
3-
lose
loan
for
ated
lage
t "of
)ted,
hest
onal
ants
20%
Flow
Diamond Bar had a relatively small number of applicants for govern ment-assisted loans, such as FHA,
VA and FmHA. The 432 applications for govern rTient-assisted loans constitute less than onefifth the
number of conventiona[ loan, applications. -- Among the "applicationsfor, govern mentassisted- loans,
the denial rate for low-income applicant households was also higher than that for moderate7 and upper
income applicants.- However, it should be noted that low-income households have a much better
chance of receiving approval Lunder', a - government -assisted L loan than a conventional loan. Nearly
80 percent of the applications for government -assisted loans, by'lowincome households were originated,
in comparison to 63 percent for conventional loans.
Table 24 shows the disposition of conventional and government -assisted home improvement loans.
Compared to mortgage,loans, home improvement loans were,much',more difficult to secure,'as is typical
in most jurisdictions. The overallapproval rates for conventional and goverriment-assisted home
improvement loans were very low: only 41 percent and 38 percent, respectively. Important factors for
determining eligibility for home improvement loans include the amount of owner equity in,a property, the
current appraised value of the home, and the applicant's household debt .
Conventional Loans,
Total
Govern ment-Assisted Loans
%
Under the Home
Mortgage
Disclosure
Act (
MDA),
lending instit
tions are
equired
to disc
information
n the disposition
of ton
appli
ations
and the Inco
e, gende
, and race
of
applicants.
As shown in
Table 23,
approx
mately
'69 percent
of the 2,374
application,,
conventiona
mortgage loans
to purchase
omes
n Diamond
Bar in 1998
were
' origi
(approved
byleriders End
eicce
ted'by,
pplican
s), higherth
nthe na
onwide
mort
origination rate
of 60 percent.
The ov
rall d6
is 11 r
to was 1 -'plerrcent,,v(hile2C
perce
all conventic
nal loan app
ications we,e
withc
rawn, c
osed for incc
mpleten6-
; or Int
acce
by the applicants.
At 20
percent, t
e denial
rate for
low-inco 'ine
applica
is wa
the hi
among the
three incoma
groups.
owev
r, only
8 percent cf
applicant
for conveni,
mortgages
n Diamond
Barw'ere I
w-inco
e (<8D%
MR) wile
20 percent
of
appli
wer6moder
to income (80-120%
MR),
and
o-thir
s of applicants
were upper
inco
e (>1
MFI). This reflects
the fat
that fewer
homes
on the
arket are priced
at levels
affordable
t
and modera
e income hOLiseholds.
Ta
Ae 23: Dis
)ositior
of Hor
ie Purchase
Loans
li
t
Source: Horne
Mortgage
Disclosure
Act (HM
A)
*"Other includes
applications
approved
but rotacc6r
ted, files clo
ed for inco
npleten
ss, an
can
App
lose
loan
for
ated
lage
t "of
)ted,
hest
onal
ants
20%
Flow
Diamond Bar had a relatively small number of applicants for govern ment-assisted loans, such as FHA,
VA and FmHA. The 432 applications for govern rTient-assisted loans constitute less than onefifth the
number of conventiona[ loan, applications. -- Among the "applicationsfor, govern mentassisted- loans,
the denial rate for low-income applicant households was also higher than that for moderate7 and upper
income applicants.- However, it should be noted that low-income households have a much better
chance of receiving approval Lunder', a - government -assisted L loan than a conventional loan. Nearly
80 percent of the applications for government -assisted loans, by'lowincome households were originated,
in comparison to 63 percent for conventional loans.
Table 24 shows the disposition of conventional and government -assisted home improvement loans.
Compared to mortgage,loans, home improvement loans were,much',more difficult to secure,'as is typical
in most jurisdictions. The overallapproval rates for conventional and goverriment-assisted home
improvement loans were very low: only 41 percent and 38 percent, respectively. Important factors for
determining eligibility for home improvement loans include the amount of owner equity in,a property, the
current appraised value of the home, and the applicant's household debt .
Income
Total
%
c
Total
0/
%
%
Applications
Originated
Denied
Other*
Applications
Ori inated
Denied
Other*
Source: Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA)
*"Other includes applications approved but notacc6pted, files closed for incompleteness, and
Diamond Bar had a relatively small number of applicants for govern ment-assisted loans, such as FHA,
VA and FmHA. The 432 applications for govern rTient-assisted loans constitute less than onefifth the
number of conventiona[ loan, applications. -- Among the "applicationsfor, govern mentassisted- loans,
the denial rate for low-income applicant households was also higher than that for moderate7 and upper
income applicants.- However, it should be noted that low-income households have a much better
chance of receiving approval Lunder', a - government -assisted L loan than a conventional loan. Nearly
80 percent of the applications for government -assisted loans, by'lowincome households were originated,
in comparison to 63 percent for conventional loans.
Table 24 shows the disposition of conventional and government -assisted home improvement loans.
Compared to mortgage,loans, home improvement loans were,much',more difficult to secure,'as is typical
in most jurisdictions. The overallapproval rates for conventional and goverriment-assisted home
improvement loans were very low: only 41 percent and 38 percent, respectively. Important factors for
determining eligibility for home improvement loans include the amount of owner equity in,a property, the
current appraised value of the home, and the applicant's household debt .
Nearly 20 percent of Diamond Bar housing units are, over thirty years in age, the age at which
homes typically begin to require major repairs and upgrading. An additional 30 percent of the
3-2
Low-income
184
63.0%
20. 1
P/
-'16.8
%
77.6%
10.30/6
12.1%
80% MR
-
Moderate-
income
47E
73.30
11.20
T5 6-
/
1
73.40/
9.5°/
17.1 %
80-119% MR
Upper Income
'1,595
70,746/6
9.7
0-„
19.9%
141
69.5%
10.6%
19.90/
6
120% MR)
Not Available
120
33.30%
27.50%
39.2%
171
47.1%,
11.80
41.1%
ITotal
2,374
68.5%1
11.7%19.8%1
4321
72.2%'!
10.2:
Source: Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA)
*"Other includes applications approved but notacc6pted, files closed for incompleteness, and
Diamond Bar had a relatively small number of applicants for govern ment-assisted loans, such as FHA,
VA and FmHA. The 432 applications for govern rTient-assisted loans constitute less than onefifth the
number of conventiona[ loan, applications. -- Among the "applicationsfor, govern mentassisted- loans,
the denial rate for low-income applicant households was also higher than that for moderate7 and upper
income applicants.- However, it should be noted that low-income households have a much better
chance of receiving approval Lunder', a - government -assisted L loan than a conventional loan. Nearly
80 percent of the applications for government -assisted loans, by'lowincome households were originated,
in comparison to 63 percent for conventional loans.
Table 24 shows the disposition of conventional and government -assisted home improvement loans.
Compared to mortgage,loans, home improvement loans were,much',more difficult to secure,'as is typical
in most jurisdictions. The overallapproval rates for conventional and goverriment-assisted home
improvement loans were very low: only 41 percent and 38 percent, respectively. Important factors for
determining eligibility for home improvement loans include the amount of owner equity in,a property, the
current appraised value of the home, and the applicant's household debt .
Nearly 20 percent of Diamond Bar housing units are, over thirty years in age, the age at which
homes typically begin to require major repairs and upgrading. An additional 30 percent of the
3-2
3-
)nstraints
es for home
government
;ing sources
ill quality of
Conventional Loans
Government -Assisted Loans
Housing C
housiiig
stock will reach 30 years in age over thE
next decade. The relatively high denial ra
improvement
loans among low- and moderate -income
households support the importance o
spons
red rehabilitation, assistance for these hou
eholds. Increasing the availability of finan
for h
useholds to improve or rehabilitate their
homes is important to improving the over
housiiig
in Diamond Bar.
Table 24:
Disposit
I
on of H
ome Improvement
Loans
Applic
nt
*"Oth
Cincludes ap
Acations approved
b
it notac
epted, files cl
sed for incc
mpleten
ss, and
appli
ations withdra
Nn.
Income
Total
%
%
1, %
Tota
%
%
Avolications
Originated
Denied
Other
Applications
Originated
Denied,Other-
Low-income
106
29.2%
50.0%
20.8%
31
22.6%
61.3%
1%
10
< 80% MR
I
Moderate -income
1041
-27.9%
47.1 %
25.0%
43
27.9%
60
11
8%
6%
80-119% MR
Upper Income
309
44.7%
32.7%!
22.7%
85
51.8%
25.9%
22
09
4%
120% MR
Not Available
29
82.8%
6.9%
10.3%
111
18.2%
36.4%
45.5%
29
8
Tota
22.1%
1
41.8%
20.0%
54
�4
-54
0.5%
LJ--- RA
3-
)nstraints
es for home
government
;ing sources
ill quality of
Housing Constraints
B. GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
Aside from marketfactors, actions by the'City,can have an impabf-on the price and availability of housing. LE
use controls,site improvement requirements,' buildingtodes, fees, and other'local
Co r - tt6ihtS to progra
intended to improve the overall quality of housing,may serve as potential ns
the,development
improvement of housing. 1. Land Use Controls
The Land- Use'Elem'ent
the General Plan sets forth the City's policies for guiding local development and growth. These polici
together with existing zoning regulations, establish the amount and distribution of land- uses within
CitY."The Diamond Bar General Plan provides for six residential land use categories, as shown in Table
Densities range from one to 20 units per acre, with the majority of the city'designated for low density sin
family development at an average density of 3 units peracre.
In addition to six residen
land use districts, the Land Use Element provides for residential uses within the Specific Plan Over
and,Planning Area classifications.- Development'wiihin areas designated Specific Plan or Planning Area
processed through use of a master plan or specific plan pursuant -to Government Code Section'6545C
planned unit development, or similar mechanism, and development intensities must beconsistent with the
specified -in the'General Plan. Specific Plan and Planning Area projects must provide a greater level
community amenities and' cohesiveness" achieve superior design, - a nd create a more desirable Iiv
environment than could be achieved through, conventional subdivision design and requirements. The GenE
Plan Land Use Map designates four areas as mixed use Planning Areas, encompassing over 1,200 acres. T
of these Planning'Areas include a residential component, providing for an additional 274 housing units. P)
which includes the Tres Hermanos Ranch provides for 144 units, while PA -2 located east of Diamond I
Boulevard and north of Grand Avenue provides for 130 units. The General Plan currently designates one ai
with a Specific Plan overlay, a 3,500 acre agricultural/significant ecological area within the City's south,
sphere of influence.
Maximum
Housing Constraints
eneral Plan istrict s and I Dwelling Unit
Designationj Minimum Lot Siz per Acrel Description
Table 25:'Residential Land Use
Prior Zoning
Rural Residential (RR) R-1 10,00
1 DU/ acre Hillside areas intended for rural living,
RPD 10,OOC
including the keeping of animals, with
R-1 9,OOC
supporting accessory structures.
R-1 8,50C
Maximum allowed density for NE
residential subdivisions will be 1 DU
gross acre or lower densities where
re uired by Chapter 22.22 Hillsid
Mana ement .
Low Density
Isity R
1
R-1 10,00d
3 DIN acre Intended primarily for parcel
--I-F.-IM —Vu=, ImuVwlllutpi 0, luvo.
3-5
PD 10,000
Max 3 DU/ acre
-A 10,000
single-family dwellings. Maximum
-1
-1 9,000
allowed density for NEW residential
-1
-1 8,500
subdivisions will be,'3 DU/ gross acre.
ow Medium Density
ium Density
-1
-1 8,000
5 bUl acre
Intended primarily for existing
Residential (RLM)
Jal (R
LM
RPD 8,OOC
P
subdivisions developed with detached
R -A 8,000
single-family dwellings. Maximu
R -i 7,500
allowed density for NEW residential
R-1 6,000
subdivisions will be 5 DU/ gross acre.
R-2
Medium Density
R-3 5,000
12 DU/ acre
Intended primarily for area
Residential RM
developed with existing planned
townhome, condominium, apartment,
mobile home, and other multi-famil
projects. Maximum allowed density fo
NEW residential projects will be 12,
DIJ/ cross acre.
Medium High Density
R-3 5,000
16 DIJI acre
Intendedfor areas7existing and
Residential RMH
planned townhome, condominium-,
a artment, other multi -family project
and mobile home parks. Maximum
allowed density for NEW residential
roiects will be 16 DU/ cross acre.
High Density
R-3 5,000
20 DU/ acre
Intended for areas of existing and
Residential RH
proposed high density condominium
and apartment projects, other high
density residential projects, and
mobile home parks. Maximum allowed
density for NEW residential project
will be 20 DU/ cross acre.
--I-F.-IM —Vu=, ImuVwlllutpi 0, luvo.
3-5
Housing Constraints
Residential Development Standards
Diar
nd Bar ,s 1908 Development Code provides for the following, residential zones, consistent with the
residential land use districts in the General Plan;
Rural Residential (RR)
Low Density, Residential, (RL) Low Medium Residential'(RLM) Medium Density Residential (RM) Medit
High Density, (RMH) High Density Residential (RH)
When the City incorporated in 1989,'development standards were governed by the Los Angeles County zoni
ordinances Upon adoption of the General Plan in 1995, the City began to work on its own developm(
procedures and zoning standards which it adopted as a r cornrprehensive' Development Code in 11 The pr
zone districts (R-1', R-2, R-73 etc.) identified in Table 25 and depicted on the City's 27-onirig" Mapwill
replaced with the new, simplified zone districts.
