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11-23-87 PC Agenda i, - _ _------ - - -----___ _, � I � , � r^ Golden Valley Planning Commission ' � Civic Center, 7800 Golden Va�lley �Road �� , i � � ' November 23, 1987 I � i AGENDA � � ; � � I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 26, 1987 � � II. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL, HRA AND BZA MEETINGS i ' � i � III. DISCUSSION OF DRAFT YEAR 2010 VISION NARRATIVE � � ' IV. DISCUSSION OF OUTLINE FOR HOUSING ELEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE ! i � _ � � * * * * * � * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * � , � PLANNING COMMISSION GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC INPUT ' ; The Planning Cormnission is an advisory body, created to advise the City Council on land use. The Coimnission � � will recommend Council approval or denial of a land use proposal based upon the Commission's determination of i whether the proposed use is permitted under the Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Plan, and whether the pro- i posed use will, or will not, adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood. " ; � The Commission holds informal public hearings on land use proposals to enable you to learn, first-hand, what � � such proposals are, a�d to permit you to ask questions and offer cormnents. Your questions and comments become �i i part of the record and will be used by the Council, along with the Comnission's reco�nendation, in reaching � � . its decision. i To aid in your u�5derstanding and to facilitate your cortonents and questions, the Cort�nission will utilize the ' following procedure: � i i 1. The Coimnission Chair will introduce the proposal and the recammendation from staff. Comnission i members may ask questions of staff. 2. The proponent will describe the proposal and answer any questions from the Commission. ' 3. The Chair will open the public hearing, asking first for those who wish to speak to so indicate by raising their hands. The Chair may set a time limit for individual questions/comments if a , i large �umber of persons have indicated a desire to speak. Spokespersons for groups will have a ;� longer period of time for questions/comments. ; ; 4. Please give your full name and address clearly when recognized by the Chair. Remember, your ' questions/COmments are for the record. � � 5. Direct your questions/cortunents to the Chair. The Chair will determine who will answer your i questions. ��' � . � 6. No one will be given the opportunity to speak a second time until everyone has had the opportunity i to speak initially. Please 19mit your second presentation to new information, not rebuttal. ; 7. At the close of the public hearing, the Comnission will discuss the proposal and take appropriate � i� � action. � � i i { � i �� ' i •. i � `i � i � i ` i ` MINUTES OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION ,� October 26, 1987 A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held in the Manager's Conference Room of the Civic Center, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Chair Prazak at 7:00 P.M. Those present were Commissioners Kapsner, Leppik, McAleese, McCracken-Hunt, Prazak and Russell . Commissioner Lewis was absent. Also present were Mark Grimes, Director of Planning and Development, and Alda Wilkinson, City Planner. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 12, 1987 It was moved by Commissioner McCracken-Hunt, seconded by Commissioner Leppik,, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the October 12, 1987 meeting. II. REPORT ON HRA, BZA AND CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Commissioner McCracken-Hunt provided a report on the October 13, 1987 meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). Commissioner McAleese reported that he did not attend the October 13, 1987 meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), and Commissioners Kapsner and Leppik provided reports on the City Council meetingsof October 6 and 20, 1987 respectively. III. EXPANSION OF NORTH WIRTH REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT LAND USE � Planning and Development Director Mark Grimes reviewed the draft Planning Commission recommendation to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) on land use in an expanded North Wirth Redevelopment District. Planning Commissioners discussed concerns regarding removal of the moderately priced Valley Village Apartments for redevelopment with higher priced multiple family residential units. Suggestions included requiring that a new multiple family residential development include a percentage of moderately priced units and . phasing of development to retain the existing apartments in the short term although removing them in the long term. Planning Commissioners expressed some reservations concerning these suggestions. It was observed that supposedly moderately priced units in new complexes tend to be higher in price than anticipated. It was also observed that the Valley Village Apartment location is a prime building site for upscale housing due to location at a higher elevation overlooking City open space. The Planning Commission requested that' staff obtain additional information on the existing Valley Village Apartments, including sizes of units, rental rates, condition of buildings, and need for future upgrading. