Planning Commission to Continue Discussion on Housing on Church Property

[UPDATED] The Planning Commission will hear details on new laws that could allow churches to build housing on church property.

“Staff will present background on proposed State law and potential regulations that could be adopted locally regarding residential uses in areas zoned for and/or occupied by faith- and non-profit educational uses.”

The meeting begins at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8th and can be viewed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81652201365.

“YIGBY” (Yes in God’s Backyard), a recent state effort by churches and faith-based organizations, has promoted the use of land owned by religious organizations as a response to the state’s housing crisis by allowing for the redevelopment of church parking lots into affordable housing for low-income and moderate-income households.

At the last committee, the commission received information on a zoning code amendment that would allow FEMA trailers to be parked on church property and used as affordable housing.

The city received 50 FEMA trailers at the start of the pandemic.

Two bills, SB 899 and AB 1851, open the door of allowing housing by-right on property owned by faith-based organizations and/or other nonprofit institutions, as well as potential standards for parking requirements.

Under SB 899, 100 percent of the units must be available to lower-income households. However, 20 percent of the units may be designated for moderate-income households.

Units must be dedicated to housing income limits for at least 55 years for rental units and at least 45 years for owner-occupied units.

The rent or sales price for the units must be at least 20 percent below market rate for a\unit of similar size and bedroom count in the same neighborhood. Applicants would be required to provide the city with evidence that proposed units meet these requirements. The city could restrict projects to lower-income households for longer periods of time, if such restrictions are consistent with applicable regulatory requirements for State assistance.

Under AB 1851, project must be located on one or more contiguous parcels that are each owned entirely by a “faith-based organization.” A “faith-based organization” is defined as a nonprofit corporation organized and registered for religious purposes. The project must qualify for a density bonus under State law (only applies to projects with five or more units.)

City staff has been working on an overlay that would allow housing on church property and property meeting specific criteria, allow for a reduction in parking, establish density and height regulations that would be compatible with the regulations found in adjacent zones.

“Staff will receive comments, questions, and general feedback from the Planning Commission regarding Zoning Code Amendment to allow housing on church properties, engage the community in a virtual meeting and return to the Planning Commission for a formal recommendation at a future date,” the report states.