The development standards for these zones are summarized in Table, 26. DevelopmPritdensities are regulated -
minimum lot size, maximum density; required setbacks and height limits. Multifamily'residential zones I
RMH and RH provide for densities of 12 - 20 units per acre, with density bonus provisions specified in t
Code for projects which incorporate an affordable housing component. These standards, when viewed in t
context of the entire community, offer a balance of housing opportunities
All residential zones have a building height limit of 35 feet, providing for up to three-story structures. There are
lot coverage or minimum unit size restrictions which might, otherwise restrict the maximum buildi
env&lope,"achlievable and thus serve as -a constraint to' achieving maximum permitted densities.'
3-6
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Hnusinn Constraints
Parking Requirement
Single-family
2 spaces in a fully enclosed garage. In hillside areas,
The Development Code calculates
parking requirements by unit type, and on a per bedroom
basis for multi -family units, at
illustrated in Table 27. Garages are requir 'ed for single family,
duplex and multi -family dwelling
u6 its; mobile homes may rhave tandem parking in an attached
ar ort. In
eneral, two garage parking
paces are required for each unit. However,- 411 1111 SEENIII&II
e'City ha ad uced parking! r
quirements for', studio apartments, secondary a S 0
residential units senior -housing
projects, and senior congregate carefacilities. Reducing parking
senior housing'heip,to minimize,const
Table 27:
UnitType
additional parking for
guests may be re uired by the director.
Duplex housing units
2 spaces for each unit in a garage
Multi -family dwelling,
Studio units - I space oreach unit, in a garage, plus guest
park ng M.
condominiums and other
bedroom or more 2 spaces in a garage for each unit, plus 0.5
additional
attached dwellings.
spaces for each bedroom over 2 plus guest parking
Mobil - homes (in Mobile
2 spaces for each mobile home (tandem parking allowed in an
Home
attached
arks)
carport), plus guest parking
Secondary residential units
1 space (carport or garage) in addition to that required for a
single-family unit.
Senior housing projects
1 space for each unit with half the spaces covered- plus 1
guest parking
space for each 10 units.
Senior congregate ilities
r.5 space fore each residential unit, plus I space for each 4
units for guests
and employees.
roup quarters (including
1 space for each bed, plus 1 space for each 8 beds for guest
arkin , 1
3oarding houses, rooming,
ace fore each employee on largest shift.
ouses dormitories and
r anizational houses
3J998
Source: Diamond Bar Development uoae, November
Guest parking shall be provided at the ratio of 1 space for each 4 required parking spaces.
Spaces shall be dispersed evenly throughout,the project and clearly marked for guest parking only.
2
Affordable Housing Incentives/Density Bonus Provisions
O®.
I n order to specifically facilitate the development of affordable housing, the City utilizes, Affordable Housinc
Incentives/ Density Bonus Provisions (Development Code Chapter 22.18). Incentives provided for it
Chapter 22. 18 apply to developments of five or more dwelling units. If a density bonus and/or othe
incentives cannot be accommodated on a parcel due to strict compliance with the provisions of the
Development Code,-- the Council is authorized to waive or'modify the
3-
J
Housing Constraints
development standards as necessary to accommodate all bonus units and other
The density bonus consists of up to 25 -percent increase in the numberof dwelling units
normally allowed by the zoning district. - A qualifying project is entitled to at least one of
the following incentives identified by State law (government code'Section 65915(b)):
A reduction in the parcel development standards of the Development Code (eg
coverage, setback, zero lot line and/or reduced parcel sizes, and/or parking
Approval o
mixed-
se zoning
in conjlAnction
wfti
the ho
sing pr
residential
and uses
will redL
ce the cost
of the liousing
project,
a
residential
and useE
are com
atible w
th the housing
proj
ct and s
developme
t; and
3. Provisions fora
Variety o
Housing
using ne
Housing element law
specifieE
that jurisdictions
ust identif
t adequa
e sites t
available through a
propriatE
zoning
and development
standards
to enco
development of vari
us types
of housing
for all
economic
egments
of the
including multi-famil
rental I-ousing,
f
ctory-bu
It housing,
mobile
homes,
shelters, and transitional
hous
ng. TablE
28 summarizes
housing
types
permitt
of the residential zon
districts
in Diam
nd Bar.
Residential
eside is
n
t
lousing Zone
R
Types Permitted
RR
RL
RLM
RM
RMH
RH
es Pe itt—ed
Conventional Single Family
Duplexes
-multi-Family —Dwellings
J
Second Units
Senior Citizen Housing
v
ect if pon-
d the non-
rrounding
be made
irage the
Dpulation,
nergency
d in each
iviuuua null is rai na
i
C
C
C
C
C
C
I
C
c
Care Facility: 6 or fewer persons
Care :aciiit : 7 or more persons
C
C
V Permitted C Conditionally Permitted
3-9
Housing
Second
proposed for, a secondary requiremen
The applicant shall be the owner and resident of the,
The parcel shall have a minimums area of 10,000 square feet, a minimum
width of 50 feet, a minimum depth of 100 feet, and a minimum buildable
pad size of 400 square feet, exclusively for the secondary unit-,:
'The parcel shall be developed,with only one existing owner occupied,
The following findings shall be made, to approve a Minor Conditional Use Permit
for a secondary dwelling unit:
The secondary„unit is 'compatible with the design of the main dwelling
unit and the surrounding neighborhood in terms of scale, exterior
treatment, height, setbacks and landscaping, and will not cause
excessive noise, traffic, or other disturbances to the existing residential
The secondary dwelling unit will not contribute to a high concentration of
these units sufficient to change the character of the surrounding
Mobile HomleslManufactured
Pursuant to State law, manufactured housing placed on a permanent foundation is
permitted in all residential zones. Such housing is subject to the same
development standards and design review criteria as stick -built housing as set
forth by the zoning district. However, mobile home parks require a conditional use
permit in a '11 residential zone districts. Mobile homes constitute less than two
3-10
Housing Constraints
Multi -Family Rental Housing
Multi -family housing makes up approximately one-eighth of 'the housing stock in the City. The
Zoning Ordinance provides for multiple family developments in the RM, RMH and RH multiple
family residential zones. The maxJimum dwelling unit densities for these zones are 12, 16 and
20 units per acre, respectively.- Additional density may be achieved through participation in the
density bonus program. I
Transitional Housing and Emergency Shelters
Small residential care facilities (for 6 or fewer persons) are permitted in all residential zones.
Residential care facilities, including transitional housing, for more than 6 persons are
conditionally permitted in the multiple -family zones: RM, RMH and RH. The Development Code
does not specifically identify zones for locations of emergency shelters, although any use may be
permitted in the City subject to the discretion of the Hearing Officer. As the City has no known
homeless population, there is no unmet need for emergency shelters and 'there is little likelihood
an emergency shelter providermould choose to locate in Diamond Bar.
4. Development and Planning Fees/ On and Off -Site Improvements
There are two basic types of fee pertaining to residential development, those for processing
development applications (e,g. subdivisions, conditional use permits) and those to pay forthe
costs associated with new development (e.g. traffic signals, sewer connections). The City may
The Community and Development Services Department collects various fees from developers to
cover the costs of processing permits and providing necessary services and infrastructure.
Diamond Bar charges fees based on the actual cost of permit processing. r Plan check and
inspection are billed at $85.00 per hour with established minimums for plan check and inspection
of certain categories such as retaining walls, street plans, sewer plans, storm drain plans, etc.
Table 29 presents a list of deposit amounts charged by the City.
3-
11
Fees
Administrative Development Re i ew $ 1,000 deposit.
Appeals $500 or fee to,be determined by
Table 29- Development
Fee Type
Source: Planning Division Fee
chedule, Uity oT ulamona uar, juiy o, -i u
The City's propessinglees,
are cumUlatJve.' F
applicationfor a Lot L
neAdjustment also requires aMn
charged. Also specified project
, 'maybe subject to, a deposit and an—
application'%e(s)', ,in complian
e, with the Ir City's Fee Resolution.
New residential development
roje cts in Diamond Bar are subject
earlier, there are two school di
tricts serving the -City. Walnut Valley Un
a fee of $1.93 per square foot f
r residential development (e.g. "living sp
construction over 500 sql uaref
aet, not including garage or uncovered p
District assesses a fee of $118z
1 er square foot of residential developm
Hence, school fees for a new 2
000, square foot single family home wou
$3,800 and school fees for a n
W 1,200 condominium would be appro
unit.
City Manager.j
be uti
Certificate of Compliance
$500 fee,
Conditional Use Permit
$2,000 deposit
Development Agreement
$3,000 deposit
Development Zonin ,Code Amendment
$4,000'de osit
Development Revie—v
$2,000 deposit
wEEMMI&I elm
O
r examplerr if an
rVariance,both,fees will, be
ourly rate', "rather than f flat
o schoolfees. As mentioned
fied School District assesses
ce's of all new or remodeling
tio). Pomona Unified School
nt. p
d be 6pprokimately $3,600 to
imately $2,2ob to $2,300 per
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or
Oictual costs including City overhead;
egative Declaration
o be determined by Deputy
e osit
ity Manager.
eneral Plan Arne;idment
5,000 deposit
Minor Conditional Use Permit
1,000 deposit
Minor Variance
450 fee
reliminary Project Review
1,000 deposit
ecific Plan
4,000 deposit
ariance
2,000 deposit
IQhan e/ Ma Amendment
one
4,000 deposit
IVariance
2,000 deposit
one Ordinance Amendment
2,000 deposit
Cl6arance—
30 fee
Source: Planning Division Fee Schedule, Uity oT ulamona uar, juiy o, -i uVO
The City's propessinglees, are cumUlatJve.' For examplerr if an
applicationfor a Lot LineAdjustment also requires aMnorVariance,both,fees will, be
charged. Also specified projects, 'maybe subject to, a deposit and an— hourly rate', "rather than f flat
application'%e(s)', ,in compliance, with the Ir City's Fee Resolution.
New residential development proje cts in Diamond Bar are subject to schoolfees. As mentioned
earlier, there are two school districts serving the -City. Walnut Valley Unified School District assesses
a fee of $1.93 per square foot for residential development (e.g. "living space's of all new or remodeling
construction over 500 sql uarefeet, not including garage or uncovered patio). Pomona Unified School
District assesses a fee of $1184 1 er square foot of residential development. p
Hence, school fees for a new 2,000, square foot single family home would be 6pprokimately $3,600 to
$3,800 and school fees for a neW 1,200 condominium would be approximately $2,2ob to $2,300 per
unit.
5. Building Codes and Enforcement
In addition to land use controls, local building codes also affect the cost of housing. The City has adopted the Uniform Building
Code (UBC) which establishes the minimum standards for new construction. While the City may impose more stringent standards,
it cannot adopt any which are
3-12
Housina
6. Local Processina and Permit Procedures
Administrative Development
Est
1
Hearing
Planning
Cit
below those of the UB—..
No standard
hal
been adopted
above the mini
um stands
as a prime contributoi
Time
Director
Officer
Commission
Council
6. Local Processina and Permit Procedures
Administrative Development
6-8
Final
Appeal
Appeal
The processing time neaded
too
tain dev
lopment permits
and required epprovals
is o
as a prime contributoi
to the high
cost
of housing.
Additional time rday
be nece
environmental review, c
epending
on the to
ation and
nature of a project. Table
-30 ide
City official or body res
onsible for
reviewi
ig and m
king decisions on ea
h type of a
land use permit and other
entitlements,
ar
d estimated
processing time. Flermits
whic
involve environmental
clearance
(e.g. D
velopme
t Agreement, Gene
al Plan Am
Specific Plan, Variance
are subjE
ct to the
Permit Str
amlining Act, Califor
iia Governm
Section 69520 which
as effective
Janus
ry 1, 1999
, The City has prep
red a sum
which outlines time req
irements i
or permit
processing.
Table
30: Review
Autho
ity for RE
sidential Development
Type of Decision or Permit
Review
week
sl
1 -3 units)
Final
Conditional Use Permit
8 weeks
Appeal
Development Agreement
Recommend
F-7inai
Development Review
8 weeks
Final
Appeal
4+ units or 10,000 s .ft.
1
General Plan Amendment
Recommend
Final
Minor Conditional Use Perm
4-6
Final
Appeal
weeks
Appeal
J
1—
2-4
Final
Appeal
Appeal
inorVar
weeks
iance
ds of the
ten cited
>sary for
itifies the
plication,
typically
mdment,
int Code
ary chart
Specific Plan
Recommend rinal
Variance
Final I Appeal
Zoning Clearance (over the
counter)
1 week
Final
Appeal Appeal
io
ningMap Amendment
Recommend Final
Source: Diamond Bar Development Code, November 3, 1998.
Note: The Director and Hearing Officer may defer action on permit applications and
refer the item(s) to the Commission for the final decision.
The following describes the five-step development review process in Diamond Bar: 1
Application Submittal
Applications for land use -permits a 6d other matters pertaining to the Development Code
must be filed on a City application form, togetherwith all necessary fees and/or
deposits, exhibits, maps, materials, plans, reports and other information required' by
the Development Services Department. Applicants are encouraged to contact the 3-13
Housing Constraints
Department before submitting an application to verify which materials are necessary for
application filing.