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that the recommendation on land use for an expanded North Wirth Redevelopment District should be forwarded to the HRA with the addition of discussion of concerns for retaining moderately � " priced housing units in the area. IV. YEAR 2010 City Planner Alda Wilkinso� introduced the draft Year 2010 vision narrative. � Commissioner McAleese suggested changes in perspective and format. The Planning Commission concurred with these suggestions, and it was agreed that staff would revise the draft accordingly. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 P.M. � November 18, 1987 T0: Golden Valley Planning Commission FROM: Alda Wilkinson, City Planner SUBJECT: Draft Year 2010 Vision Narrative Attached is a second copy of the revised version of the Year 2010 Vision Narrative sent out last week. Other than a few grammatical corrections, there are no changes from the copy sent out early to give you extra time for review prior to the Planning Commission meeting. Staff is looking for your revisions, ideas, suggestions and comments. � Attachment: Draft Year 2010 Vision Narrative � � � MAYORAL ADDRESS TO CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY 25TH ANNUAL TOWN MEETING THURSDAY OCTOBER 14, 2010 Introduction Welcome to the 25th Annual Golden Valley Town Meeting. Some of you may recall with me the first Golden Valley Town Meeting, held in Golden Valley's Centennial Year, 1986. At that first meeting we celebrated Golden Ualley's 100th birthday. Tonight we celebrate Golden Valley's 124th birthday. The theme of that first Centennial Town Meeting was Golden Valley Tomorrow. The celebration of Golden Valley's first 100 years focused on the future. That night 24 years ago, the citizens of Golden Valley chose objectives for the future which shaped the outstanding City we enjoy today. The City's far sighted Plann�ng Commission and City Council of 24 years ago initiated plans and programs which have concentrated City resources and efforts toward the accomplishment of objectives in ten carefully selected focus areas. The target year for accomplishment of those objectives was the Year 2010. We have reached that target year of 2010. Tonight I wish to review for you our � accomplishments over the last 24 years in the ten focus areas chosen by Golden Valley in the City's Centennial Year 24 years ago. • YEAR 2010 VISION OF THE � CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY Focus Area No. 1: Identity In the Year 2010 the City of Golden Valley retains its identity throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan community as a quality community for both business and housing. Golden Valley continues to be identified with major businesses such as General Mills and Honeywell and with prominent medical facilities such as Courage Center. At the same time, the image which comes to _ mind when people think of Golden Valley is one of attractive and well maintained residential neighborhoods. Today we have an identifiable Downtown Golden Valley. A unified downtown located at Highway 55 and Winnetka Avenue North offers retail shopping and services, office space, restaurants, entertainment, apartments, senior housing - and attractive green areas. The focal point of our dowtown is our Civic Center block, location of our City offices, our public library and inviting outdoor gathering spaces. City of Golden Valley community programs, facilities, and activities create a sense of community and foster a sense of sharing. Community based athletic . programs crossing school district lines and an active Golden Valley seniors program are two examples of a broad range of community based activi�ies serving all age groups. Community facilities today include an amphitheater for concerts � and programs, an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium, and several community centers. The traditional Golden Valley Days summer festival is a community � event drawing broad attention and participation not only from Golden Valley residents but from a wider metropolitan area population. Focus Area No. 2: Beautification - The City of Golden Valley image is enhanced by City beautification with unify- ing themes. Prominent signs of uniform design and materials, decorated with plantings, welcome people to Golden Valley at the boundary lines on major highways and thoroughfares. Attractive and distinctive uniform signage identi- fies and provides direction to the Golden Valley Downtown Business District, public buildings, and City parks and open spaces. Downtown Golden Valley, public buildings and facilities, and parks and open spaces are further distinguished and integrated by use of uniform decorative lighting. Pedestrian walkway networks utilizing common materials and uniform street furniture unify Downtown Golden Valley and other redeveloped areas. Continuity is further strengthened by beautification of Bassett Creek throughout the City of Golden Valley. The Creek is visible and accessible at numerous locations within the City. A system of walking and biking trails along the Creek connects Creekside parks and open spaces interspersed