Housing Readiness Report

Local housing programs, as part of a housing element, have significant impacts on a city or county reaching its affordable housing goals. Each additional housing policy has a significant impact on the residents who are most in need of affordable housing. However, the number of programs that a jurisdiction includes in their housing element is not meant to imply how well a city or county is addressing local housing needs since the quality and impact of each will need to be determined as well.

PROGRAM NUMBER	ACTIONS	DELIVERABLE	DELIVERABLE DATE
H-1	Adequate Sites for Housing. The City will monitor the sites inventory annually, and as projects are processed through the Community Development Department, to ensure sufficient capacity is maintained throughout the planning period to accommodate the City’s RHNA. Should the City fall into a no-net-loss situation, the City will identify a replacement site within 180 days to ensure the remaining RHNA is being met.		Annually monitor as projects are processed.
H-2	The City will encourage the construction of ADUs throughout the city through the following actions, which are aimed at providing an increased supply of affordable units and therefore help reduce displacement risk for low-income households and increase mobility: • Amend the municipal code to be consistent with the latest state legislation related to ADUs, ensuring that ADUs are permitted in all zones that permit single-family or multifamily uses, and permit the construction of a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) on each lot in addition to an ADU, in accordance with California Government Code Section 65852.2. The City will promote and incentivize construction of new accessory dwelling units through the following actions, which are aimed at providing an increased supply of affordable units throughout the city, thereby increasing housing mobility opportunities: • Post information on City’s website and the Chamber of Commerce newsletter to inform property owners of the standards for ADU development, permitting procedures, and construction resources. • Encourage developers, as projects are proposed, to design floor plans for all new market rate residential units to accommodate future conversions to ADUs/JADUs.	4 ADUs (2 moderate and 2 above moderate) to improve housing mobility opportunities for above moderate-income households in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas.	Amend the Municipal Code to comply with state law and make ADU materials available by December 2023; discuss opportunities with developers and/or property owners as projects are submitted to the Community Development Department.
H-3	The City will work with housing developers to expand opportunities for affordable lower-income housing for special-needs groups, including persons with physical and developmental disabilities, femaleheaded households, large families, extremely low-income households, and persons experiencing homelessness by creating partnerships, providing incentives, and pursuing funding opportunities. • Negotiate with affordable housing sponsors about specific development standards, parking standards, development fee reductions, and reimbursement of fees that may contribute to a reduction in the cost of housing for low- and moderate-income households. • Provide design flexibilities in accordance with the State Density Bonus Law. • Promote the use of the density bonus ordinance, application process streamlining, and fee deferrals to encourage affordable housing, with an emphasis on encouraging affordable housing in higher-resource areas and areas with limited rental opportunities currently. • Facilitate the approval process for land divisions, lot line adjustments, and/or specific plans or master plans resulting in parcel sizes that enable affordable housing development and process fee deferrals related to the subdivision for projects affordable to lower-income households. • Give priority permit processing to projects providing affordable housing for special-needs groups or with units in a range of sizes. • Establish a written policy and or procedure to provide to specify the Senate Bill (SB) 35 streamlining approval process and standards for eligible projects under Government Code Section 65913.4 by December 2023.	20 lower-income units to reduce overpayment and displacement risk, as well as facilitating housing mobility for target populations. 30 multifamily units, ranging from duplexes to apartment units, to provide housing mobility opportunities for a range of household types and sizes. Focus will be in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas.	Ongoing, as projects are processed by the City. Annually apply for funding
H-4	The City will seek to leverage financial resources and work with qualified sponsors to support affordable housing through applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, Self Help Housing (CalHome Program), HOME funding, collecting the Low-Income Density Bonus Fee, and pursuing other financing resources, as appropriate. A particular emphasis will be placed on pursuing development programs and funds that meet extremely low-, very low- and low-income needs. The City will make available an information sheet, and add a link on the City’s website, to provide information to the public regarding the availability of these programs. The City will seek and pursue funding opportunities and prioritize local resources as available to assist in the development and rehabilitation of housing for extremely low- income households. As part of seeking funding and working with stakeholders, the City will at least annually evaluate funding and alternatives for incentives such as fee waivers, priority processing, and facilitating entitlements to assist in the development of housing for extremely low-income households.	30 units affordable to lower-income households to reduce displacement risk in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas.	Apply for funding on an annual basis. Organizations will be contacted annually regarding available funding. City Council will update at least once a year as part of the annual reporting process (Government Code Section 65400).