A prospective applicant is strongly encouraged to request a pre -application conference
with the Department before formal submittal of a permit application. The purpose of this
,conference is-toinform the applicant of,city- requirements- as they applylo the -
proposed development project, review the procedures outlined in the Development
Code" explore possible alternatives or modifications, and identify nec6ssaryrrterchnibal
studies and required i4ofm'ation,irelating to', fut,ure'environmental review., -
12. Initial Application Review
Completeness Review. The Diredtor,eeviews all applications for completeness and
accuracy before they are accepted 'as bein-,complete and officially filed. Processing of
applications does not commence until all required fees/deposits have been paid. Without
the application fee, or a deposit if applicable, the application is not deemed complete.
The applicant is informed in writing,xivithin 30 days of submittal, either that the application is
complete and'has been accepted for processing, or that the application -is incomplete, and that
additional information, specified in the letter, is required.
If a pending application is not deemed complete within six months afterthe first filing with the
Department, the application expires and is deemed withdrawn, rand any remaining deposit
amount is refunded, subject to administrative processing fees.
3. Environmental Assessment
After acceptance -of a complete application, the project is reviewed in- compliance with
the California Environmental quality Act (CEQA), to determine whether the proposed
project is exempt from the requirements of CEQA or is not a project as defined by CEQA,
whether a negative declaration may be issued, or whether an environmental impact
report (EIR) is required.,,
4.' Staff Report and Recommendations
A staff report is prepared by the Director that describes the conclusions/ findings about
the proposed land use and development. The report includes recommendations on the
approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval of the application, based on the
evaluation and consideration of information provided by an initial study or
environmental impact report. Staff reports are furnished to applicants at the same time
as they are provided to the Hearing Officer, ormembers of, the Commission and/or
Council, before a hearing on the application.
Development Review. An application for Development Review is required for residential projects
that propose four dwelling units or more (detached or attached) and that involve the issuance of a
Building Permit for construction or, reconstruction of a structure(s) meeting the following criteria:
3-
Housing
New construction on a vacant parcel and new structures, additions to structures„
and reconstruction projects which are equal to 50 percent or greater of the floor
area of existing structures on the site, or have a minimum 10,000 square feet of
combined gross floor area;
Projects involving a substantial change or intcinsification,of land use (e.g. the -
conversion of an existing structure to a restaurant, or the conversion of a
residential structure to an office or commercial use); or
Residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional projects proposed upon a
descending slope abutting a public street.
Administrative Development Review. -An application for Administrative Development Review
is required for residential, industrial, and institutional developments that involve the issuance
of a Building Permit for construction or reconstruction of a structure(s) meeting the following
thresholds of review:
Residential projects that propose up to three dwelling units (detached or
attached); Commercial, industrial, and institutional developments that propose up
to 10,000 square feet of combined gross floor area; or
Projects that do not meet the specific criteria for Development Review
5. Application, Processing and Review
Review with Other Permits. Development Review and Administrative Development Review
applications for projects that also require the approval of another discretionary permit (e.g.
Conditional'Use Permit, Variance, etc.) shall be acted upon concurrently with the discretionary
permit and the final determination shall be made by the highest_, level of review authority in
compliance with Table 30.
Notice and Hearings. An application for Development Review or Administrative', Development
Review is scheduled for a public hearing once the Department has determined the application
complete.
Record of Decision. Upon completion of the public hearing, the review authority announces and
records the decision within 21 days following the conclusion of the public hearing. A copy of the
resolution is mailed to the applicant.
C. ENVIRONMENTAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRAINTS
Most of the level, easily developable land in Diamond Bar has already been developed, and much
of the remaining land is exposed to a variety of geotechnical and topographic conditions which
may constrain the development of lower priced residential units. In addition, inadequate
infrastructure may also act as a constraint to residential development. Environmental and
infrastructure constraints to development in Diamond Bar are described, in greater detail below,
3-
Housing Constraints
Slope Stability - Landslides and Subsidence
Large portions of Diamond Bar are covered with major hillsides which serve as a significant
constraint to -development; Figure 9 illustrates'those areas of the city with slopes greater than 25
percent. Development on such severely sloped parcels requires modification to the natural terrain
which significantly, adds to the,cost of development.
In addition to slope constraints, many of the,hillsides, in Diamond Bar have a potential for
landslides. The stability of a slope is aftributed to such factors as the soil type, gradient of the
slope (particularly those greater than 25 percent), Underlying -geologic structure, and local
drainage patterns. The rolling topography and composition of local soils throughout Diamond Bar
create numerous areas for potential landslide hatiards. Although many historic landslide locations
have since been stabilized, there still exist a number of potential landslide areas along the
eastern third of the City, -,as well as in Toniner.Canyon (Sphere of Influence), -as iillustrated in,
Infrastructure
Presently, there are no sewer lines in place in the developed southeastern end of the 1,250 -acre
development known as The Country Estates. The 800 -acre Tres Hermanos parcel will also require
installation of infrastructure. -Tres Hermanos Ranch has moderate slopes and sufficient area to
permit construction of affordable housing.,
While the City's,commercial'areas are typically less affected by the physical constraints described
above, the major commercial intersections in Diamond Bar are already severely congested and cannot
support trip -intensive land uses such as multi -family residential. Eight intersections in the city currently
operate at Level of Service E or F and experience very poor operating conditions and significant
delay;,these intersections are illustrated in Figure 9. 'In addition, Diamond Bar is a "housing rich/jobs
poor" community and needs the limited amount of commercial land designated in the General Plan to
maintain its iax base and serve, its resident population.
D. CONTRACT -UAL CONSTRAINTS
Many open space -areas,in Diamond Bar.were precluded from development as a condition of approval
for the tract. Often, these areas were calculated as the open tspace requirement for the adjacent
development, and additional densities may have been granted in exchange for retaining these areas as
open space.
Some residential development in Diamond Bar have formed privatebbimeowner's associations, and have
placed Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC& 'Rs) on open space areas in their tracts, -thereby
limiting permitted development. In many instances, the deed restrictions on development in open space
areas wore a result of trade-offs to allow greater density in the ftatter portions of the residential tract.
Major vacant land areas subject to development resthctions are mapped in Figure 10.
3-16
HOUSING Housing Constraints
ELEMENT MT SAN ANTONIO BLVD
SSION
COMMUNITY COLULEGE 57
PHILLIPS
POMONA
RANCH XNG R
CITY OF -0 suhs WALNUT
600
cc 46
0 ZVI
Q CHINO HILLS E
L SAN BERNARDINO
ORANGE COUNTY SOURCE: City of Diamond Bar Master Environmental
Assessment, 1992
CONTAINS HISTORIC LANDSLIDE (some s1fdas may have been
removed by deveioprrient) CONTAINS SLOPE GREATER THAN 25% SIGNALIZED AND UNSIGNALIZED
F*
INTERSECTIONS OPERATING AT LEVEL OF SERVICE E or F
Figure 9
Environmental and (C -25d North No ScWe Infrastructure Constraints 3-17
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Constraints
Lyra-c.»nul���r:a-cyra-c.�r
I? CHINO HILLS EAZ:fy,
I:K.19Irrt-A
Oa JIM/ Lsv
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ORANGE
SOURCE, City of Diamond Sar General Plan Environmental Impact Report, Appendix B, Diamoqd Ear Open Space Land Survey, July 9, 1992
NOTE: Sources of restrictions for tracts and parcel maps are recorded maps. Sources of restrictions for motes and bounds are Acoessoes tax rc
Restrictions and prohibitions were originally approved by Los Angeles County. Upon incorporAion, the City gained sale discretion, c
retaining or changing these designations.
LOCATIONS OF VACANT I -ANDS SUBJECT TO
Figu' re 10 GENEF
DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS S
General Location Vaca
Lands!Su'biect tba le -to Development Restri
791
Housing
E. FAIR HOUSING CONSTRAINTS
As a participating city in the Los Angeles County CDBG program, the City has access to
services of the Long Beach Fair Housing Foundation for fair housing outreach and
education, and counseling on housing discrimination complaints.
The Fair Housing Foundation received 143 general housing inquiries from residents of
Diamond Bar during the period FYI 994/1995 through FYI 99912000. Most of these inquines
were from low income households (90 inquiries) and from female head of household
(110inquiries). Mostofthe ,inquiries were resolved while 12 cases were referred to the
discrimination department. Among discrimination,inquiries, four were resolved and eight
were opened as discrimination cases. Seven of the eight discrimination cases were filed
3-19
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Resources
Maximum
Residential
4. HOUSING RESOURCE Density scant nit
DU1ac Acreage Potential
Various resources available for the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of housing are
available in Diamond Bar. The section begins with an overview of the availability of land
resources or residential sites for future housing development, and an evaluati on of the City's
ability to provide adequate sites to address the its identified share of future housing needs-. This
section also presents the financial resources available to support the provision of affordable
housing in the community, and specifically identifies funding amounts for redevelopment set -
Rural Residential (RR) I I DUI ac 1 440 1 22
A- AVAILABILITY OF SITES FOR HQUSING
Low Density Residential RL 3 DU/ac 40 4
An important component of the Housing Element is the identification of sites for future housing
development, and evaluation of the adequacy of these sites in fulfilling the City's share of
Low -Medium Density Residential 5 DU/ac
RLM
0
Medium Density RM 12 DU/ac
0
Medium -High Density RMH) 16 DU/ac
1.5
2
High Density RH) , 20 DU/ac
14.9
2981
development.
for residential
Table 31: Residential Development Potential
and Use District
• - �- - ••u-■ - - C.
• ' - •- • -
4 -
Total
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Constraints MT SAN ANTONIO I SIN BLVD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
IYi]Ji[�]U_�y:Il�Nlal��
10helLTA Eel U_11a:IIIUa-vWAI[ya
WALNUT so
LU CITY OF INU RY
19_11 3:4C7U_1V1111Eel
G R SUNS
CITY BOUNDARY SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
RURAL RESIDENTIAL (max I du/ac)- HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (max 20 du/ac) (Aggregate 223 du potential) (Aggregate 298
potentiaQ
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (max 3 du/ac) PLANNING AREA/SPECIFIC PLAN (TreSrHermanos) (Aggregate 46 du potenti
(Aggregate 144 du potential)
MEDIUM HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (max 16 duiac)
(Aggregate 24 du potential) F i g u re 11
4-2'
Housing, Opportunit
HOUSING ELEMENT HA, i4ml
Comparison of Site Inventory with RHNA
Diamond Bar has a regional housing growth need (RHNA) of 144 new units for the 1998-
2005 period. Given that the City can accommodate residential growth of up to 735 units, it
can certainly accommodate 144 units in this period. The more important, issue, however,
is whetherthe City has adequate sites for the provision of units for very low-, low-, an d
moderate -income households. In general, the following general affordability and
Very Low-income - 25 du/ac
Low -Income - 18 du/ac,
Moderate -income -8
4-
HOUSING Housing
n r 1998 can be subtracted from the Citv's
'aSL r ---! 'Ili — 000 11 1" 1 1 III —t I I new cons ructidn
h"11 "'I blee' indu'itom- h r c0 1'1
L—, — Pm ou
only as'a—bov—,irioderate income units 'he'! 0
5ha"'I Jorve16
income u olds a ove o'defate units, — 1 71OW income units,
Availability, 6 Public Facillffies an— '§& Wces, r
s'str6ets.
anous impa ees,fr6 ffit —'deve ppers,jp cover
th e: c6., 61 le
sia I tL d6 0 e bvidi ng
B. FINANCIAL RESOURCES
The City has access to a variety of existing and potential funding sources
available for affordable housing activities. They include programs from,local,
state, federal andprivate resources. The following section describes the, two most
significant housing funding sources currently available in 9
Diamond Bar: Community PeVelopment— Block Grants (CDBG), and HOME
funds.
For many cities, redevelbpment'ho'u'sing set-aside funds are one of the primary
sources of financing used for the preservafion,— improvement and development of
affordab Ile housing The City of Diamond Bar had establishedai Redevelop—ent
4-4
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Resources the beginning, the City has disputed claims that blight does not exist,in the
community, and has charged that the definition of blight, as characterized under previous case law, should also apply
to Diamond Bar's redevelopment project area.
The appellate court's ruling reversed a 1997 Superior Court decision which found in favor of the City and its
redevelopment agency. The Superior Court's decision was then appealed on behalf of the approximately one dozen
residents who initiated the original lawsuit against the city's redevelopment project area.
Table 32: Financial Resources Available for Housing Activities
)rogram Type Program Name Description Eligible Activities
1. Federal Community Grants awarded to the City Acquisition
Dania-jCVClVjjniCnL oiVcn
rant CDBG housing and community
omebu er assistance
evelo ment activities.
Economic development
omeless assistance
ublic services
ome Investment Grants that can be used for
ew construction
:Iartnership Act various housing activities.
c uisition and Rehabilitation
HOME Funds must be used to
omebu er assistance
Ilanning
ssist low-income
enant-based assistance
ouseholds.
8 Rental Rental assistance payments
Rental assistance
ssistance Program to owners of private market
[ection
ate units on behalf of verw
income tenants.
m I ergency Shelter Grants used to improve the
Renovation
Grants ESGquality of eAsting
3-onversion of buildings
mer e cy shelters and to
Rehabilitation
ncrease the number of
Dperating costs
ites for shelter
evelo ment.
ection 202 Grants to non-profit
Acquisition
evelo ers of supportive
Rehabilitation
iousing for the elderly.