throughout the � City. The trail system links with community and regional trail systems. � Bridges of an attractive and distinctive uniform design bridge the Creek at points on the City's Brookview Golf Course and at trail system Creek crossings � throughout the City. � ' � Year 2010 Vision (Continued) Page 2 � � Lilacs grow on every street in the City of Golden Valley as a City trademark. Electrical undergrounding has been accomplished throughout the City. Other beautification themes carried throughout the City ar� emphasis on landscaping for public buildings and commercial areas, focus on quality uniform signage for businesses as well as public facilities, attention to creation of attractive rooftops in urban density locations with highrise views of neighboring rooftops, and elimination of unsightly and unmaintained spaces in residential as well as commercial and industrial areas. Materials and equipment storage and truck loading and unloading areas in industrial districts are screened from view. In residential neighborhoods yards are free of junk and debris, and trailers, boats and recreation vehicles are excluded from front yards. Remnant parcels and unused right-of-way otherwise unmaintained and potentially unsightly are maintained by neighboring property owners through a program for identification and "adoption" of neglected spaces. Consistent identification systems and beautification themes utilized throughout � the City project a coherent image of Golden Valley as an attractive and inviting living and working environment. Focus Area No. 3: Well Planned I-394 Freeway Corridor The I-394 freeway corridor through the City of Golden Valley presents an integrated impression consistent with the overall image of continuity projected by the City of Golden Valley. The I-394 freeway corridor is tied together by � traffic, pedestrian, signage and landscaping systems which provide continuity throughout the Golden Valley portion of the corridor. Coherence is the result of careful planning for development. Land uses existing along the I-394 corridor are attractive and appropriate to the freeway corridor. There is no residential land use, either single family or multiple family, in the freeway corridor. Uses include office, retail and services, r,estaurants and entertainment, and light industrial uses combined for functionality and aesthetic appeal . Developments �consist of large facilities with expansive grounds or clusterings of uses and buildings in campus settings. There are no small individual buildings planned and constructed in piecemeal ' fashion. Urban building heights exist at selected locations along the freeway corridor with appropriate transitions provided to adjacent neighborhoods. Uses are mixed for maximum utilization of shared parking in order to minimize expanses of asphalt paving. Clustering of uses and buildings is arranged in such a way as to promote pedestrian circulation, and pedestrian networks constructed of uniform materials serve to integrate development areas. The Golden Valley portion of the I-394 freeway corridor is attractive. Landscaped � setbacks are maintained from the freeway, and frontage roads are landscaped. A uniform signage system is in place along the freeway corridor. Business signs are combined on uniform standards, and there is no proliferation of individual business signs. Signs along the freeway are no higher than necessary to provide reasonable visibility. Freeway sound barriers are uniform throughout � Year 2010 Vision (Continued) Page 3 � the Cit of Golden Valle ex anse of he free a and are enhanced b use of Y Y P t WY Y color, texture and plantings. The frontage and local road systems serve to maintain reasonable traffic flow. Needs of Golden Valley residents for accessibility to businesses located in the freeway corridor are not overlooked in the interest of maintaining traffic flow for those traveling through Golden Valley. Focus Area No. 4: Orderly Redevelopment The City of Golden Valley has the appearance of a new and vital community. Despite the fact that it is an older inner suburb, it has not succumbed to the aging suburb look. This is due to a carefully prioritized ongoing redevelop- ment program. Today not only are the Golden Valley Downtown Business District and the I-394 freeway corridor fully redeveloped, but additional redevelopment projects have maintained Golden Valley in the modern and attractive image chosen by the community. Deteriorating areas or areas no longer fitting the image upheld by the City of Golden Valley have been redeveloped to conform to new needs and desires within the community. A select number of redevelopment projects is ongoing today, and additional areas are programmed for future redevelopment beyond the Year 2010. � The City of Golden Valley continues to conduct an ongoing program for identifi- cation of areas in need of revitalization, upgrading or total redevelopment. The ongoing redevelopment program selects types of new development required to maintain a balanced and vigorous community. Criteria for scheduling redevelop- ment projects in order of priority according to need are incorporated into the redevelopment program. By means of this highly selective redevelopment program, the City of Golden Valley has