H-5	The City will work with housing providers to ensure that special housing needs and the needs of lower-income households are addressed for large families, female-headed households, female-headed households with children, persons with physical and developmental disabilities, extremely low-income households, and individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The City will seek to meet these special housing needs through a combination of density bonuses, regulatory incentives, zoning standards, new housing construction programs, and supportive services programs. • Provide density bonuses and consider fee reductions for developers who include large-family units in rental housing developments. • Work with the North Bay Regional Center to implement an outreach program that informs households in the city about housing and services available for persons with developmental disabilities. The program could include the development of an informational brochure, including information on services on the City’s website, and providing housing-related training for individuals/families through workshops. • Pursue grants such as HOME matching grants, Community Development Block Grant, Farmworker Housing Grant Program, and other appropriate federal and state funding, to use in incentivizing development of specialneeds housing of all types. • Encourage the development of single-room occupancy (SRO) facilities, transitional and supportive housing, and other special housing arrangements, including committing City funds to help affordable housing developers provide SRO facilities consistent with the Single-Room Occupancy Ordinance. • Provide incentives which may include fee deferrals, parking reductions, and streamline review of housing that is not age-restricted to facilitate housing mobility and reduce displacement risk for families and individuals whose needs are not met by recent age-restricted development.	Incentivize, support, and encourage the construction of 30 accessible units in close proximity to services and other resources in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas or east of Highway 12, to facilitate mobility opportunities.	Ongoing; as projects are processed by the Planning Division. Meet with North Bay Regional Center by December 2023, to identify program opportunities; develop outreach program and begin implementation by December 2024, with outreach efforts or activities occurring at least annually thereafter.
H-6	While residents currently have access to the State First Time Homebuyer, the City will apply for funding and consider the implementation of a local first-time homebuyer program to provide down payment assistance and closing cost assistance to low-income first-time homebuyers to reduce displacement of prospective homebuyers potentially priced out of the community. The City will promote the availability of this program in areas with concentrations of renters, particularly low-income renters.	Connect two first-time buyers with assistance programs annually to facilitate housing mobility opportunities.	Develop informational materials about state programs by December 2023, updating annually as needed. Distribute and post on the City’s website and in City buildings by April 2024. Apply for funding to establish a local first-time homebuyer program annually, or as funding is available. When funding is secured, establish a local program and develop informational materials within one year.
H-7	Though there are not currently any affordable units at -risk of converting to market- rate, the City shall maintain and update the affordable housing database as a mechanism to monitor and identify units at risk of losing their affordability subsidies or requirements. For complexes at risk of converting to market rate, the City shall: • Contact property owners of units at risk of converting to market-rate housing within one year of affordability expiration to discuss the City’s desire to preserve complexes as affordable housing. • Coordinate with owners of expiring subsidies to ensure the required notices to tenants are sent out at 3 years, 12 months, and 6 months. • Reach out to agencies interested in purchasing and/or managing at-risk units. • Work with tenants to provide education regarding tenant rights and conversion procedures pursuant to California law.	Preserve lower-income units as funding expires to reduce displacement risk.	Annually monitor units at risk of converting; coordinate noticing as required by California law.
H-8	The Solano County Housing Authority administers the Section 8 program for Rio Vista. In partnership with the Housing Authority, the City will implement a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) education program to share information about the program and available incentives with rental property owners and managers and trainings on avoiding discriminatory practices based on income or other protected classes. The City will distribute this information to property owners and managers across the city, increasing marketing as needed in areas with a lower proportion of voucher holders and in high resource areas, to improve access to affordable housing in all areas of the city and facilitate mobility opportunities for lowerincome households throughout the city.	Assist the Solano County Housing Authority with publicizing the Section 8 program at least biannually in the City’s newsletter to facilitate access to housing mobility opportunities. The City will also publish the names and contact information for the complexes in the Rio Vista area that market units to Section 8 voucher holders on the City’s website. The City will also seek funding annually to support a biannual training for landlords or informational materials on source of income discrimination to address displacement risk stemming from discrimination. These efforts will be focused in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas, or east of Highway 12.	Post information on the City’s website by December 2023, update annually; publish information in the City newsletter at least biannually with targeted outreach in high resource areas.
H-9	The City will encourage additional housing resources for extremely low-income residents, particularly seniors and persons with physical or developmental disabilities, through a variety of actions, including: • Provide financial support annually, as available, to organizations that provide counseling, information, education, support, housing services/referrals, and/or legal advice to extremely low-income households, to mitigate risk of displacement and support housing stability for extremely low-income households, persons with disabilities, and persons experiencing homelessness. • Expand regulatory incentives for the development of units affordable to extremely low-income households and housing for special-needs groups, including persons with disabilities (including developmental disabilities), and individuals and families in need of emergency/transitional housing. • Encourage the development of single-room occupancy (SRO) facilities, transitional and supportive housing, and other special housing arrangements. The City of Rio Vista will also propose that CAP Solano establish a working group consisting of developers, participating nonprofit organizations, service providers, community stakeholders, and other relevant organizations, to establish a countywide strategy for promoting and assisting in the development of housing for extremely low- income households.	30 lower-income units, including 15 units for extremely low-income households to prevent displacement, reduce overpayment burdens, and provide mobility options, prioritizing areas with relatively higher income or new master planned areas	Ongoing, as projects are processed by the Community Development Department. By December 2024, conduct outreach to organizations that support extremely low-income residents to understand funding needs; review and prioritize local funding at least twice in the planning period; and support expediting applications on an ongoing basis. Propose working group to CAP Solano by July 2023; if accepted, assist with at least annual meetings of the working group