New construction
lupport
ental assistance
services
4-5
HOUSING ELEMENT
Housinq Resources
Program Type
Program Name
Description Eli i ble Activities',
Table 32: Financial
Section, 108 Loan
Resources Availablefor Ho'using.Activities
Provides loan guarantee to Acquisition
CDBG entitlement Rehabilitation
s forp'ursuing' 1-16mebuyer assistance,
jurisdiction
'large capital improvement E-60nomic development
projects. Jurisdictions must Homeless assistance
pledge its future CDBG Public services
(locations for repayment of
he loan. Maximum loan
mount can be up to five
Imes the entitlement
risdictionrs most recent
approved annual allocation.
Maximum loan term is 20
ea rs.
2. State—Mortgage Credit
Income tax credits available Home Buyer Assistance
ro rams erti'fidate (MCC)
o first-time home buyers for
ro ram
he purchase of new or
Bxisting single family
ousin . Local agencies
make 'certificates Available.
alifornia Housing
HFA: sells, tax exempt Home Buyer Assistance
mance Agency
onds, for below market rate
CHFA Home
oans to first-time
Mortgage Purchase
iomebuyers. — Program
ro ram
Dperates through
)articipating lenders who
ri inate loans for CHFA
urchase.
alifornia Housing
Below market rate financing 'New Construction
inance Agency
ff*eo to builders and Rehabilitation
CHFA Multiple Rental
developers of multi-tamily Acquisition
-iousing Programs
and elderly rental housing.
Tax exempt, bonds provide
elow-market mortgage
-noney.
ow Income Housing
ax credits available to New Construction
Tax Credit LIHTC
ndividuals'and corporations - Rehabilitation
hat invest in low-income 0 Acquisition of properties from
'ental -housing. Taxcredits 20 to 150 units
old to people with high tax
liability, and proceeds are
sed to create housin .
ame Oescription I Eliqible Activities
3. Local
HOU
Program TypeFPro r
ING ELEMENT
Table 32:
esources Available for
City of Industry
Housinq Activities
20 percent of Agency tax
Housing
New Construction
Programs
Redevelopment
increment funds are set-
Rehabilitation
Housing Set -Aside
aside for affordable housing
Acquisition
Funds
activities. City of Industry
set-aside is administered b
LA County CDC and can
be expended within 15 -mile
radius.
4. Private
Federal National
Loan applicants apply to
Homebuyer assistance
Resources/
Mortgage Association
participating lenders for the
Rehabilitation
Financing
Fannie Mae
following programs: fixed
Programs
rate mortgages issued b
S.
nriwnta mnrtnana inciirar
Z161.l1ica-161
i a I IUI I la, iuvv uum I-
a ment mortgages for
in le-fa ily homes in
nderserved low-income
and minority communities.
I.- Private'-
alifornia Communit
on-profit mortgage
ew Construction
Resources/:Reinvestment
consortium:Rehabilitation
=inancin
-:)anking
or oration (CCRC)
desi ned to provide long
c uisition
'ro rams
erm debt financing for
Continuedaffordable
multi-family
ental housing. Non-profit
and for profit developers
ontact member banks..
ederal Home Loan
irect'subsidies to non-
New Construction
Bank Affordable
orofit and for-profit
--lousing Program
developers andpublic-
agencies for affordable low
ncome ownership and
ental romects
ow Income Housin
on-profit lender offering
Redevelopment costs„
Fund LIHF)
:)elow market interest, short
Site acquisition
erm loans for affordable
onstruction
iousing in both urban and:Rehabilitation
ural areas. Eligible
applicants include non-
rofits and government
encies.
HOUSING ELEMENT Houson rces
Table 32: Financial Resources Available for Housing Activities
IUD)
cities
and
at is
arge
ities.
to or
nder
City
'cent
Program Name
Description
1. Community
Development Blo
k Grant (CDBG) Funds
Through the
CDE§G program, the lederal
Department of HOL
sing and Urban Development
provides func
s to local governmen
forfunding a wide range
of community development acti
for low-income
persons. The CDBG
program, provides formula
funding to larger cities
counties, while
smaller cities (less
than 50,000 population) generally
compete for funding t
allocated to E
nd administered by t
e state or county. Althouc
h Diamond Bar's population isi'
enough to be
considered a "larger
ity", Diamond B
The CDBG program
is very flexible
in that the funds can bE
used for a wide range of acti
The eligible activities
include, but
iot limited to: acquisition
and/or disposition, of real est
property, public
,facilities and improvements,
relocation, re
abilitation and construction
certain limits
ions) of housing, homeownership
assistance,
and clearance activities' The
currently allocates
most of its CDB
funds to programs and
3ervices v%6th less than 10 p
Program,
Eligible Activities -
Type
Private Lenders The Community
Varies, depending on
Rel
nvestment Act C RA
individual program offered b
r ouires- certain regulated
bank,
financial institutions to
achieve oafs for lending in
low- and moderate -income
neighborhoods As a result,
most of the larger private I
lenders offer one or more
affordable housin
programs, including first
IUD)
cities
and
at is
arge
ities.
to or
nder
City
'cent
I
me 'homebuyer,- housing
ehabilitation, or new
oristructionassistance.
1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
Through the CDE§G program, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
provides funds to local governments forfunding a wide range of community development activities
for low-income persons. The CDBG program, provides formula funding to larger cities and
counties, while smaller cities (less than 50,000 population) generally compete for funding that is
allocated to and administered by the state or county. Although Diamond Bar's population isi'large
enough to be considered a "larger city", Diamond B
The CDBG program is very flexible in that the funds can be used for a wide range of activities.
The eligible activities include, but not limited to: acquisition and/or disposition, of real estate or
property, public ,facilities and improvements, relocation, rehabilitation and construction (under
certain limitations) of housing, homeownership assistance, and clearance activities' The City
currently allocates most of its CDBG funds to programs and services v%6th less than 10 percent
2. HOME Inv estment'Partnership Program,
Established by the Federal government in 1990, the HOME program is designed to improve and/or
expand a jurisdiction's affordable housing stock. Unlike the CDBG program, HOME funds can only
be used for affordable housing activities. Specifically, HOME funds can be used for the following
activities Which promote affordable- rental housing, and lower-income homeownership: building
acquisition, -new, construction, reconstruction, moderate or substantial rehabilitation, homebuyer
assistance, and tenant -based assistance.
There are fairly strict requirements governing the use of the funds. Two major requirements are that
HOME funds must be: (1) used for activities that target certain income groups (lower income
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Resources
families'in particular) and (2) matched 25 percent by non-federal sources -(such as City
redevelopment funds).
The City anticipates receiving approximately $1.85 million in CDBG and HOME funds from the
County during the 2000-2005 period, averaging $370,000 per year.
4. Tax Exempt Multi -family Revenue Bonds
The construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of multi -family rental housing developments can
be funded by tax exempt bonds which provide a lower interest rate than is available through
conventional financing. Projects financed through these bonds are required to set aside 20
percent of the units for occupancy byvery low-income householdsor40 percent -of theunitsto be
set aside from households at 60 percent of the area median income. Tax exempt bonds for mult
'i-famiiy housing may also be issued to refinance existing tax exempt debt„ which are referred to
as a refunding bond issue.
The Seasons, Diamond Bar Senior Apartments, was refinanced in November, 1999 under the
California Community Development Authority's -Multifamily Housing Re -funding Bond. According
to the terms of the new bond agreement, income restrictions for residents and corresponding
rent limits were set. For the duration of the bond which expires 12/01/2034, all units will be
affordable: 30 units (20%) will be very low income at 50% AMI, 82 units (25%) will be low income
at 80% AMI,- and 37 units will be moderate income defined as 100% AML -The Seasons
Apartments are owned by the Corporate Fund for Housing, a non-profit organization. Long-term
affordability of the project, is assured for the life of the bond, until December 2034.
5. Housing Agreements
The City can assist in the development of new affordable housing units by entering into Disposition
Development Agreements (DDA) or Owner Participation Agreements (OPA) with developers. DDAs-or
OPAs may provide for the disposition of Agency -owned land at a price which can support the
development of units at an affordable housing cost for low- and moderate -income households. These
agreements may also provide for development assistance, usually in the form of a density bonus or
the payment of specified development fees or other development costs which cannot be supported by
the proposed development. 'There have not yet been any land disposition projects or development
upi
6. Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
Created by the 1986 Tax Reform Act, the LIHTC program has been used to encourage the
construction and rehabilitation of low-income rental housing.- It allows investors an annual
tax,credit over a ten-year period, provided that the housing meets,the'low-income occupancy
requirements* a minimum of 20 percent of the units must 'be affordable to households at 50
percent of area median income (AMI),
6r40percent'-Bfforda'bletotho'seat,6"Oi.'p"-p-'rce'ntol-fjA'MI The total credit over the ten-year
period has 0 present value equal to 70 percent of -the qualified construction and rehabilitation -
expenditures. '-:-tbi's pr'og-ra' m' has Ijmitations-,-vhich afledt the amount'6f tax credits I
d' received
su--,'-as,--i'e"n-'-4yea-'r"r"e'q'uire"m"e'htf"'h6u-irig-being,pur'chase aminimUrfirehabili'tation
expenditure" "for rehabilitaition,-projectti jh6Vtax credit is- Ily sdldj6,I6rg6 -investo,rsl'at'a
,- ,syridicationva e.-
-,i T 7. Mortgage bred
it'6ift1 ificates'(MCd)
The C program is'desighe-t'o- help low -and mode'ta'fe-'666me irsv-t 61 0 e u akyfor y f ", - Ir
T
8. SectionS Rentat Assistance
The federal Section '8 program provides rental assistance to low-income persons in need of
affordable, housing.' There are two types of subsidies undet,Section 8:- certificates and.
vouchers. A certificate pays the difference between't he fair market rent and 30 percent -of the
tenants' monthly income, while a voucher allows a tenant to choose housing that ma-', cost above
the -fair market rent figure„ with the tenant paying the extra cost. The voucher also allows the
tenant to rent a unit below the fair market rent figure with the tenant keeping the savings.
The Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACLA), coordinates and administers
Section 8 rental assistance on behalf of the unincorporated areas and the cities that do not have
their own housing authorities.,, In July 2000, 46 households in Diamond Bar were receiving -
Section 8 rental, assistance; 26 of the households were seniors, most of whom, resided at the
"Seasons" Diamond Bar Senior Apartments. HACLA's current waiting list includes six additional
Diamond Bar households requesting Section 8 assistance and 25 households awaiting
conventional public housing.
9. Southern California Home Financing Authorit)f (SCHFA) Programs
CHFA administers a number of ownership and rental housing programs funded with the proceeds
from tax-exempt bonds. The single-family is offered by the County of Los Angeles for thepurpose
of assistingLfirst time homebuyers in purchasing homes by offering below-market interest rate
loans to qualified borrowers.r The program offers two options: 1) a Low Rate option and 2) a
Rebate option which gives the homebuyer a gift of 3.5 percent of the loan amount to be applied
11
HOUSING ELEMENT
down payment, closing costs, or prepaid'items. The County does not make home loans;
applicants must go through the normal process of finding a home and arranging financing with a
Participating Lender. The purchase price limit for new homes outside Target Areas is $230,563;
purchase price limit for existing homes outside Target Areas is $213,500. The rental programs
provide financing for the construction of apartment units, including second mortgages from
10. Fannie Mae Downpayment Assistance Program
The Federal National Mortgage Association, better known as "Fannie Mae," offers a program
that provides second mortgages 'to homeowners. This second mortgage, can serve as the down
'payment and closing costs on home purchases'. Under, this program, a city or county is required
to post a reserve fund equal to 20 percent of an amount that Fannie Mae then makes available
for such second mortgages. Resources are leveraged at a minimum ratio of 5: 1.
4-11
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Resources
C. OPPORTUNITIES VATION FOR ENERGY CONSER
J costs canrdirectly im pa'6i'the'affordability of !housingiln S"outherh Clalifornia. To h,elp control utility costs,
Title 24:of the California Adminisitrative,Cod'e" 'sets forth mandatory energy standards, for new
d6vel6pmeint, and requires 'adoption o an 'energy budget'., In
f turn the home building industry'must
comply with these energy standards while localities are responsible for enforcing the energy
conservation regulations.,
The following are among the alternative
ways to meet these energy standards. Alternative 1: The passive solarappr6a-ch which
requires'proper solar orientation, appropriate levels of thermal mass, south facing-wjnd6ws;,T
arid: moderate'insul6tion levei& -Alternative 2- Gerie Ily'requireshigher-_ ra
levels of insulation than- Alternative 1 „but
has no thermal mass orwindbw orientation'requi,rements. iSjr i Alternative 3: Also 'without passive
solar - design but requires active solar water heating in exchange'for less stringent insulation
6'nd/or'giaiing'r'eq'uirements.""
-Additional opportunities for energy
conservation include the following techniques: (1) locating the structure on the northern portion of
the sunniest portion of the site; (2) designing the structure to admit the maximum amount of sunlight
Southern California Edison Customer Assistance Program
Southern California Edison (SCE) offers a variety of energy conservation services under
Customer Assistance Programs (CAP). These services are designed to help low-income
households, senior citizens, permanently disabled, and non-English speaking customers control
their energy use. All CAP participants must meet the federally -established income guidelines.
Southern Calliforinia Gas Company Involvement Program
The Southern California Gas Company offers an energy conservation service known as the,
Community Involvement', Program (CIP). I
Provided , free of charge, "this service provides
HOUSING AMOMIAL
5. HOUSING PLAN
Sections 2 through 4 of the Housing Element establish the housing needs, opportunities and
constraints in the City of Diamond Bar. The following Housing Plan section first evaluates the
accomplishments of the last adopted housing element and then presents the City's five-year
Housing Plan. This Plan sets forth Diamond Bar's goals, policies, and programs to address the
identified housing needs of the City.