maintained its identity as a quality community for business and housing and will continue to maintain this identity beyond the Year 2010. Focus Area No. 5: Full Range of Shopping and Services Today a full range of community shopping and service facilities is available and easily accessible to residents of Golden Valley neighborhoods. All City of Golden Valley residents have a gas station and convenience store within a distance of one and a half to two miles. These facilities are easily accessible by automobile at all times of day including peak traffic hours. Community level shopping and service facilities are available and easily accessible at selected locations interspersed throughout the City. Community _ level shopping and service centers include grocery stores, drug stores, hardware ' stores, barber and beauty shops, restaurants, branch post offices, dry cleaners, and automobile repair as a minimum. Clothing and shoe stores and various specialty shops and services are located at different centers. Today we have a movie theater within the City of Golden Valley. � . Year 2010 Vision (Continued) Page 4 � Convenience shopping, services, and gas stations are incorporated into new developments and into redevelopment projects. Retail shopping, services and restaurants are located on first levels of residential and office buildings in major complexes. Gas stations and car wash facilities are incorporated into parking ramps for major office or housing complexes. Major developments provide convenient shopping facilities, services, and restaurants for the residents and employees. Convenient shopping and services contribute to the City of Golden Valley's identity as an inviting place to live and work. Focus Area No. 6: Well Maintained Housin Stock Today, although most Golden Valley residential neighborhoods and homes are categorized as older, Golden Valley homes retain their quality and value. The City of Golden Valley housing stock is well maintained. The high quality of the existing housing stock is the result of ongoing City • programs concentrated on housing maintenance. A City Housing Code is in place and enforced to mandate compliance with basic housing standards. The City of Golden Valley also requires inspections and upgrading to Code at the time of home sale. The City has ongoing assistance programs for housing repair targeted at areas with the oldest housing stock. Golden Ualley residential neighborhoods retain their image as attractive living environments. Focus Area No. 7: Variety of Housing � The City of Golden Valley offers a variety of housing types designed to meet the needs and desires of all age and income groups. All age groups have a full range of housing options available to all income levels. A profile of the housing stock in Golden Valley reveals balance and choice. The City of Golden Valley housing stock is balanced in terms of type and style, price or rental rate, and occupant age group mixture. Housing types include ownership and rental , single family and multiple family, suburban and urban density, and moderate to high priced components. Housing styles include single � family detached, townhouses, low rise and high rise apartments and condominiums, and group living situations. There is balance in age and income mix. Golden Valley is not an enclave for the elderly or for any other single age or income group. At the same time, Golden Valley residential neighborhoods and complexes offer choice to all age and income groups. Options for seniors include a fu]1 selection of ownership and rental choices ranging from fully independent to fully supported living arrangements. Senior options are based on the full range of senior desires rather than only on what seniors are judged to need. In addition to high rise options located adjacent to services in the Golden Valley downtown, there are low rise small scale elderly housing options inte- grated into established single family residential neighborhoods. Various ownership and rental options are available to singles, to young couples, and to young families. There are accessory apartments available in single family � ' Year 2010 Vision (Continued) Page 5 � homes in established single family neighborhoods, as well as low rise and high rise apartment complexes for all ages in suburban and urban surroundings. Moderate cost housing options are retained in established neighborhoods and are � included in newer housing complexes. Golden Valley residents find new housing options available to them within the City of Golden Valley as age and changing life style alter their housing needs. The balance of housing options available in the City of Golden Valley today serves to maintain balanced and healthy residential neighborhoods and a balanced and vital community as a whole. Focus Area No. 8: Sense of Security Golden Valley residents enjoy a sense of security of their persons and property. The major factor contributing to this sense of security is strong neighborhood cohesiveness. Neighbors are acquainted with each other, have a sense of how things should look in the neighborhood, and cooperate in guarding the safety of neighbors and their homes. Balanced age mix in residential neighborhoods ensures the presence of older people and young families