H-10	The City will cooperate with neighboring cities, the County, and other agencies in the development of programs aimed at providing homeless shelters and related services. During this coordination, the City will determine what actions to take, such as providing education on the financial assistance and programs available.	Connect at least 5 residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness with assistance programs and resources to help identify housing opportunities or reduce displacement risk.	Meet with homeless organizations biannually; make informational materials on homelessness resources available by December 2023
H-11	As a part of the assistance provided by the Solano County Regional Housing Element Collaborative efforts, the City will partner with the Collaborative to make the required amendments to the Rio Vista Zoning Ordinance to address the following development standards and barriers to special-needs housing. • Employee Housing: Treat employee/farmworker housing that serves six or fewer persons as a single-family structure and permit it in the same manner as other single-family structures of the same type within the same zone across all zones that allow single-family residential uses. Treat employee/farmworker housing consisting of no more than 12 units or 36 beds as an agricultural use and permit it in the same manner as other agricultural uses in the same zone, in compliance with the California Employee Housing Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6). • Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permit transitional housing and supportive housing as a residential use and only subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone (Government Code Section 65583(a)(5). Additionally, allow supportive housing in multifamily and mixed-use zones (Government Code Section 65651(AB 2162)). • Low-Barrier Navigation Centers: Permit low-barrier navigation centers by right in zones where mixed -uses are allowed or in nonresidential zones that permit multifamily housing (Government Code Section 65662 (AB 101)). • Single-Room Occupancy Units: Define single-room occupancy units in compliance with Government Code Section 65583(c)(1) and identify at least one zone where they will be permitted. • Residential Care Facilities: Allow residential care facilities for six or fewer persons, in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 1568.0831, and allow residential care facilities, regardless of size, in all zones that permit residential uses of the same type, in accordance with the City’s definition of family. • Emergency Shelters: Review and revise as necessary to allow sufficient parking to accommodate all staff working in the emergency shelter, provided that the standards do not require more parking for emergency shelters than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone, in compliance with Government Code Section 65583(a)(4)(A)(ii). • General Parking Standards. The City will reduce parking standards for studio and one-bedroom units and special needs housing to mitigate possible constraints on development.	30 units; of these, encourage 20 units in areas with close proximity to resources and services to improve access to opportunity for lower-income and special-needs persons.	Complete Zoning Code Amendments by December 2024.
H-12	The City will continue to comply with California Government Code Section 65915, as revised and will promote the use of Density Bonuses to increase the supply of affordable housing in an effort to reduce displacement risk through increased supply and promote housing mobility opportunities. The City will produce informational materials on Density Bonus requirements and opportunities that will be made available at City Hall and on the City’s website, and provided to developers annually and when discussing projects.	Facilitate the construction of 15 lower-income units to increase mobility opportunities and reduce displacement risk; encourage density bonus units in high resource areas.	Create informational materials by December 2023 and provide information to developers annually; update as changes are made to State Density Bonus requirements.
H-13	Consistent with the General Plan’s Community Character and Design Element, the City will adopt Objective Design Standards for new developments. Objective standards would ensure that future development projects are compatible with the character and setting of Rio Vista.	15 units over the planning period; of these, 10 units in high opportunity areas to promote access to resources and mobility for target households.	Adopt by December 2024, implement after adoption.
H-14	The City will continually seek to improve development review and procedures to minimize the time required for review and project approval. This reduction in time will reduce the cost to developers and may increase housing production in the city. The City will also annually review and revise fees as necessary. Additionally, the City will establish a written policy and/or procedure, and other guidance as appropriate, to specify the Senate Bill (SB) 35 streamlining approval process and standards for eligible projects under Government Code Section 65913.4. The application will be available on the City’s website for developers interested in pursuing the streamlined process.		Annually review and revise, starting in June 2023. Develop a SB 35 streamlined approval process by June 2024 and implement as applications are received.
H-15	As new uniform codes are adopted every three years by the California Building Standards Commission, the City will review and revise its building codes for current compliance and adopt the necessary revisions to further local development objectives. The City will also continue to ensure that all construction projects requiring building permits comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as provided by the Uniform Building Code. The City will assist property owners and contractors in complying with ADA requirements when retrofit or rehabilitation projects are initiated for public or commercial structures.		Annually review and update the City’s building codes and as new codes are adopted by the State of California.