A. -SUMMARY OF HOUSING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Diamond Bar's prior Housing Element was adopted in 1995, and sets forth a series of housing
objectives and specific housing program strategies to address the community's needs. A
detailed review of the City's accomplishments under each of these strategies is presented in
Appendix A. The following highlights some of the City's primary accomplishments under the
Established the Homebuyer Assistance Program in 1994 and provided assistance to 32
households through the MCC Program and HOP;
Initiated a "Paint the Town" program which combines volunteer labor with CDBG funding
for, supplies in order to perform residential cleanup and repairs.
Participation in the Los AngelesCounty Rehabilitation Loan Program which provides home
improvement grants and loans to low- and moderate -income single-family homeowners;
Established a proactive code enforcement program which conducts inspections of all
areas of the City on a regular basis; homeowners with code violations may be referred to
Adoption of local Development 'Code which provides improved development processing
procedures. Also includes provisions for affordable housing, including density bonuses,
Refinanced The Seasons Apartments, extending affordability controls and expanding
Comparison of 1989-1994 RHNA, with Units Constructed during 1989-1997
According to the 1995 Housing Element, the City had a total regional housing need (RHNA) of
781 units to be produced between 1989 and 1994, including 117 very low-, 182 low-, 144
moderate-, and 338 upper-income units. While the RHNA originally covered the 1989 to 1994
planning period, the RHNA has been extended through December 1997 based on direction from
the State Department of Housing and Community Development to reflect the revised housing
element cycle. Housing developed as of January 1998 is applied to the City's fu ture RHNA for
the 1998-2005 period.
5-1
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Plan Table 33 summarizes the City's 1989-19994 RHNA and Housing
Element objecti ves', and provides a comparison with actual levels of, production'.-,
Table 33:1989-1994 RHNA, 1989 Housing Plement ObjectiveS, and Units Constructed 'during 11986-14
Income Category 1989-1994 RHNA Units Constructed IP09-12/11997, Very Low 117(15%) 0(0%) Lc
0 (0%) 182(231%)
Moderate 0/0) 144(19 9Q, (41 %) Upper 338 (4^) 141(59%) Total 781 237
Source: Development Services Department, City of Diamond Bar,,, September 2000
Based on a. review of Building Department records, a total of 237 units were developed in
City between 1989 and 1997. While the majority of units developed were single-family hon
with sales prices targeted to upper income hoouseholds, two condominium projects were L
with sales prices at levels affordable to moderate Income households. No multi -family rental ui
were produced, not 6ecause'of any local site or development constraints, but due to la lack
development iriterest and'downturn in apartment construction Statewide.
The City's overall shortfall in housing production in contrast to the RHNA is primarilythe resul
the economic recession of the early to mid 1990s. The RHNA was developed prior to
recession and assumed that the economic prosperity experienced in the late 1980s wo
continue in the 1990s. In actuality, housing construction activities were sigr!ificant,l lower than
levels projected by SCAG throughout the region. -y
5-2
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Plan B. GOALS AND POLICIES
IT IS THE OVERALL GOAL -OF THE PLAN THAT THERE BE ADEQUATE HOUSING IN
THE CITY, BOTHIN QUALITYAND QUANTITY, TOPROVIDEAPPROPRIATE SHELTER
FOR ALL WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION.
The goals and policies of the Housing Element presented in the following section address
Diamond Bar's identified housing needs and are implemented through a series of housing
programs offered through the Planning and Environmental Services Department. Within this
overarching goal, the city has established discrete goals and policies to address the development,
maintenance and improvement of housing.
GOAL 1 Consistent with the Vision Statement, preserve and conserve the existing housing
stock and maintain property values and residents' Quality of Life.
lolicy 1.1 Continue to offer home improvement and rehabilitation assistance to lower and moderate -income households
including seniors and the disabled.
>licy 1.2 Continue to use the code enforcement program to bring substandard units into - compliance with'City codes an
improve overall housing conditions in Diamond Bar. Policy 1.3 Promote increased awareness among prope
owners and residents of the importance of property maintenance to long-term housing quality.
5-3
HOUSING ELEMENT
Housing Plan
GOAL 2 Consistent with the Vision Statement, provide opportunities for development of suitable
housing to meet the diverse. needs of existing and future, residents.
2000-2005 i-'
Housing Construction Need
o lower and moderate -income
istance programs.
ake more residents aware of
ance program utilizationr.
housing units in the City. Policy
s a means to provide affordable
neighborhoods.
e and zoning designations to
future housing development
Units Percent
Policy
2.1 Provide favors
le horne, purchasing options
households th
ugh Cityand other homebuyer.as
Policy 2.2 Develop add,it
onal outreach and advertising to ry
homebL
iyer,assistance programs and toe
Po
icy 2.3 Maintain affordability
controls on government-assiste
2A Facilitate
the development of second units
housing opportunities in existing
Income Cate or -
er Low
231 160-o
GOAL
3 Provide adequate
sites through appropriate land u
accommodate
future housing growth.
.17120/.
Low
Poli(y
3.1 Maintain an inveniory
of potential sites available f
Poli(y
3.2 1 01 W-101 -
V 1111P1
oderate
2719%
,Upper
7653%
143
ktal
100%
o lower and moderate -income
istance programs.
ake more residents aware of
ance program utilizationr.
housing units in the City. Policy
s a means to provide affordable
neighborhoods.
e and zoning designations to
future housing development
HOUSING OgAkTAIAR
GOAL 4 'Mitigate potential governmental constraints which may hinder or discourage' housing
development in Diamond Bar.
Policy 4.1 Continue to provide regulatory incentives and concessions to facilitate affordable
housing development in the City.
Policy 4.2 Promote the expeditious processing and approval of residential projects that meet
General Plan policies and City regulatory requirements.
Policy 4.3
Policy 4.4'„ Periodically review City regulations, ordinances, departmental processing procedures
and residential fees related to rehabilitation andlor construction to assess their
impact on housing costs, and revise as appropriate.
GOAL 5 Consistent with the Vision Statement, encourage equal and fair housing opportunities for all
economic segments of the community
Policy 5.1 Continue to enforce fair housing laws prohibiting arbitrary discrimination in the
building, financing, selling or renting of housing on the basis of race, religion, -
family status, national origin, physical handicap or other such circumstances.
Policy 5.2 'Direct persons with fair housing complaints to the appropriate Agency for investigation
and resolution.
Policy 6.3 Encourage apartment managers and owners to attend fair housing seminars offered
by the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles.
5-5
HOUSING ELEMENT
C. HOUSING PROGRAMS
The goals and policies contained in the Housing Element address Diamond Bar's identified
housing needs, - and are, implemented through- a series of hous ling programs offered through
the Development Services Department. Housing, programs -definer the specific actions the City
Will undertake to achieve the statedboals and'policies. According to Section 65583 iofthe, State
Government Code, a city's housing programs must address the following five major areas:
Conserving the existing supply of affordable housing;
Assisting in the provision of housing;
i s t' ac ieve a'variet- an:
Providing adequate s to 0 h y d diversity of
housing7 0 Removing governmental constraints asr
necessary,r and",
Diamond Bar's housing plan for addressing unmet needs, removing constraints, and achieving quantitative
and qualitative objectives is describedin this se'6tioh according tothe above five areasThe housing prog
rams described on the following pages include existing 'programs as well as several new programs which
have been added to address the City's unmet housing needs. The program summary (Table 34) included
at the end of this section specifies for each program the following: five-year objective(s), funding source(s),
and agency responsible for implementation of the program.
CONSERVING THE EXISTING SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Conserving and improving the housing stock is an, important goal, for Diamond Bar. Although the
majority of the City's housing stock is in good condition, nearly 20 percent of the housing stock is
30 years or older, the rage when most homes begin to require major rehabilitation improvements.
By identifying older residential neighborhoods for potential housing rehabilitation, theCity
hastaken a pro -active approach to maintaining the quality of its current housing stock.. The focus
neighborhoods identified by this Plan as evidencing physical problem conditions can be
specifically targeted for City housing improvement assistance.
1. Residential Code Enforcement Program
The City implements a pro -active Code Enforcement Program. Neighborhood inspections are conducted
on a regular basis throughout the entire city,. The checklist for residential violations includes inoperable
vehicles, trash storage, parking on paved areas only, structure maintenance, landscape maintenance, and
fence and wall maintenance. After the neighborhood inspection, letters are sent out to all property owners
in areas where violations have been observed. A follow
HOUSING: 11 10livilt
up inspection will be conducted, at which time, any noticed properties found to be in violation of the
Municipal Code are subject to a $100 citation.
When problems 'are observed, inspectors may refer the residents to the Single Family
Rehabilitation loan program, or to civic organizations which assist elderly householders with minor
paint and repair, yard cleanup and,junk cars through the "Paint the Town" minor repair and
rehabilitation program.
Five-year Objective: Continue to implement the code enforcement program, and direct eligible
households to available rehabilitation assistance in order to correct code violations. Provide
focused code enforcement and rehabilitation assistance in neighborhoods evidencing
concentrations of deterioratingr units.
2. Minor Home Repair Program ("Paint the Town")
The City supports the "Paint the Town" minor repair and rehabilitation program which uses
volunteer labor and CDBG funds to purchase supplies. Through this annual event organized by
the Homeowners Association, civic organizations assist elderly, low/moderate income
householders with minor paint and repair, yard cleanup and junk cars. Applicants are selected by
income verification as well as needs assessment.
Five-year Objective: Minor repair and rehabilitation for ten (10) units annually. 3. Single -Family
Rehabilitation Program
Diamond Bar participates in the Los Angeles County Single Family Rehabilitation Program which
assists low/moderate income (120 percent'MFI) single-family homeowners who need property
rehabilitation. The maximum loan amount is $25,000, although loan amounts typically vary from
$15,000 to $25,000. Code Enforcement Officers have identified four older neighborhoods for
focused marketing of available County housing rehabilitation, programs.
Five-year Objective: The City will continue to advertise the County program which provides
4. Section 8 Rental Assistance Program
The Section,8 Rental Assistance Program extends rental subsidies to very low-income households who SPE
more than 30 percent of their gross income on housing. Rental assistance not only addresses hous
affordability, but also overcrowding by allowing families that may be "doubling up" in order to afford tl
housing. The Los Angeles County Housing Authority coordinates Section 8 rental assistance on behalf of
City, with 46 households (July 2000) currently participating in the program.
5-7
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Plan
Five-year,'Objective: The City's objective is to continue current levels, of Section 8 rental
assistance, and to direct eligible households to the County program.
5. Preservation of Assisted Housing
Diamond Bar contains- only one assisted housingr project, the'149-unit Seasons -Apartments
(formerly "Heritage Park"), for senior citizens. This project was constructed in 1988 and was
originally financed under the Los Angeles County Multi -family Mortgage Revenue Bond program.
The project was, refinanced in November, 1999 under the California' Community Development
Authority's Multifamily Housing Re -funding Bond, and was transferred to non-profit ownership.
According 'to the -'terrils - of the new bond agreement, 'income restrictions'for 'residents and
corresponding rent limits were set. For the duration of the bond which'„expires December 2,
2034, all units will be affordable: 30 units (20%) will be very low income, 82 units (25%) will be
low income, and 37 units will be moderate income (defined as 100%AMI). The Seasons
Apartments are owned by the Corporate Fund for Housing a 'non-profit 6rganizatiton.
Five-year Objective: Preserve 149 low and moderate income units in the Seasons Apartments.
6. Mobillehorne Park Preservation
There are two mobile home parks in Diamond Bar, both located in the western portion of the City:
Diamond Bar Estates and Walnut Creek Estates. These mobile home,parks had been developed
before incorporation of the City on land previously designated as Industrial under the County's
jurisdiction. The Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Map adopted in July, 1995 designated
both mobilehome parks "residential” in order to preserve their status and prevent future
inconsistencies. Any proposed land use change to the mobile home parks would now require an
amendment to the City's General Plan and Zoning Qrdinance, as well as adherence to State
mobile -,home park closure requirements.
Five-year Objective: The City will continue -to support preservation of its two mobilehome parks
ASSISTING IN THE PROVISION OF HOUSING
To enable more households to attain homeownership in Diamond Bar, the City participates in two
mortgage assistance programs: the Homebuyer Assistance Program-and'the'Mortgage Credit
Certificate (MCC). These programs are very important given that housing prices in Diamond Bar
rank among the highett in eastern Los Angeles County and northern Orange Count ly. - The cit is
also supportive of the development of senior housing to - meet the needs of its growing senior
5-8
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Plan 7. First -Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs
In partnership with Los Angeles County, Diamond Bar offers a first4ime homebuyer assistance,
program and Mortgage Credit Certificates. To be eligible, families must meet the specified income
requirements and be able to pay a 5 -percent downpayment on their home. The maximum sales
price for a home through the program in 1999 is $248,000, The maximum price of a home
purchased in conjunction with the Mortgage Credit Certificate program (described below) is
$239,790 for an existing home and $281,800 for a new home.
a., Horne Ownership Program (HOP),
The City participates in the Los Angeles County Home Ownership Program (HOP) which
provides zero -interest loans with no repayment due until the home is sold, transferred, or
refinanced. Maximum loan amount is $15,000 or 25'percent of the purchase price,
whichever is the least. The loan is secured by a second trust deed and a promissory date.