where family members are home during the day and remain aware of activity in the neighborhood. This neighborhood cooperative spirit is the most important contributor to a sense of security in Golden Valley residential neighborhoods. Another component of the sense of security felt by Golden Valley residents is an assurance of police presence and effectiveness. Residents feel police � presence in their individual neighborhoods through awareness of regular police patrols. The Golden Valley Public Safety Department is active in promoting up-to-date methods and technology for protection of residents and their property. Perception of security is heightened by awareness of well publicized success of police efforts and programs to maintain security in Golden Valley. The sense of security of people and property in Golden Valley helps to support maintenance of vital residential neighborhoods and to uphold the image of Golden Valley as an outstanding place to live. Focus Area No. 9: Access to Sweeney and Twin Lakes Today all residents of the City of Golden Valley have access to enjoyment of the City's major water body, adjoining Sweeney and Twin Lakes. We have a City park with lakeshore frontage on Sweeney and Twin Lakes. The park is easily accessible by car and has ample parking. The park is also accessible by trail to pedestrians and bicycles, and trail serving the park links with community trail systems. The park offers a swim beach, picnic facilities, a fishing pier, and public boat launch facilities for nonmotorized boats. The lakes are stocked for enjoyment of fishing by the general public. Public access to � � � Sweeney and Twin Lakes constitutes a major public recreational amenity contri- . buting to the image of Golden Valley as a complete community. � . �' Year 2010 Vision (Continued) Page 6 � Focus Area No. 10: Citizen Participation and Access The Golden Valley citizenry is active in City government. Citizen interest in local government is evident in the number of volunteers for City commissions and task forces, in the amount of public enthusiasm and support generated during election campaigns, and in voter turnout for City elections. The annual town meeting is an institution in the City of Golden Valley. Citizens utilize the open forum provided at the annual town meeting to access City government with their input into City planning and direction. Residents feel comfortable bringing issues, concerns and complaints to the annual town meeting and expressing them in the small discussion groups which are an integral part of the annual town meeting program. Golden Valley citizens find the City government readily accessible throughout the year, as well as at the annual town meeting. Agendas and programs for upcoming meetings are available through the public media and generate citizen participation. Individual City residents find both elected and employed City officials available and responsive to their inquiries. This perception of accessibility to City government and sense of participation in forming the direction in the City increases the sense of community and enhances the experience of living in the City of Golden Valley. Conclusion � Tonight we celebrate our City of Golden Valley in the Year 2010. Tonight we feel proud of our accomplishments, of our community leaders of yesterday and today, and of our Golden Valley residents who continue to participate in our . City planning efforts. This year, as in each of the 25 years we have been gathering for our Annual Town Meeting, we again look toward the future. We again invite your contributions to planning for the future of Golden Valley. We look forward to continuing the community planning process which has built the City of Golden Valley into the fine City it is today and which will safeguard the future of Golden Valley as a fine community. � s November 18, 1987 � � T0: Golden Valley Plannin Commission 9 FROM: Alda Wilkinson, City Planner SUBJECT: Outline for Housing Element of Comprehensive Plan Update Attached is a preliminary outline proposed for the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan Update. Also attached is a copy of the Housing section of a comprehensive plan which Commissioner Kapsner received as a model at the Montreal APA Conference. The Planning Commission Subcommittee on Housing, which previausly worked on the Housing Element of the Plan Update, decided to use a format similar to that in the model . � Staff is looking for comments, ideas and suggestions from Planning Commissioners on the outline for the Housing Element. � Attachments: 1. Outline for Housing Element of Comprehensive Plan Update 2. Housing Section from Model Comprehensive Plan � ' . OUTLINE FOR ' CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY � COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE HOUSING ELEMENT OBJECTIVES 1. Maintain the quality and value of the existing City housing stock. 