H-16	The City will continue to implement code enforcement activities on a complaint basis and if needed, will enact a proactive code enforcement for ensuring compliance with building and property maintenance codes, which will include property maintenance, abandoned vehicles, housing conditions, overall blight, and health and safety concerns. To ensure the City has an accurate percentage of the homes in need of rehabilitation and replacement, the City will complete a Housing Conditions Survey in older neighborhoods and neighborhoods with lower median incomes, to evaluate rehabilitation need. Based on findings of the focused evaluation, the City will identify measures to encourage housing preservation, conservation, and acquisition rehabilitation, and mitigate potential costs, displacement and relocation impacts on residents. These measures may include, but are not limited to: • Streamline permit review for home repairs on housing units identified during the conditions survey. • Seek funding to offer relocation assistance to low-income tenants or owners displaced during rehabilitation efforts. • Seek funding to develop a housing rehabilitation program (see H-17).	Reduce displacement risk for five lower-income households and facilitate place-based revitalization (see H-15).	Conduct code enforcement on a complaint basis and evaluate the need for a proactive basis by December 2025, implement a proactive code enforcement within 8 months, if need is identified. Complete a Housing Conditions Survey by December 2023 and determine next steps by June 2024.
H-17	To assist homeowners with property maintenance and to reduce displacement risk, the City will seek appropriate funding through the CalHome Program and the CDBG Program to provide housing rehabilitation loans and weatherization services for all residents, with a targeted emphasis on promoting the availability of this funding in areas of concentrated poverty or overpayment.	Reduce displacement risk for lower-income households and facilitate place-based revitalization by seeking funding to assist at least 5 households with rehabilitation efforts.	Starting in April 2023, apply for funding annually, and as NOFAs are released.
H-18	Fair housing is defined as a condition where individuals of similar incomes in the same housing market have a like range of choice available to them regardless of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, or other such factors. To comply with AB 686, the City has included an Assessment of Fair Housing in this Housing Element and identified the following actions to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH). • Implement the following actions: − Actions to support place-based revitalization: H-16, H-17, H-19 − Actions to encourage affordable housing in high resource areas: H-8, H12 − Actions to facilitate housing mobility opportunities: H-2, H-5, H-6, H-8, H12, H-13 − Actions to reduce displacement risk: H-2, H-4, H-5, H-6, H-7, H-9, H-12, • By March 2024, further fair housing practices in the community by publicizing and providing information on fair housing laws and owner and renter rights and responsibilities, as well as referrals to the local fair housing hotline. In addition, the City will include the fair housing complaint hotline number on City housing flyers and on the City’s website. • Establish a procedure by which aggrieved parties can notify the City of unfair housing practices and the City will in turn refer the matter to local, state, and federal agencies. • Seek funding annually to contract directly with a fair housing service provider, such as Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California (FHANC). • With or without an ongoing contract, coordinate with local fair housing service providers to conduct biannual trainings for landlords and tenants on fair housing laws, rights, and responsibilities and ongoing access to legal counseling. • By December 2024, provide information on the City’s website about affordable homeownership and rental options in the city and update as new opportunities become available. By request, help lower-income households locate affordable housing opportunities. • Work with Solano Mobility to develop a fact sheet, or similar informational materials, of Solano Mobility programs to be posted on the City’s website, social media, and in public buildings by December 2024, and advertised annually in the City’s newsletter to help connect seniors and other residents to services in the city and throughout the county. • Conduct a survey of unmet transit needs at least once during the planning period and, if a need is identified, apply for funding annually after the survey to expand or change Rio Vista Delta Breeze routes. • Meet with the River Delta Unified School District annually, beginning in 2023, to identify strategies to ensure school facilities needs are addressed in a manner that allows and supports the development of non-age-restricted housing. • Facilitate place-based revitalization and promote healthy environments for new housing by evaluating transitional buffers between residential and nonresidential uses, investing in active transportation infrastructure, and working with Solano County to reduce impacts associated with solid waste and agricultural uses. Meet with Solano County at least biannually to discuss best practices for reducing impacts of nonresidential uses and identify funding for active transportation infrastructure in the City’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program. • Coordinate a meeting with local developers of affordable housing, including developers of alternative options such as community land trusts, at least once by June 2025 to discuss opportunities to build affordable homeownership opportunities. • As part of the City’s CIP process, prioritize sidewalks, streetscapes, facades, infrastructure, community facilities and amenities to promote place-based revitalization.	Connect 25 lower income households with fair housing counseling and/or fair housing services, education, address barriers and facilitate place-based revitalization. Focus efforts in the core residential, as well as within new master planned areas.	Refer to each strategy in the AFFH program for specific timeframes.
H-19	Promote energy and natural resource conservation and reduce greenhouse gases: • Provide outreach and education to developers and residents on green building and ways to incorporate sustainability in project design and existing structures. • Advertise the availability of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and Residential Solar Rebate Programs. • Distribute information from PG&E and others that detail energy conservation measures and resources for existing buildings and new construction. • Advertise PG&E assistance programs for low-income households who want to make their homes energy efficient through the Energy Savings Assistance Program • Encourage developers to be innovative in designing energy-efficient homes and improving the energy efficiency of new construction. • Promote California’s Low-Income Weatherization Program, which provides low-income households with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to residents.	Help to connect 10 lower-income households with energy conservation and weatherization assistance to reduce displacement risk and facilitate place-based revitalization through home improvements.	Make information available on the City’s website and in public places, such as City Hall, by July 2023.
H-20	Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c), any non-vacant sites identified in the prior fifth Cycle or vacant sites identified two or more consecutive planning periods, shall be provided by-right development when at least 20 percent of the units in the proposed development are affordable to lower-income households.		Upon adoption of the Housing Element.