The home,must be owner -occupied for the 20 -year life of the loan.
b. Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program is a federal program that allows qualified
first-time homebuyers to take an annual credit against federal income taxes of up to 15
percent of the annual interest paid on the applicant's mortgage. - This enables
homebuyers to have more income available to qualify for a mortgage loan and make the
monthly mortgage payments. The value of the MCC must be taken into consideration by
the mortgage lender in underwriting the loan and may be used to adjust theborrower's
federal income tax withholding. The MCC program has covenant restrictions to ensure the
affordability of the participating homes for a period of 15 years. MCCs can be used in
conjunction with the Home Ownership Program (HOP). j
Five-year Objective: The City will advertise these programs and provide brochures to interest
homebuyers. In addition, the City will work with realtors, to make them aware of these programs. Through t
County, the City will continue to provide HOP loans and MCCs to qualified first-time homebuyers. T
objective is to provide six (6) HOP and six (6) MCCs loans per year depending on availability.
8. Development of Senior and Workforce Housing
With an estimated ten percent of the City's population 65 years of age and above, and another
13 percent turning this age overthe coming decade, Diamond Barwill beginto experiencea
significant increase in the need for senior housing and services. Particularly those seniors 75
years+ begin to require housing with a supportive service component. The city currently has only
one senior housing facility, the 149 unit Seasons Apartments.
5-
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing Plan
The, City can assist in establishing a second senior facility in several ways. First, the City can
identify,. suitable- sites for devel pm6nt. Second the bit can provide land write-downs, regulatory
incentives, and/or direct financial as,_.- F -ii -M-111-01131
nmaffm- portion un nb' -se or
of the City's CDBG f , dS can,b6,use-dtohelJ-fi ' nc6- "hi 1
andworkforc6housing projects. New housing developments in Diamond Bar, may als6lbe eligible for. -City of
Industry fun
ds; as well a:
otherfunding sources identified, inthe Resources chapter -of the Element (Table 32)- Typically, loca
government assistance can serveps ,gap firi a"ricing, to bridge the difference betwee'n'the total project cosi
and the equity investment plus'-ftarket_rate debt. Alternatively„ the, City may acquire a site and provide i -
to the developer at no or low -,Cost.
Five-year Objective;
The City will identify and evaluate sites suitable for new senior and workforce housing. The City wil
additionally contact Jand/property owners, regarding the Citis interest in assistin inthedeve ment of senior
and workforce housing, Room
REMORSE= PROVIDING ADEQUATE
HOUSINGSITES
A major element in meeting the housing need:
of all segments of the community is the provision of adequate sites of all types, sizes and prices of housing
The City's General Plan, Development Code, and specific plans dictate where housing may locate, thereby
affecting the supply of land available for residential development.
The Land Use Element of the General Plan provides for a variety of housing types in Diamond Bar, with
densities ranging from one unit per acre to 20 dwelling units per acre. Higher densities can be achieved
through the City's density bonus provisions, and through, development agreements. The Land Use Plan
provides for a net increase of 735 units, including 298,high density units. This residential development
potential is more than adequate to address the City's share of regional housing needs, which are identified
as 144- dwelling, -units between 1998 and 2005. The City will maintain a current inventory of available sites
for future residential development.,
Five-year Objective: The City will continue to provide appropriate land use designations and
A
5-10 J1
HOUS1 NGZI`ZIFJI%q
maintain an inventory of sites suitable for residential development, coupled with incentives for the
development of affordable housing, to address its share of regional housing needs. The City will
also identify sites suitable for senior and workforce housing development.
10. Mixed Use Development
The City is supportive of mixed-use development which would provide housing close to places of
employment. The Specific Plan (SP) overlay designation can facilitate large scale development
areas in which residential, commercial, recreational, public facilities, and other land uses may be
permitted.
The Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority has been established with the City of Chino Hills to
cooperatively plan for the future use of the 2,700 -acre area known as Tres Hermanos. At the
present time, planning efforts are focused primarily on the Transportation Corridor. Portions of
this property (720 acres) are included within Diamond Bar's corporate limits in Planning Area 1.,
The City's rGeneral Plan currently provides for up to 144 residential units on this site,, with no
further definition of the unit type. Policy 3.3 has now been added to, the Housing Element to
provide specific direction for inclusion of multifamily units in this area. In addition to this
residential component, facilities which may be developed in Tres Hennanos include educational
institutions, reservoir for practical and aesthetic purposes, commercial developments„ and
Five-year Objective: The City will, work in cooperation with Tres Hermanos Conservation
Auth to, realize mixed residential rdevelopment in Tres Hermanos.
11. Second Units
The City's Development Code permits second dwelling units by right in all residential zone
districts, subject to Minor Conditional Use Permit approval by the- City's hearing officer and a
noticed public hearing. Minimum lot size is 10,000 square feet and there must be a minimum
build able pad size of 400 square feet exclusively for the secondary unit. A secondary dwelling
unit may be rented. Although the City's revised Development Code was adopted in November
1998, to date there have been no requests for planning approval of second units.
5-
HOUSING ELEMENT Housing
REMOVING GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
Under current State law„ the, Housing Element must address, and where legally possible,'
remove governmental constraints affecting the maintenance, 4mprovement, and development of
housing. The following, programs are designed to mitigate government constraints on residential
development and facilitate the development of a variety of housing.
12. Affordable HoWsing Incent ives/Deri,tity Bonus
In order to specifically facilitate the development of affordable housings the City utilizes Affordable
Housing Incentives/ Density Bonus LProvisions (Development Code Chapter 2218). 'Incentives
provided for'in, Chapter 22.18'apply to developments of five or more dwelling units. If a density
bonus and/or other incerifives cannot be accom' modated on a parcel due to strict compliance with -
the provisions of the Deve4opment Code, the Council, is authorized to waive or modify- the
development standards as necessary to accommodate all bonus units and other incentives to
which the developrrient is, entitled.-,
The densitybp'nus consists of,up to 25-p6rcent:,Jncr6ase in'the num berof units nbrmallyl allowed -
by -the, z'ohin' 6 district. -1 A qualifying, project is eniitled'to'atl- least one of the following
incentives; identified State law, (government code Section 65915(b)):
by A reduction in the parcel development standards of the Development Code
(e.g., coverage,i 8;etbcick,'zero -lot line and/or 'reduced, parcel sizes„ and/or
parking requireaients),,,
-_AOprdVal of mi)-ed-uS6 zoning in conjunction 'with the housing„ project if non -'-
residential! a duc th '-Lost of'the 6t, and the no'nrid uses will re, e e housing proje
residential land uses are; compcitible'With the' housing project and surrounding
development; and,,
Other regulatory incentives or concessions proposed by the developer ortheCity that
will result in identifiable cost reductions.
Five-year Objectives: The City will develop a handout summarizing the benefits and
requirements of its affordable housing incentives/density bonus provisions. These
13. Efficient Project Processing
5-
HOUSING ELEMENT 9M
The City is committed to a streamlined development process, and'has adopted procedures to
facilitate project processing. A prospective applicant or agent proposing development is strongly -
encouraged to request a preapplication conference with the Development Services Department
before formal submittal of a building permit application.
The purpose of this conference is to inform the applicant of CitV requirements as they apply to
the proposed development project, review the procedures outlinedin the Development Code,
explore possible alternatives or modifications, and identify necessary technical studies and
required information relating to future entitlement review.
Five-year Objective: The City will continue to offer streamline development processing, and will
periodically review departmental processing procedures to ensure efficient project processing.
PROMOTING EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
To adequately meet the housing needs of all segments of the community, the housing plan must
include program(s) that promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race,
religion, sex, family size, marital status, ancestry, national origin, color, age, or physical
14. Fair Housing Program
As a participating city in the Los Angeles County CDBG program, the City has access to services
of the Long Beach Fair Housing Foundation for fair housing outreach and education, and
counseling on housing discrimination complaints. ' Diamond Bar will actively advertise the fair
housing program through placement of fair housing service brochures at the public counter atthe
5-
HOUSING ELEME N T Housing Plan
'1
Table 34: Housing Implementation Program Summary
Housing Progn
Five-Ydar Objective(s)I Fundin Resp(?nsible 9
Time"Frame SoUrce(s) -,i Department or Agency
Conserving the Existing Supply of Affordable Housing
1. Residential Code- Proactive program co'ndU tS' !Provide ongoing citywide CDBQ Development c
so Enforcement Program neighborhood inspection L na, -and
focused code Services Dept. regular basis throughout ntir
e
enforcement linked with city. rehabilitation assistance
2. Minor Home Repair Improve neighborhoods evidencing Provider minor
Volunteers Development Program deferred -maintenance through, Arepair/rehab to 10 units Services Dept,
property maintenance and rehab. -j annually Homeowners
Association 3.
Single -Family Provide- loans -to lower income CDBG; HOME Development C, -BG, HOME
Rehabilitation Program homeowners to help them Services Dept re habilitate theirh omes.
Zental Provide rental, subsidies to very Continue current levels HUD Los Angeles Assistance Program low-income
households. f rental assistance and County Housing I direct eligible Authority households to the
County program.
5. Preservation of Preserve existing stock of Preserve 149 low1 mod Non red Development
e requi
Assisted Housing subsidized housing, units -in -Se ons Sery as ices Dept
7n el"
Apartments, 6. Mobilehome Park Support preservation
of City's two Maintain residential None required Development Preservation mobillehome parks as iffordable
zoning, and enforce Services Dept. housing. State closure
ro ram Goal Five -Year Ob'ective s I runding Responsible
[Time Frame ource(s) Department or
Providing Adequate Residential Sites
HOUSING ELEMENT
General Fund
Development
Housing Program
Land Use Element
rovide adequate sites at varying 1
aintain current sites
densities for future housing
nventor , coupled with
Services Dept.
evelo ment.
ncentives for affordable
roduction.
I
Mixed Use
General Fund
Developmen
1
- W-
Services Dept.
Development
11. Second Units
Provide opportunities for scattered
General Fund
Developmen
FWL.
5-15
sincile-family neicihborhoods
Removing Governm
ental Constraint
12. Affordable Housino
Facilitate the production ol
Develop summa
General Fund Development
Incentives/ Density
affordable housing through
tribUtE
handout, and di
Services Dept.
Bonus
provision of regulatory and
to develo men
financial assistance.
community
13, Efficient Projecl
Provide efficient develo men
Continue to offer stream
General Fund Development
Processi22
processingprocedures.
line develo men
Service
processing, and
periodically review
rocedures.
Promotina E ual Housing Opportunities
14. Fair Housi22
Furt er fair housing practices in
General Fund, Development
Program
the community.
CDBG Services Dept.;
Long Beach
Fair Housing
Foundation
Five -Year Goals Summary:
TOTAL UNITS TO BE CONSTRUCTED: 143 23 Very
Low, 17 Low, 27 Moderate, 76 Upper
TOTAL UNITS TO BE REHABILITATED: 50 25 Low, 25 Moderate
TOTAL UNITS TO BE CONSERVED: Conserve 46 very low-income Section 8 rent subsidies and 149 assisted units for
seniors in "The Seasons Apartments"
5-15
Appendix A
1995 Housing Element Accomplishments a—,
Appendix A
1995 Housing Element Accomplishments a—,
EVALUATION OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS UNDER
Under State HousingElement law, communities are required to assess the achievements under
their adopted housing programs as part of the five-year update to their housing elements. These
results should be quantified where possible (e.g. the number of Units that were rehabilitated), but
may be qualitative where necessary (e.-g-mitigatioh of governmental constraints). The results
should then be compared with what was projected or planned in the earlier element. Where
significant shortfalls exist between what was planned and what was achieved, the reasons for
Income Category Units Percent
Diamond Bar's prior Housing Element was adopted in 1995, and sets forth a series of housing
programs with related objectives for the following topic areas: conservation and improvement of
the housing stock; provision of adequate affordable housing; provision of adequate housing sites;
removal of governmental constraints; and promotion of equal housing opportunities. This section
reviews the current appropriateness- of these programs, the effectiveness of the Element, and
the progress in implementation since 1995.,
GOAL I "Consistent with the Vision Statement, the City should provide opportunities for
development of suitablebousing -to meet -the diverse needs of existing and future
residents."
Objective 1. 1 Development of an adequate supply of housing, to meet Diamond Bar's
housing,grqwth needs as follows:
1989-1994
Housing Need
Very Low 117 15
Strategies: Low 182 23
Moderate 144 19
1-1.1 Where -feasible, consider commercialloffice developments which propose a
Upper 1 338 1 43
Although there have not been any specific development proposals, the City -has
identified a portion of the Tres, Hermannos site which would be suitable for commercial and
office development with supportive housing.
Total 1 781
Strategies:
1-1.1 Where -feasible, consider commercialloffice developments which propose a
Although there have not been any specific development proposals, the City -has
identified a portion of the Tres, Hermannos site which would be suitable for commercial and
office development with supportive housing.
1, 11.2 Ensure the City's development standards do not unduly constrain the creation
affordable
The City adopted a new municipal Development Code in November, 1998. The
new Code includes provisions for affordable housing: density bonuses and
second units which can be used as rentals. Previously,'development had been
1.1.3 Prepare a public information packet summarizing the City's zoning and
The City's Development Code is now available -on the internet. - The City has
also prepared a printed summary of residential development standards, this
summary is available from the Development Services DepartmenL
Under a new program, the Development Services Department provides a
preapplication conference with prospective developers before formal submittal of a
building permit application. The purpose of this conference is to inform the
applicant of City requirements as they apply to the proposed development project,
review the procedures outlined in the Development Code, explore possible
alternatives or modifications, and identify necessary technical studies and required
information relating to future entitlement review.