2. Provide a balanced variety of housing choices to meet the needs and desires of different age groups, income capabilities, household sizes and life styles. ISSUES (PROBLEMS AND NEEDS) 1. Aging of the housing stock Increasing need for maintenance 2. Need for variety in housing choice Need for variety in type and style price or rental rate occupant age group mixture 3. Need for balance in housing types Including need for balance in population mix • EXISTING PROGRAMS 1. Home Improvement Grant Program Community Development Block Grant funds allocated to home improvement grants 2. Subsidized housing projects Dover Hil] family and senior housing Scattered site family housing � • Calvary senior housing Medley Park family housing 3. City sponsored apartment projects South Wirth Mallard Creek NEW APPROACHES 1. Housing Code � 2. Truth in Housing Ordinance 3. Targeting of home improvement grants to neighborhoods with oldest housing stock 4. Small scale elderly housing projects integrated into established residential neighborhoods 5. Accessory apartments � Page 2 # RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Establish a schedule for adoption of a Housing Code and for staffing to administer a Housing Code. 2. Adopt and enforce a Truth in Housing Ordinance requiring upgrading to Code at the time of home sale. 3. Adopt a Zoning Code amendment which provides for accessory apartments in single family residences. 4. Identify and utilize sources of home improvement grant and loan monies. 5. Identify concentrations of older housing stock and target home improvement grant and loan programs to geographic areas of greatest need. 6. Sponsor an experimental small scale elderly housing project within an established residential neighborhood. 7. Maintain an inventory of existing housing stock and identify needs for achievement of balance in terms of type and style, ownership or rental status, price or rental rate, and occupant age group mixture. 8. Establish priorities in terms of additional housing required to achieve balance and choice in housing. � 9. Establish criteria for location of priority housing types and identify suitable sites for location of priority housing types. 10. Take a proactive role in seeking funding and soliciting developers for development of priority housing types at priority locations. � . ' f � �ou�j�� . . Shortage of Housing for Ob�ecf►ves r f 1. Encourage the availability of a variery of housing rypes Low and Mode a e which can meet the needs of different age groups. �ncome Families family sizes.life sryles and income capabilities for Cal- vert County residents. Place a special emphasis on providing housing opportunities for low and moderate A general trend in the country has been that a larger per- income families of the County through public and pri- centage of total income is required to purchase homes. The vate actions. recent inflationary spiral and mortgage rates above 10°o have 2. Encourage upgrading of substandard housing through priced many families out of the housing market. For example. a public and private actions. tamily making $15,000 would need to spend 38°0 of its gross income to afford the principal and interest alone on a S40.000 house (30-year loan with intarest rate = 15°0), with a down _ payment of$2,000.Most lending institutions will not grant a loan Infroduction to a family spending as much as 38°io of its gross income on house payments. In Calvert County,the problem is further compounded by the In the 1970's. the number of dwelling units in Calvert County demand for housing generated by the families moving in from increased by 62°0. Still, many county residents find it difficult or other jurisdictions. Those seeking to relocate into the County impossible to obtain housing to meet their needs. have usually been second or third time homeowners and have Causing the problem are two major shortages—a lack of va- been able to finance moderately expensive homes. Therefore, riety of hc�sing rypes and a lack of suitable houses for low and developers have generally found it profitable to build for this derate mcome families. Another difficulty with housing in the market and low and moderate income families are not able to �ty is the number of substandard dwellings in dire need of compete. The demand for housing has also driven up the cost vements. of lots. ,� o �'. ;.�, `��,�., �► Lack of Variety of � �s � ' # � � k �� .. � .�� '..,. �t !.. � :-� .�� }}}�� ., ��'� Housing Types a� � 'rPF � � � sxr R �� ' Practically all dwelling units in Calvert County are single-family `9 �;' ��`tr� �:� �' ; '�r � ''� detached homes. Many sectors of the county population(senior '�x , `? � 4=, citizens, young singles and young couples) would prefer at- ,�. > . tached units (such as two-family units or townhouses)or apart- " ' � , - ments.The shortage of attached dwelling units and apartments � can be attributed to: - ` "�` � - ,n - .. �. :_Y} • Lack of key facflitles—such as community water, and '�=' ,. � - road access. Most of the county community sewerage fa- "�`"`'� � �.� . , � ..:�.:;-,,:.:;r y�;� �.. ., . . � . cilities already have the maximum number of users allowed. � ��` -�~��-�< Studies are underway for expansion of the Prince Frederick � ` -�^ � �- _ '.r.�� and Beach sewerage systems and a plan has been ap- �-: '� _ � � .,� ',:;;:.