PROGRAM NUMBER

ACTIONS

DELIVERABLE

DELIVERABLE DATE

H-1

Adequate Sites for Housing. The City will monitor the sites inventory annually, and as projects are processed through the Community Development Department, to ensure sufficient capacity is maintained throughout the planning period to accommodate the City’s RHNA. Should the City fall into a no-net-loss situation, the City will identify a replacement site within 180 days to ensure the remaining RHNA is being met.

Annually monitor as projects are processed.

H-2

The City will encourage the construction of ADUs throughout the city through the following actions, which are aimed at providing an increased supply of affordable units and therefore help reduce displacement risk for low-income households and increase mobility: • Amend the municipal code to be consistent with the latest state legislation related to ADUs, ensuring that ADUs are permitted in all zones that permit single-family or multifamily uses, and permit the construction of a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) on each lot in addition to an ADU, in accordance with California Government Code Section 65852.2. The City will promote and incentivize construction of new accessory dwelling units through the following actions, which are aimed at providing an increased supply of affordable units throughout the city, thereby increasing housing mobility opportunities: • Post information on City’s website and the Chamber of Commerce newsletter to inform property owners of the standards for ADU development, permitting procedures, and construction resources. • Encourage developers, as projects are proposed, to design floor plans for all new market rate residential units to accommodate future conversions to ADUs/JADUs.

4 ADUs (2 moderate and 2 above moderate) to improve housing mobility opportunities for above moderate-income households in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas.

Amend the Municipal Code to comply with state law and make ADU materials available by December 2023; discuss opportunities with developers and/or property owners as projects are submitted to the Community Development Department.

H-3

The City will work with housing developers to expand opportunities for affordable lower-income housing for special-needs groups, including persons with physical and developmental disabilities, femaleheaded households, large families, extremely low-income households, and persons experiencing homelessness by creating partnerships, providing incentives, and pursuing funding opportunities. • Negotiate with affordable housing sponsors about specific development standards, parking standards, development fee reductions, and reimbursement of fees that may contribute to a reduction in the cost of housing for low- and moderate-income households. • Provide design flexibilities in accordance with the State Density Bonus Law. • Promote the use of the density bonus ordinance, application process streamlining, and fee deferrals to encourage affordable housing, with an emphasis on encouraging affordable housing in higher-resource areas and areas with limited rental opportunities currently. • Facilitate the approval process for land divisions, lot line adjustments, and/or specific plans or master plans resulting in parcel sizes that enable affordable housing development and process fee deferrals related to the subdivision for projects affordable to lower-income households. • Give priority permit processing to projects providing affordable housing for special-needs groups or with units in a range of sizes. • Establish a written policy and or procedure to provide to specify the Senate Bill (SB) 35 streamlining approval process and standards for eligible projects under Government Code Section 65913.4 by December 2023.

20 lower-income units to reduce overpayment and displacement risk, as well as facilitating housing mobility for target populations. 30 multifamily units, ranging from duplexes to apartment units, to provide housing mobility opportunities for a range of household types and sizes. Focus will be in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas.

Ongoing, as projects are processed by the City. Annually apply for funding

H-4

The City will seek to leverage financial resources and work with qualified sponsors to support affordable housing through applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, Self Help Housing (CalHome Program), HOME funding, collecting the Low-Income Density Bonus Fee, and pursuing other financing resources, as appropriate. A particular emphasis will be placed on pursuing development programs and funds that meet extremely low-, very low- and low-income needs. The City will make available an information sheet, and add a link on the City’s website, to provide information to the public regarding the availability of these programs. The City will seek and pursue funding opportunities and prioritize local resources as available to assist in the development and rehabilitation of housing for extremely low- income households. As part of seeking funding and working with stakeholders, the City will at least annually evaluate funding and alternatives for incentives such as fee waivers, priority processing, and facilitating entitlements to assist in the development of housing for extremely low-income households.

30 units affordable to lower-income households to reduce displacement risk in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas.

Apply for funding on an annual basis. Organizations will be contacted annually regarding available funding. City Council will update at least once a year as part of the annual reporting process (Government Code Section 65400).