1.1.4 Establish a monitoring program which identifies the type and cost of housing
being produced within Diamond Bar„as well as the availability of vacant land
which can be used to accommodate a variety of housing types; produce
required reports to accomplish the programs outlined in this plan for
housing that is affordable to "very low", "low", and "moderate" income
The Building and Safety Department prepares an annual report of new
development Although there is no formal database of vacant sites, staff is aware
of their location through the annual reports of new development activity and can
1.1.5 To ensure well planned residential growth while meeting the City's housing
responsibilities, review proposed residential projects, General Plan
amendments, and changes of zone for their effects on the neighborhood, the
City, and regional housing needs.
The City consistently evaluates development proposals to ensure compatibility with the
surroundingneighborhood and community context As for regional housing needs,
the City has numerous sites designated for multi -family use, but has had only two
multi -family projects development during the past Housing Element cycle.
1.1.6 Provide timely review of development requests with fees sufficient only to cover
the actual costs (direct and overhead) incurred by the City. In order to do so,
consider changes in case processing such as:
Computerize case records to allow for automated case
tracking A-3'
The Public Works Department currently has an automated case tracking
system. As a result of recent reorganization. to create the Development
Services Department which includes Planning, Community Services, Building
and Safety as well as Public Works, th& City will acquire a new software
program to Provide consistent4racking -of all com puterized case records.
Schedule case processing timetables to provide reasonable expectations in
processing applications based upon,available resources
The City has developed a summary chart of time requirements for
development processing, pursuant to the Permit, Streamlining Act of 1999.
Maintain timely review of EIR's as required b ry
The summary chart of the Permit Streamlining Ac 't states that EIR's
must be certified no later than'one year after the date on which the
application is deemed complete. Project approvalldisapproval must be
1.1.7 Encourage use of innovative,site development and construction materials and
techniques consistent with Cityordinances and the UBC to redUce the cost of site
preparation and/or construction and to provide a mix of dwelling unit types
City Building Codes were revised andadopted in 1999. The City continues to
1.1.8 Comply with California Government Code Section 65915 by providing a minimum 25
percent density bonus, or equivalent financial incentive, to residential developers
who agree to make a minimum of 20 percent of the Units within the project
affordable to households with, an income of, 80 percent of the County median
income, or make 10 percent of -the units within the project affordable to
households with an income of 50 percent of the C ounty median income, or make
50 percent of the units available exclusively for senior citizens.
The new Development Code adopted November 1998 includes a density bonus
provision (Ch. 22-18 - Affordable Housing IncentiveslDensity Bonus
1.1.9 Investigatethe feasibility of establishing a requirement that ten percent (10%) of all
new housing within proposed housing developments be'affordable to very low,
low, or moderate income households or pay an-"in'lieu" fee to be used by the City
for the provision of housing affordable to'very low, low, or moderate income
households. If determined to be feasible, im plement the program.
The City has not pursued adoption of an inclusionary housing program. Tres
Hermanos remains the only sig inficant -site for inclusion of affordable housing.
Instead of developing an ordinance for this site, -the, City will'utflize Development
Agreements as a tool to deed -restrict affordable -housing units.
FEW
1.1.10 „Where the City assists in the development of affordable housing, such as through
density bonuses or other development incentives, provide priority for occupancy
The City has not assisted in the development of affordable housing.
Facilitate the provision of single and multiple family dwelling units available to
very low, low, and moderate income households through participation in the
County's Mortgage Revenue Bond Program, issuance of Mortgage Credit
Certificates, and of other viable economic resources.
For the period 1995-2000, twenty Diamond Bar households were assisted
through the County's MCC Program; an additional 12 households were assisted
through the County HOP Program. Additional program advertising may be
appropriate to enhance program uNization.
GOAL 2 "Consistent with the Vision Statement, encourage adequate housing opportunities for
all economic segments of the community„ regardless of age, race, ethnic
background, national"ongin, refigidn,' family size, sex, marital status, physical
conditions, or any other arbitrary factors.
Objective 2.1 Ensure that the existing supply of low and moderate cost housing within
Diamond Bar does not diminish., Conserve the existing stock of assisted
housing:
30 Low Income ("Seasons" Apartments) 18 Very Low Income (Rent Subsidies)
Strategies
2.1.1 Where proposed development projects or other discretionary actions of the City of
Diamond Bar would reduce the number of existing subsidized dwelling
- units, ensure that appropriate offsets are provided as part of the proposed action.
(a) To avoid potential reduction in the supply of rental housing, prepare a
condominium conversion ordinance which would limit the conversion of
rental apartments to condominiums or cooperatives.
As a means of protecting the existing stock of apartment units from conversion to
condominiums, the Condominium Conversion Ordinance adopted Jn
February, 1999 now provides -specific criteria for the conversion of existing
multi -family housing to condominiums. In compliance with the General Plan,
no condominium conversion shall be approved while the vacancy rate within
the C ity for multi -family housing is less than four percent
l0-1161
WRION
Require -that all successful conversion applicants provide a relocation
assistance program for displaced tenants, encouraging relocation within
Ahe community.,'
The Condominium Conversion Ordinance requires a relocation
assistance program to assist tenants displaced through the conversion
in relocating to,equivalent or better housing, in compliance with the
General Plan.
(c) Based on the provisions of Government Code Section 65863.7, consider
requiring the submission of a report detailing, the impacts of any
proposed mobilehome park conversion to a non-residential use
concurrent with the filing - of any discretion-ry- permit on- such
property.[
(d) 'Annually assess all affordable or assisted housing units that are
considered "at risk" as delineated in the "Inventory' of Federally
other appropriate Federal or State documents.
The City of Diamond Barha's one assisted housing project for seniors,
the 149 -unit Seasons Apartments constructed in 1988 and refinanced in
November, 1999. According to the tenns of the new bond,agreement, all
units Will rbe affordab/6 fdr the duration of the bond which expires in -
December 2034. Whereas only 20 percent of the units had been
designated affordable under the previous financing agreement, the
following income targets were established in December 1999:
30 units - Very Low Income (2091o) 82 units - Low Income (559, 66)
37 units - Moderate Income (2 5 9 6)
There are no assisted housing units in the City of Diamond Bar at risk of
conversion.,
(e) Investigate the feasibility of programs to ensure that 'for sale" housing which is
subsidized so as to be affordable to very low, low, and moderate income
households remains affordable to those income groups after sale to the first buyer.
The Los Angeles County Community Development Commission (CDC) Home
Ownership Program (HOP) provides 20 -year, 0% interest home loans Of up to'
$15,000 for first-time homebuyers whose household income does not to
exceed,l80% AML (These loans may be used in conjunction - with the MCC and
SCHFA programs.) TheCDCreserves the right of shared equity and the First Right
of Refusal in the event that the home is sold.
InT
More Objective 2.2 Prevent housing discrimination in Diamond Bar.
Strategies: 2.2.1 Continue to distribute information regarding the activities of the City to assist in
the resolution of housing discrimination cases through placement of fair housing
brochures at public places throughout the City and provide referrals to the Long Beach
Fair Housing Foundation.
Persons with housing discrimination complaints are referred to the Long
Beach Fair Housing Foundation: Under terms of the County contract, the
Foundation investigates only cases from unincorporated county areas; cases
from incorporated areas such as Diamond Bar are referred to the State
Department of FairEmployment and Housing (DFEH). Additionalprogram
advertising may be appropriateto enhance program utilization.
-2.2.2 Continue to contract with and participate in the activities of the Long Beach Fair
Housing Council as they affect the City of Diamond Bar.
Diamond Bar is included underthe 'Los Angeles County contract with the Long Beach Fair
Housing Council. Services include limited education and outreach, counseling
on discrimination, and referral to the State DFEH.
Objective 2.3 Cooperate with regional agencies to provide housing for the elderly,
'handicapped, homeless, and otherspecial needs groups.
Strategies: 2.3.1 Promote housing accessibility for elderly, handicapped, and disabled persons.
The City enforces ADA compliance in all new development,
2.3.2 Specifically encourage development of assisted rental housing for the elderly,
handicapped, and disabled. Specifically encourage development of such
housing through the use of density bonuses, tax-exempt bonds, and land
writedowns, combined with Federal and State h ousing subsidies.
No new senior or disabled housing has been constructed in Diamond Bar. However,
under the terms of a new financing agreement, all 149 units of the "Seasons
Apartments" Diamond Bar Senior Housing, have been designated as
affordable. Given the City's growing senior population, this program remains
important for the updated Housing Element.
",-,2.3.3 Contact Inland Mediation,"and other social service providers to pursue senior home
sharing services for Diamond Bar.
A variety of services are offered through the Diamond Bar Senior Center. However, no local
Shared Housing Program is available. This program is no longer appropriate
for the Housing Element.
A-7
2.3.4 Provide information regarding the availability of emergency shelter
Although -the City does not have a homeless population, any persons
Gabriel andPomond- Valley
2.3.5 -' Pursue State,rFederal, and private programs designed to expand housing
opportunities for all, segrnents'-of society including the elderly and the
handicapped. Determine the extent to which such programs are consistent
with the goals and objectives, of the Diamond Bar General Plan,
andtheextent to which such programs can be iricorporated, into future
development within the City. A priontyw'ill be to pursue entitlement
status'through HUD and secure permanent-CDBG funding.
The City has entered into,a contract -with a private consultant to
coordinate programming and carry out limited administration of the CDBG
programs. 2.3.6 Following acquisition of Federal Community Development Block Grant
funds
by 1994, designate a Housing Coordinator in the Planning
Department to make applications for, various State'and Federal Programs. -
Earmark at least $25,000 annually from, various sources toward meeting the
housing needs of Diamond Bar residents.
The City has entered into a contract with a private consultant
to coordinate programming and carry outlimited administration of
lZ3.7„' Work with the Los, Angeles County Housing Authority and nearby cities to
establish a continuous emergency shelter program serving the eastern
While DiamonOBardoes not currently have a homeless population, the
City will continue to coordinate with and direct any homeless personsto
localsocial service providers., A valfiety of facilities in the- San Gabriel
Valley and the Pomona Valley region provide services to the homeless
or to persons who are at risk of becoming homeless, including battered
?.3.8,-„ As appropriate, encourage the development of child care facilities in conjunction
with new development.
One of the City's largest employers, the South Coast Air Quality Management District
(AQMD) has developed'a majorchild care facility which is open tothepublic at
large as well as employees.
_:
GOAL 3 "Consistent with the 'Vision Statement, preserve and conserve the existing housing
stock and maintain property values and residents' Quality of Life."
Objective 3.1 Maintain and encourage the improvement of the -quality and integrity of
existing residential neighborhoods.
Strategies
3.1.1 Adopt a housing/neighborhood preservation program, including incentive programs to
ensure ongoing maintenance.
The, City's Code Enforcement Office has identffied four older neighborhoods
characterized by -housing which is beginning to exhibit signs of deferred
maintenance. These areas are targeted for home improvement loans as well as
the "Paint -the- Town "program which uses volunteerlaborforminorcleanup
3.1.2 Ensure that group housing preserves the quiet, suburban or rural character of the
existing residential neighborhood in which it is located
In accordance with State Law, the City allows group homes forsix orfewerpersons
in all residential zones. For facilities with seven or more occupants, the City
requires a CUP to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
3.1.3 Enact Development Code provisions to provide forthe development of second units on
a single family parcel. Ensure the single family character of the neighborhood is
protected, and th 'at road, water, and sewer systems are capable of supporting
Subsection 22.42.120 of the 1998 City Development Code provides standards for
the establishment of secondary residential units. Conditions for approval include
finding that the unit will not cause disturbances rto the existing residential
neighborhood, or result in significantly adverse effects on public services and
resources.
3.1.4 Determine the feasibility of establishing a Craftsman and Tool Lending Program,
utilizing State funding if necessary.
The City provides rehabilitation assistance through the County Single Family Rehabilitation
Program, and through its own "Pairit-the- Town "program, Given the limited number
of City Staff, a tool lending program is not viewed as viable. This program is no
longer appropriate for the Housing Element.
-3.1.5 Enforce City's Property Maintenance Ordinance to maintain the quality of exist!
neighborhoods.'
The City '&onducts a' t m ereby all ptoac ive coce en orcement progra wh neighborhoods of the
inspected'on"a ett6ts are sent out to
city reg6lir basis. -- L
residents of all areas where code violations are observed. A follow-up inspection is conducted when
any noticed properties still in violation of the Municipal Code are subject to a $100 citati
Inspectors may refer p owners to housing -rehabilitation loah-programs' 6r to'thel 76int-1h c
=nce program.
Objective 3.2. Eliminate substandard housing by establishing a program to investigate and encouri
the rehabilitation of'iiibstandard housing units within Diamond'Bar. Achieve
"Strategies: 3.2.1 -Investigate the availability of funds, includingtity "in lieu" funds for establishing a
City housing rehabilitation program. Offer priority for rehabilitation assistance to disable
homeowners for unit modifications to improve accessibility.
The'City provides rehabilitation assistance through the County Single Family Rehabilitatic
Progrgrn,'and through its own "Paint -the- Town "program. Thelatter program'is special,
designed to provide volunteer assistance for senior and disabled homeo wners. Ur,
modifications to provide ADA access could be included underffie County Sin 'gle,Fami,
Rehabilitation Program.