�.:�,,,� proved for Solomons. �:, >U.,.:.:. .:.::. :w:.:�^ � .a s.._�.... .. . : • County requlrements on dwelfTng unit densfty.Accord- subsfandard Housing i�g to county regulations. the maximum densiry is nine ' dwelling units per acre. Developers find the density too low In 1978 a housing survey conducted by the County determined to expect a fair return for their investment. (Garden apart- that approximately 5°% of the houses were deteriorated and in ment densities in most suburban counties in Maryland per- need of immediate attention. Part of the problem has been that mit up to 18 dwellings per acre.) the demand for rental housing has forced individuals to rent . _ practically any structure. The lack of apartment bu�ldings has intensified the probtem. �Apartmeni pollcy. As with many areas of the country,the Without readily available rental units, the plight of individuats County does not all�w separate and complete apartments who are evicted or who need emergency housing (due to fire or in the single-family residentiaf "R-1" zone. This can be a spouse abuse) also increases. These people sometimes have disadvantage for families trying to provide a place in their no suitable place to go and often wind up in even more crowded homes for parents and relatives. situations. � 38 . • Exisfing Programs Farmers Home � A number of housing programs are available to county resi- adminisfrafion (FmHA) ents:financial assistance for rent and home purchase as well as s pecial hel p for the elderl y and handic a p ped.Also,the Count y The federal government provides home-ownership loans to assists the consumer by inspecting housing construction to in- �ow and r�oderate income families. For fiscal years t977. 1978 sure that building cade standards are met. and tor fiscal year 1979 through March 31, 1980, a total of 188 loans were approved for new homes. The Housing Off�ce pro- County Housing Office �des assistance in preparing applications. and Housing Aufhority Soufhern Maryland Tri- The Calvert County Housing Office and Housing Authority Couniy Community provide rent subsidy assistance through three programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development . , (HUD). Eligible families pay up to 25°io of their adjusted gross ,qcf►on Comm�ttee Inc. income toward cost of rent and utilities. 1 This organization utilizes funds from the FmHA and Com- 1. Existing Housing Program. Up to 100 families ai a time munity Services Administration to assist low and moderate m- can be assisted in Calvert County. From April 1977 to come tamilies in purchasing single-family houses and in housing October 1980, a total of 585 families requested rent as- rehabilitation. During the 1980 fiscal year, the commiriee as- � sistance. sisted with the construction of 12 homes and the repa�r of 39 2. Alew Consiruction Program. Calvert Pines Apartments homes. (50 units) were constructed through the use oi Maryland Community Development Administration and county funds. The total cost of construction was $1,692.000. Rent sub- �amily Conveyance sidy is provided tor the elderly(age 62 or over) or handi- capped. A total of 191 applications was received between O� �0�� January 1979 and October 1980. 3. Public Family Housing.Twenty-four units are being con- structed in several locations in the County.Between August The County Commissioners recently adopted a change to the � 1980 and October 1980, seventy-one applications were Zoning Ordinance which allows the Planning Commission to received to rent the houses with a rent subsidy. reduce road construction requirements in a subdivision ii al! of Other housing assistance programs sponsored by the the lots are to be conveyed to family members oi lineat dsscent Housing Office and tfie Housing Auihorlty include a Home- or ascent. ownership Loan Program and housing rehabilitation pro- g'e"'S: Review of Site Design 1. The Maryland Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) provides mortgage funds a9a pre- �n� ��„� ��^�� ferred rate oi interest for new homes and housin reha• I I I I �.r bilitation.Fourteen county families have obtained loans for . new hc,mes between January 1977 and October 1980.and Local agencies currently review all residentiat construction to seven county families have obtained loans for house re- protect present and future occupants.This revfew begms at the habilitation. building permit stage where the Health Department checks ior 2. Calvert County provides funds at a preferred rate of inter- the adequacy oi proposed septic field locations.the County En- est. Nine county families have obtained home repair loans 9ineer reviews site access. the Soil Conservation Serv�ce re- since 1978. views soil erosion control practices and the Department of Planning and Zoning reviews lot size and setbacks. The actual construction of the houses is inspected and eval- Housing For uated based on the Southern Standard Building Code—the adopted building code for the County. In addition. no res�denUa' D��'0��1��'� dwelling can be constructed by a builder unless he �s licensed I by the Building Board. (If the house is to be constructed by the homeowner, no building license is required.) All oi these safe- Disabled Cifizens 9uards ere designed to protect unwary purchasers and to pro- ; vide, at a minimum, a sate and healthy place to live. , Calvert AssQCiation for Retarded Citizens, Inc., (CARC) pro- NGW App�O�C/ /�S vides housing opportunities for mentally retarded adults which include teaching of skills necessary for more independent com- munity living. CARC is serving 31 residents in ten homes. Eight Existing new housing and housing rehabilitation prog�ams have houses are owned by CARC.and two homes are rented through been effective in meeting some of the housing needs. County ' iacal HUD Section 8 Rent Subsidy. Three houses are barrier- review has helped to assure quality and durabllrty of phys�ca� free to allow senrices to nonambulatory disabled citizens.CARC's aspects of houses and house lots. Due to the�r lim�ted scope future plans call for further expansion oi residential services, and lack of funding, however, these programs are not abie to especially services to developmentally disabled children. meet alI oi the housing objectives. 