Title
Planning and Building Department recommending the Board receive and file the presentation of the El Dorado County Accessory Dwelling Unit Plans Gallery which will provide the public with options for Accessory Dwelling Unit architectural plans at no cost or subject to licensing fees and provide direction if necessary.
FUNDING: Local Early Action Plan (LEAP) Grant Funding.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 22, 2022, Legistar File 22-0407, the Board approved the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, which adopted objective Housing Policy 1.24, the County shall encourage Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to provide housing that is affordable to very low-, low-, and moderate-income households. To accomplish this adopted policy, Measure HO-9 included six (6) actions including, but not limited to:
• Provide guidance and educational materials for building ADUs on the County’s website, including permitting procedures and construction resources.
• Develop, and offer free of charge, prototype plans for ADUs to reduce permit costs.
With grant funding provided by State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) via the Local Early Action Plan (LEAP) (Legistar File 21-0025), the LEAP Program provides funding to jurisdictions for the preparation and adoption of planning documents and process improvements that accelerate housing production to facilitate compliance in implementing the sixth cycle of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). In an effort to support meeting RHNA numbers and further implementation of HO 1.24, the Planning and Building Department (Department) engaged in Agreement 8468 with Housing El Dorado (HED) and a subconsultant, Community Planning Collaborative (CPC), to develop an ADU Plans Gallery that will offer a variety of ADU architectural plans to homeowners of the unincorporated area of the County; allowing them to obtain the architectural plans for little to no licensing fees. The gallery will also offer direct connections to architects and designers, enabling homeowners to customize the architectural plans to suit their specific build site and requirements.
Per Board Policy C-17, Section 5.2, a Competitive Process was not required for Agreement 8468 as the contract for services is below $100,000.
HED's mission is to "Create and promote affordable housing solutions and support services that nurture individuals and families while encouraging self-sufficiency on the Western Slope of El Dorado County." To that end, one of HED's primary programs, Jumpstart ADU, aims to streamline the construction of ADUs on the Western Slope of El Dorado County. Because of the close alignment of HED and County goals, it makes sense to partner together and leverage each other's resources rather than duplicate efforts.
HED has developed a website, eldoradoadu.org, which offers the public free assistance with ADU questions, how to get started, the process of building, and budgeting. During the ADU Plans Gallery project, the Department has had the opportunity to assist in the redevelopment and review of HED’s existing webpage to ensure consistency of informational checklists and “how-to” documentation that can assist the public throughout the ADU process.
On September 12, 2024, HED conducted a public outreach workshop to receive input focusing on ADU construction and community needs. This event was held via Zoom and in person; fifty-four (54) members of the public attended the public outreach meeting and provided feedback on issues that concerned them the most. Several of the comments focused on cost, permitting processes acceleration, finding a way to offering tax incentives for building low-cost housing, tying in utility and fire access, and overall clarification on the types of acceptable ADUs one can build.
The ADU Plans Gallery (edcadu.org) developed by the Department and CPC, will house forty (40) ADU plans. One (1) plan has been “pre-reviewed” for fire, life, and safety. The “pre-reviewed” plan must still be placed on a site plan for their specific build site and other requirements. With the exception of the “pre-reviewed” plan, the public can select an architectural plan from the ADU Plans Gallery, contract directly with the designer to obtain the architectural plan at no cost or a licensing fee, work with the designer, or an engineer of their choice, to incorporate the ADU architectural plan onto their specific build site for the property and other requirements, and eventually submit these architectural plans, along with other submittal requirements, to the County for the permit review process.
Although the “pre-reviewed” plan is not available for use in the Tahoe Basin, the remaining thirty-nine (39) architectural plans in the ADU Plans Gallery will be available for use. Customers in the Tahoe Basin must first submit an ADU application to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), once approved by TRPA, the customer can then submit a building permit with the County. For more information on TRPA’s process, please visit: https://www.trpa.gov/adus/.
The partnership with HED and CPC is very beneficial to those interested in constructing ADUs on their property. HED can offer tools and a high level of education and assistance to the public that the County cannot provide. As an example, HED provides information for the public to estimate project costs and provides resources for financing. The goal is for potential applicants to fully understand the ADU process from planning and design through construction, including realistic expectations on cost and timelines. This will better prepare applicants, particularly residents who are unfamiliar with the permit and building process, before coming to the County to obtain a building permit. It is anticipated that those who use HED's resources will be better prepared and have a more positive experience.
The Department and HED meet regularly to review this program and to make any necessary adjustments or updates. The Department is very excited to launch this website and looks forward to receiving feedback from the Board and public. In future years, the Department also hopes to utilize additional funding to add more “pre-reviewed” plans as options for County residents.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Information Technology and County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or change to Net County Cost associated with this item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Thriving Economy - Streamline and Increase Transparency of Projects and Permit Processing.
Safe and Healthy Communities - Develop a continuum of support and housing opportunities for unhoused individuals. Continue Engagement with County departments, the homeless community, and countywide partners to develop effective strategies including for example, transitional housing.
CONTACT
Karen L. Garner, Director
Planning and Building Department