H-5

The City will work with housing providers to ensure that special housing needs and the needs of lower-income households are addressed for large families, female-headed households, female-headed households with children, persons with physical and developmental disabilities, extremely low-income households, and individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The City will seek to meet these special housing needs through a combination of density bonuses, regulatory incentives, zoning standards, new housing construction programs, and supportive services programs. • Provide density bonuses and consider fee reductions for developers who include large-family units in rental housing developments. • Work with the North Bay Regional Center to implement an outreach program that informs households in the city about housing and services available for persons with developmental disabilities. The program could include the development of an informational brochure, including information on services on the City’s website, and providing housing-related training for individuals/families through workshops. • Pursue grants such as HOME matching grants, Community Development Block Grant, Farmworker Housing Grant Program, and other appropriate federal and state funding, to use in incentivizing development of specialneeds housing of all types. • Encourage the development of single-room occupancy (SRO) facilities, transitional and supportive housing, and other special housing arrangements, including committing City funds to help affordable housing developers provide SRO facilities consistent with the Single-Room Occupancy Ordinance. • Provide incentives which may include fee deferrals, parking reductions, and streamline review of housing that is not age-restricted to facilitate housing mobility and reduce displacement risk for families and individuals whose needs are not met by recent age-restricted development.

Incentivize, support, and encourage the construction of 30 accessible units in close proximity to services and other resources in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas or east of Highway 12, to facilitate mobility opportunities.

Ongoing; as projects are processed by the Planning Division. Meet with North Bay Regional Center by December 2023, to identify program opportunities; develop outreach program and begin implementation by December 2024, with outreach efforts or activities occurring at least annually thereafter.

H-6

While residents currently have access to the State First Time Homebuyer, the City will apply for funding and consider the implementation of a local first-time homebuyer program to provide down payment assistance and closing cost assistance to low-income first-time homebuyers to reduce displacement of prospective homebuyers potentially priced out of the community. The City will promote the availability of this program in areas with concentrations of renters, particularly low-income renters.

Connect two first-time buyers with assistance programs annually to facilitate housing mobility opportunities.

Develop informational materials about state programs by December 2023, updating annually as needed. Distribute and post on the City’s website and in City buildings by April 2024. Apply for funding to establish a local first-time homebuyer program annually, or as funding is available. When funding is secured, establish a local program and develop informational materials within one year.

H-7

Though there are not currently any affordable units at -risk of converting to market- rate, the City shall maintain and update the affordable housing database as a mechanism to monitor and identify units at risk of losing their affordability subsidies or requirements. For complexes at risk of converting to market rate, the City shall: • Contact property owners of units at risk of converting to market-rate housing within one year of affordability expiration to discuss the City’s desire to preserve complexes as affordable housing. • Coordinate with owners of expiring subsidies to ensure the required notices to tenants are sent out at 3 years, 12 months, and 6 months. • Reach out to agencies interested in purchasing and/or managing at-risk units. • Work with tenants to provide education regarding tenant rights and conversion procedures pursuant to California law.

Preserve lower-income units as funding expires to reduce displacement risk.

Annually monitor units at risk of converting; coordinate noticing as required by California law.

H-8

The Solano County Housing Authority administers the Section 8 program for Rio Vista. In partnership with the Housing Authority, the City will implement a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) education program to share information about the program and available incentives with rental property owners and managers and trainings on avoiding discriminatory practices based on income or other protected classes. The City will distribute this information to property owners and managers across the city, increasing marketing as needed in areas with a lower proportion of voucher holders and in high resource areas, to improve access to affordable housing in all areas of the city and facilitate mobility opportunities for lowerincome households throughout the city.

Assist the Solano County Housing Authority with publicizing the Section 8 program at least biannually in the City’s newsletter to facilitate access to housing mobility opportunities. The City will also publish the names and contact information for the complexes in the Rio Vista area that market units to Section 8 voucher holders on the City’s website. The City will also seek funding annually to support a biannual training for landlords or informational materials on source of income discrimination to address displacement risk stemming from discrimination. These efforts will be focused in relatively higher income areas or new master planned areas, or east of Highway 12.

Post information on the City’s website by December 2023, update annually; publish information in the City newsletter at least biannually with targeted outreach in high resource areas.

H-9

The City will encourage additional housing resources for extremely low-income residents, particularly seniors and persons with physical or developmental disabilities, through a variety of actions, including: • Provide financial support annually, as available, to organizations that provide counseling, information, education, support, housing services/referrals, and/or legal advice to extremely low-income households, to mitigate risk of displacement and support housing stability for extremely low-income households, persons with disabilities, and persons experiencing homelessness. • Expand regulatory incentives for the development of units affordable to extremely low-income households and housing for special-needs groups, including persons with disabilities (including developmental disabilities), and individuals and families in need of emergency/transitional housing. • Encourage the development of single-room occupancy (SRO) facilities, transitional and supportive housing, and other special housing arrangements. The City of Rio Vista will also propose that CAP Solano establish a working group consisting of developers, participating nonprofit organizations, service providers, community stakeholders, and other relevant organizations, to establish a countywide strategy for promoting and assisting in the development of housing for extremely low- income households.