39 • p . �w Cost Housing Revised Apartmenf Alfernafives Policy In recent years, custom-built single-family houses have be- The Counry should evaluate its policy which restricts separate come out-of-reach for many county families.There needs to be complete apartments in single-family dwellings in the Residential lower priced housing available to these families. Townhouses "R-1"District.These apartments could be used to house elderiy are one such alternative. However, wide-spread development family members, singles, or young couples so Iong as Health of townhouses will probably not be feasible until community Department requirements are met. sewerage is available. The use of duplexes,triplexes and four- plexes on one septic system may be a feasible alternative where soils are suitable. Mobile homes are another means of providing more reason- /��w��/ D,A,�j�i�� able houses.On June 15, 1976,the Department of Housing and j (� (,, �� Urban Development (HUD) raised the construction standards for mobile homes. Since the inception of the new code, HUD Unit Densiiy has conducted research which indicates that the new mobile homes are as durable as conventional construction and are no Because permitted dwelling unit density for multi-family de- more susceptible to fire than conventional homes.They are not velopments in Calvert County is low, it is not profitable to build likely to be blown over so long as the units are installed with a them. The dwelling unit density should be increased in desig- proper wind-stabilization system. nated Town Centers which are served by community water and With proper site orientation,underskirting oi carriage and land- sewerage. scaping, such mobile homes can be placed in many areas with- out adversely impacting the communiry. Recommendations 1. Continue to formulate and deve�oo hous�rC pCpG�- tunities for County res�derts��,h sAec�a��eecs—�he �elusionary Zoning Physically handicapped. �he aged aro ia~�:es .ti�h (ow and moderate incones. 2. Pursue a basis for increasea �se of d�p;exes. ?n- One method of providing low cost housing without use Of plexes and fourplexes. fn the Residen;iai R-1 D�s- public funds would be to require a percentage of lots in a sub- trict. divisi�n to be for low and moderate income families. Another 3. Revise the Zoning Ordinance to perm�t greater �se � met��odwouldbetogivebuilders�develope�sincentivesbygranting of mobile homes meetmg HUD cons;ruct�on s�an- additional lots in a subdivision if the developer provides low cost dards. houses in that subdivision or another subdivision. These meth- 4. Consider inclusionary zoning by incentive as a means ods are called inclusionary zoning, of providing low and moderate inco;ne housing. 5. Consider adopting a housing code �•�th spec�a� em- phasis on incentives for upg�ading renta! ho�sing. 6. Consider the use of separate. ccmp�ete apzrtmerts within homes. 7. Provide for increased mu�ti-family dwe�!ing unit den- Preparation and sity in the Town Centers of Soiamons. P��nce F�ed- enck. and the Twin Beach towns. 8. Identify all county, state. feaera� and �riva'e reha- Adopfion of a County bilitation programs and take affi�rma,ive s;e 9s�o rc'�fy owners of substandard housm which pro rar�s a•e available fo them. Housing Code 9• Explore new methods of assisting res�dents who are not able to receive assistance from rehabll�tation loan A housing code sets standards for the physical properties of p�ograms. . dwellings. A housing cade can help to maintain and improve �0. Review eviction procedures with�n the County. • housing quality. 11. Support temporary means of caring for ev�cted fam- . Rental properties are usually the first to show deterioration. ilies. fire victims and abused spouses. These should be given close attention by the reviewing agency. 12• Rev�ew. at least biennially, regulations. codes. and One word of caution: If the County adopts a housing code, it P�ocedures relating to housing development to ei�m- should also implement new housing and housing rehabilitation inate unnecessary restrictions, while insuring safe proarams to assist those ejected by landlords who decide to and proper development. . �e substandard units vacant. 13. Consider sewerage hook-up priority for proposed ny rural substandard homes provide necessary shelter but subdivisions that commit at least 25°0 of the units;o � not be brought up to code by the owners. Rather than re- �ow income housing. quiring that these units meet the standards or be destroyed, emphasis should be on providing basic imp�ovements which are oi obvious vaiue to the households. 40