3.2.2 Establish -a program of public information and technicalassistance, to
encourage the continued maintenance of currently, -o ,und housing as
The City's monthly newsletter "Windmill" provides public information regarding the
County Rehabilitation Program and the Taint -the -Town" volunteer cleanup and
moderate- rehabilitation program. The City's web -site (www. cityofdiamondbar com
also -includes information'bh-housing programsYncluding rehabilitation. The City's
3.2.3 Utilize available housing rehabilitation/conservation funds to establish a fund to assist lo,
and moderate households with painting,L minor repairs, and general maintenance.
The "Paint -the -Town" program combines volunteer labor and GDBG funds to purchase supplies for a
annual event organized by the Homeowner Association -f
to provide minor exterior repairs or low and moderate income homeowners. Assistance incluc
landscape cleanup, minor woodwork, general cleanup and exterior painting. Applicants al
selected by income verification as well as needs assessment
A-1 0
3.2.4 Work with the State Franchise Tax Board in order to enforce the provisions of
California Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 17299 and 24436.5 which
prohibit owners of substandard housing from claiming depreciation, amortization,
mortgage interest, and property tax deductions on State income tax.
It has not been necessary for the City to implement this program.
l9-15
Appendi
HOUSING ELEMENT GLOSSARY
Acre: a unit of land measure equal to 43,560 square feet.
Acreage, Net: The portion of a site exclusive of existing or planned public or private road rights-
ofway.
Affordability Covenant: A property title agreement which places resale or rental restrictions on
a housing unit.
Affordable Housing: Under State and federal statutes, housing which costs no more than 30
percent of gross household income. Housing costs include rent or mortgage payments, utilities,
taxes, insurance, homeowner association fees, and other related costs.
Annexation: The incorporation of land area into the jurisdiction of an existing city with a
resulting change in the boundaries of that city.
Assisted Housing: Housing that has been subsidized by federal, state, or local housing
At -Risk Housing: Multi -family rental housing that is at risk of losing its status as housing
California Department of Housing and Community Development - HCD: The State
Department responsible for administering State-sponsored housing, programs and for reviewing
housing elements to determine compliance with State housing law.
Census: The official United States decennial enumeration of the population conducted by the
federal government.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): A grant program administered by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development'(HUD). This grant allots money to cities and
counties for housing rehabilitation and community development activities, including public
facilities and economic development.
Condominium: A building or group of buildings in which units are owned individually, but the
Density: The number of dwelling units per unit of land. Density usually is expressed "per acre,",
e.g., a development with 100 units located on 20 acres has density of 5.0 units per acre.
Density Bonus: The allowance of additional residential units beyond the maximum for which
the parcel is otherwise permitted usually in exchange for the provision or preservation of
affordable housing units at the same site or at another location.
Development Impact Fees: A fee or charge imposed on'developers to pay for a jurisdiction's
Appendix Development
Right: The right granted to a land owner or other authorizedparty to improve a property. - Such right is usual
expressed -in terms of a use and intensity allowed under existing zoning regulation. - For example„a
development right may specify the maximum number of residential dwelling units permitted per acre of land.
Dwelling„ Multi -family:
building containing two or more dwelling -,units for the use of individual households; an apartment or
condominium building is an example of this dwelling unit type. Dwelling, Single-family Attached: A one -far
dwelling attached to one. or, more other one, family dwellings by a common vertical wall. Row houses and
town homes are examples, of this dwelling unit type.
Dwelling, Single-farr
Detached: -A dwelling, not -attached, to any other dwelling, which is designed for and occupied by not m
than one family and. surrounded,by open space or yards. Dwelling Unit: Oneo'r morerooms„ design
occupied or intended for,.occupancy as separate living quarters, with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilii
provided, within the unit for the, exclusive use of a household.
Elderly Househc
As'defined by HUD, elderly households are one- or two- member (family or non -family) households in which
head'or spouse is age 62 or older.
Element: A division
chapter of the'General Plan.'
Emergency, Shelter:'
emergency shelter is a facility that provides shelter to homeless families, and/or homeless individuals of
limited short-term basis.,
Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG): A grant program, administered by the U.$.,Department of Housing a
Urban Development (HUD) provided on a formula basis to. large entitlement, jurisdictions.
Entitlement City: A city, which based on, it's population„ is entitled to receive funding directly from Hl
Examples of entitlement programs include QDBG, HOME and-ESG.
Fair Market Rent (FMR): Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are freely set rental rates defined by HUD as the medi
gross rents charged for available standard units in a- county or Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMS.
Fair Market Rents, are used,for the Section 8 Rental Program and many other.HUD programs and <
published annually by HUD.
First -Time Home Buyer: Defined by HUD as an individual or family who has not owned a home during 1
three-year period, preceding the HUD -assisted pprchase of a home.- ' Jurisdictions may adopt local definitic
for first-time home buyer programs which differ from non -federally funded pro
grams. Floor Area Ratio (FAR): The gross floor area of all buildings on a,lot divided by the lot area; usw
expressed as a numerical value (e.g., a building having 10,000 square feet of gross floor area, located on a
of, 5,OOO,square feet'lin- area has a floor area ratio of 2:
Appendix
General Plan: The General Plan is a legal document, adopted by the legislative body of a City
or County, setting forth policies regarding long-term development. California law requires the
preparation of seven elements or chapters in the General Plan: Land Use, Housing, Circulation,
Conservation, Open Space, Noise, and Safety. Additional elements are permitted, such as
Economic Development, Urban Design and similar local concerns.
Group Quarters: A facility which houses groups of unrelated persons not living in households
(U.S. Census definition). Examples of group quarters include institutions, dormitories, shelters,
military quarters, assisted living facilities and other quarters, including single -room occupancy
(SRO) housing, where 10 or more unrelated individuals are housed.
Growth Management: Techniques used by a government to regulate the rate, amount, location
'HCD: The State Department of Housing and Community Development.
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (NMDA): The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act requires larger
lending institutions making home mortgage loans to publicly disclose the location and disposition
of home purchase, refinance and improvement loans., Institutions subject to HMDA must also
HOME Program: The HOME Investment Partnership Act, Title 11 of the National Affordable
Housing Act of 1990. HOME is a Federal program administered by HUD which provides formula
grants to States and localities to fund activities that build„ buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable
housing for rent or home ownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people.
Homeless: Unsheltered homeless are families and individuals whose primary nighttime
residence is a, public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping
accommodation for human beings (e.g., the street, sidewalks,- cars, vacant and abandoned
buildings). Sheltered homeless are families and persons whose primary nighttime residence is a
supervised publicly or privately operated shelter (e.g., emergency, transitional, battered women,
Household: The US Census Bureau defines a household as all persons living in a housing unit
whether or not they are related. A single person living in,an apartment as well as a family living in
a house is considered a household. Household does not include individuals living in dormitories,
Household Income: The total income of all the persons living in a household. A household is
usually described as very low income, low income, moderate income, and upper income based
Housing Problems: Defined by HUD as a household which: (1) occupies a unit with physical
defects (lacks complete kitchen or bathroom); (2) meets the definition of overcrowded; or (3)
Housing Subsidy: Housing subsidies,refer to government assistance aimed at reducing housing
sales or rent prices to more affordable levels. Two general types of housing subsidy exist. Where
Appendix based.
Section 8 rental assistance programs the subsidy is linked to the family an assistan
d ce provided to a
numberW families accepted by willing private landlords. This type of subsidy
is said to
1 enant based."
Housing
Unit: A room or group of rooms used by one or more individuals living separately from, oth(
in the structure, with direct access to the outside or to a public hall and containing separ"
toilet and kitchen facilities.
HUD: S
U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Income
Category: Four categories are used to classify a household according to income based
the median income for the county. Under state housing statutes, these categories are defin
as follows: Very Low (0-50% of County median); Low (50-80% of County media
M6derate,(80120% of County median); and Upper (over 120% of County median).
Large
Household: A household with 5 or more members.
Manufact
ed Housing: Housing that is constructed of manufactured components, assembled partly
the site rather than totally at the site. Also referred to as modular housing.
Market
Rate Housing: Housing which is available on the open market without any subsidy. The pri
for housing is determined by the m,arket force's of su Ipply and demand and varies
location,,.
Median
Income: The annual income for eac h ho usehold size within a region which is defin e, d
annually by HUD. Half of the households in the region have incomes above the median'a
Overpayment: The extent to which gross housing costs, including utility costs, exceed 30
percent of gross household income, based on,data published by the U.S. Census Bureau. -
Severe overpayment, or cost burden, exists if gross housing costs exceed 50 percent -of gro
income. Parcel: The basic unit of land entitlement. A designated area'of land, established by
plat, subdivision, or otherwise legally defined and permitted to be used, or built upon.
Physical Defects: A housing unit lacking complete kitchen or bathroom facilities (U.S. Cens
definition)., Jurisdictions may expand the Census definition in defining units with physical
defects. B-4
Appendix
Project -Based Rental Assistance: Rental assistance provided for a project, not for a specific
tenant. A tenant receiving project -based rental assistance gives up the right to that assistance
upon moving from the project.
Public Housing: A project -based low -rent housing program operated by independent local
public housing authorities. A low-income family applies to the local public housing authority in
the area in which they want to live.
Redevelopment Agency: California Community Redevelopment Law provides authority to
establish a Redevelopment Agency with the scope and financing mechanisms necessaryto
remedy blight and provide stimulus to eliminate deteriorated conditions. The law provides for the
planning, development, redesign, clearance, reconstruction, or rehabilitation, or any combination
of the0e, and the provision of public and private improvements as may be appropriate or
necessary in the interest of the general welfare by the Agency. Redevelopment law requires an
Agency to set aside 20 percent of all tax increment dollars generated from each redevelopment
project area for the purpose of increasing and improving the community's supply of housing for
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA): The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is
based on State of California projections of population growth and housing unit demand and assigns a
share of the region's future housing need to each jurisdiction within the SCAG (Southern California
Association of Governments) region. These housing need numbers serve as the basis for the update of
the Housing Element in each California city and county.
Rehabilitation: The upgrading of a building previously in a dilapidated or substandard condition for
human habitation or use.
Section 8 Rental Voucher/Certificate Program: A tenant -based rental assistance program that
subsidizes a family's rent in a privately owned house or apartment. The program is administeiied by
local public housing authorities. Assistance payments are based on 30 percent of household annual
income. Households with, incomes of 50 percent or below the area median income are eligible to
participate in the program.
Service Needs: The particular services required by special populations, typically including needs such
as transportation, 'personal care, housekeeping, counseling, meals, case management, personal
emergency response, and other services preventing premature institutionalization and assisting
individuals to continue living independently.
Small Household: Pursuant to HUD definition, a small household consists of two to four nonelderly
persons.
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG): The Southern California Association of
Governments is a regional planning agency which encompasses six counties: Imperial, Riverside, San
Bernardino, Orangd, Los Angeles, and Ventura. SCAG is responsible for preparation of the Regional
Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
'A' Special Needs Groups: Those segments of the population which have a more difficult time finding decent
affordable housing due to special circumstances. Under California Housing Element statutes, these
special needs groups consist of the elderly, handicapped, large families, femaleB-5
Appendix
headed households, farmworkers and the homeless. A jurisdiction may also choose to consider'additional
special needs groups in- the"Housing Element, such as students,. military households, other groups present
in their community.
Subdivision: The-division:of a lot, tract or parcel of land in accordance With the SUbdivi, Sion
Map Act (California Government Cbde„Section 66410 et seq.)..
Substandard Housing: Housing which does not meet the minimum standards contained in the
State,Housing Code (Le. does not provide shelter„ endangers thebealth, safety or W6117b6ing of
occupants). Jurisdictions may adopt more stringent, local definitions of substandard housing.
Substandard,- $uitaiblefor Rehabilitation: 'Substandard units which,are structurally sound and
for which, the, cost of irehabilitation is considered economically warranted.
Substandard, Needs Replacement: Substandard Units Which are structurally unsound and for
which, the cost of retipbilitation,is considered infeasible, such as, i'nstances where the majority'of
Supportive Housing: Housing with a supporting environment, such as group homes or Single Room
Occupancy (SRO) housing and other housing that includes a Supportive service component such as those
defined below.
Supportive Services: Services provided to residents of supportive housing for the purpose of facilitating the
independence of residents. Some examples are case management, medical or psychological counseling and
supervision, child care, transportation, and job training.
Tenant -Based Renta I Assistance: A form of rental assistance in which the assisted tenant may move from
a dwelling unit with a right to continued assistance. The assistance is provided for the tenant, not for the
Transitional Housing: Transitional, housing is temporary (often six months to two years) housing for a
homeless individual or family who is trahsitioning to permanent'housing. Transitional housing often
includes a supportive services component (e.g. job skills training, rehabilitation counseling, etc.) to allow
individuals to gain necessary life skills in support of independent living.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Deveiopment (HUD): The cabinet level department of
the federal government responsible for housing - housing a ssista, nce, and urban development at
the national level. Housing programs administered, through HUD include Community Develop
rn'ent Block Grant (CDBG), HOME and Section 8, among others.
Zoning: A land use regulatory measure enacted by local government. Zoning district regulations
governing lot size, building bulk, placement , and other development standards vary from district to
district, but must be uniform within the same district.- Each city and county adopts a zoning
ordinance specifying these regulations.