30 lower-income units, including 15 units for extremely low-income households to prevent displacement, reduce overpayment burdens, and provide mobility options, prioritizing areas with relatively higher income or new master planned areas

Ongoing, as projects are processed by the Community Development Department. By December 2024, conduct outreach to organizations that support extremely low-income residents to understand funding needs; review and prioritize local funding at least twice in the planning period; and support expediting applications on an ongoing basis. Propose working group to CAP Solano by July 2023; if accepted, assist with at least annual meetings of the working group

H-10

The City will cooperate with neighboring cities, the County, and other agencies in the development of programs aimed at providing homeless shelters and related services. During this coordination, the City will determine what actions to take, such as providing education on the financial assistance and programs available.

Connect at least 5 residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness with assistance programs and resources to help identify housing opportunities or reduce displacement risk.

Meet with homeless organizations biannually; make informational materials on homelessness resources available by December 2023

H-11

As a part of the assistance provided by the Solano County Regional Housing Element Collaborative efforts, the City will partner with the Collaborative to make the required amendments to the Rio Vista Zoning Ordinance to address the following development standards and barriers to special-needs housing. • Employee Housing: Treat employee/farmworker housing that serves six or fewer persons as a single-family structure and permit it in the same manner as other single-family structures of the same type within the same zone across all zones that allow single-family residential uses. Treat employee/farmworker housing consisting of no more than 12 units or 36 beds as an agricultural use and permit it in the same manner as other agricultural uses in the same zone, in compliance with the California Employee Housing Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6). • Transitional and Supportive Housing: Permit transitional housing and supportive housing as a residential use and only subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone (Government Code Section 65583(a)(5). Additionally, allow supportive housing in multifamily and mixed-use zones (Government Code Section 65651(AB 2162)). • Low-Barrier Navigation Centers: Permit low-barrier navigation centers by right in zones where mixed -uses are allowed or in nonresidential zones that permit multifamily housing (Government Code Section 65662 (AB 101)). • Single-Room Occupancy Units: Define single-room occupancy units in compliance with Government Code Section 65583(c)(1) and identify at least one zone where they will be permitted. • Residential Care Facilities: Allow residential care facilities for six or fewer persons, in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 1568.0831, and allow residential care facilities, regardless of size, in all zones that permit residential uses of the same type, in accordance with the City’s definition of family. • Emergency Shelters: Review and revise as necessary to allow sufficient parking to accommodate all staff working in the emergency shelter, provided that the standards do not require more parking for emergency shelters than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone, in compliance with Government Code Section 65583(a)(4)(A)(ii). • General Parking Standards. The City will reduce parking standards for studio and one-bedroom units and special needs housing to mitigate possible constraints on development.

30 units; of these, encourage 20 units in areas with close proximity to resources and services to improve access to opportunity for lower-income and special-needs persons.

Complete Zoning Code Amendments by December 2024.

H-12

The City will continue to comply with California Government Code Section 65915, as revised and will promote the use of Density Bonuses to increase the supply of affordable housing in an effort to reduce displacement risk through increased supply and promote housing mobility opportunities. The City will produce informational materials on Density Bonus requirements and opportunities that will be made available at City Hall and on the City’s website, and provided to developers annually and when discussing projects.

Facilitate the construction of 15 lower-income units to increase mobility opportunities and reduce displacement risk; encourage density bonus units in high resource areas.

Create informational materials by December 2023 and provide information to developers annually; update as changes are made to State Density Bonus requirements.

H-13

Consistent with the General Plan’s Community Character and Design Element, the City will adopt Objective Design Standards for new developments. Objective standards would ensure that future development projects are compatible with the character and setting of Rio Vista.

15 units over the planning period; of these, 10 units in high opportunity areas to promote access to resources and mobility for target households.

Adopt by December 2024, implement after adoption.

H-14

The City will continually seek to improve development review and procedures to minimize the time required for review and project approval. This reduction in time will reduce the cost to developers and may increase housing production in the city. The City will also annually review and revise fees as necessary. Additionally, the City will establish a written policy and/or procedure, and other guidance as appropriate, to specify the Senate Bill (SB) 35 streamlining approval process and standards for eligible projects under Government Code Section 65913.4. The application will be available on the City’s website for developers interested in pursuing the streamlined process.

Annually review and revise, starting in June 2023. Develop a SB 35 streamlined approval process by June 2024 and implement as applications are received.

H-15

As new uniform codes are adopted every three years by the California Building Standards Commission, the City will review and revise its building codes for current compliance and adopt the necessary revisions to further local development objectives. The City will also continue to ensure that all construction projects requiring building permits comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as provided by the Uniform Building Code. The City will assist property owners and contractors in complying with ADA requirements when retrofit or rehabilitation projects are initiated for public or commercial structures.

Annually review and update the City’s building codes and as new codes are adopted by the State of California.

H-16

The City will continue to implement code enforcement activities on a complaint basis and if needed, will enact a proactive code enforcement for ensuring compliance with building and property maintenance codes, which will include property maintenance, abandoned vehicles, housing conditions, overall blight, and health and safety concerns. To ensure the City has an accurate percentage of the homes in need of rehabilitation and replacement, the City will complete a Housing Conditions Survey in older neighborhoods and neighborhoods with lower median incomes, to evaluate rehabilitation need. Based on findings of the focused evaluation, the City will identify measures to encourage housing preservation, conservation, and acquisition rehabilitation, and mitigate potential costs, displacement and relocation impacts on residents. These measures may include, but are not limited to: • Streamline permit review for home repairs on housing units identified during the conditions survey. • Seek funding to offer relocation assistance to low-income tenants or owners displaced during rehabilitation efforts. • Seek funding to develop a housing rehabilitation program (see H-17).

Reduce displacement risk for five lower-income households and facilitate place-based revitalization (see H-15).

Conduct code enforcement on a complaint basis and evaluate the need for a proactive basis by December 2025, implement a proactive code enforcement within 8 months, if need is identified. Complete a Housing Conditions Survey by December 2023 and determine next steps by June 2024.

H-17

To assist homeowners with property maintenance and to reduce displacement risk, the City will seek appropriate funding through the CalHome Program and the CDBG Program to provide housing rehabilitation loans and weatherization services for all residents, with a targeted emphasis on promoting the availability of this funding in areas of concentrated poverty or overpayment.

Reduce displacement risk for lower-income households and facilitate place-based revitalization by seeking funding to assist at least 5 households with rehabilitation efforts.

Starting in April 2023, apply for funding annually, and as NOFAs are released.

H-18

Fair housing is defined as a condition where individuals of similar incomes in the same housing market have a like range of choice available to them regardless of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, or other such factors. To comply with AB 686, the City has included an Assessment of Fair Housing in this Housing Element and identified the following actions to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH). • Implement the following actions: − Actions to support place-based revitalization: H-16, H-17, H-19 − Actions to encourage affordable housing in high resource areas: H-8, H12 − Actions to facilitate housing mobility opportunities: H-2, H-5, H-6, H-8, H12, H-13 − Actions to reduce displacement risk: H-2, H-4, H-5, H-6, H-7, H-9, H-12, • By March 2024, further fair housing practices in the community by publicizing and providing information on fair housing laws and owner and renter rights and responsibilities, as well as referrals to the local fair housing hotline. In addition, the City will include the fair housing complaint hotline number on City housing flyers and on the City’s website. • Establish a procedure by which aggrieved parties can notify the City of unfair housing practices and the City will in turn refer the matter to local, state, and federal agencies. • Seek funding annually to contract directly with a fair housing service provider, such as Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California (FHANC). • With or without an ongoing contract, coordinate with local fair housing service providers to conduct biannual trainings for landlords and tenants on fair housing laws, rights, and responsibilities and ongoing access to legal counseling. • By December 2024, provide information on the City’s website about affordable homeownership and rental options in the city and update as new opportunities become available. By request, help lower-income households locate affordable housing opportunities. • Work with Solano Mobility to develop a fact sheet, or similar informational materials, of Solano Mobility programs to be posted on the City’s website, social media, and in public buildings by December 2024, and advertised annually in the City’s newsletter to help connect seniors and other residents to services in the city and throughout the county. • Conduct a survey of unmet transit needs at least once during the planning period and, if a need is identified, apply for funding annually after the survey to expand or change Rio Vista Delta Breeze routes. • Meet with the River Delta Unified School District annually, beginning in 2023, to identify strategies to ensure school facilities needs are addressed in a manner that allows and supports the development of non-age-restricted housing. • Facilitate place-based revitalization and promote healthy environments for new housing by evaluating transitional buffers between residential and nonresidential uses, investing in active transportation infrastructure, and working with Solano County to reduce impacts associated with solid waste and agricultural uses. Meet with Solano County at least biannually to discuss best practices for reducing impacts of nonresidential uses and identify funding for active transportation infrastructure in the City’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program. • Coordinate a meeting with local developers of affordable housing, including developers of alternative options such as community land trusts, at least once by June 2025 to discuss opportunities to build affordable homeownership opportunities. • As part of the City’s CIP process, prioritize sidewalks, streetscapes, facades, infrastructure, community facilities and amenities to promote place-based revitalization.

Connect 25 lower income households with fair housing counseling and/or fair housing services, education, address barriers and facilitate place-based revitalization. Focus efforts in the core residential, as well as within new master planned areas.

Refer to each strategy in the AFFH program for specific timeframes.

H-19

Promote energy and natural resource conservation and reduce greenhouse gases: • Provide outreach and education to developers and residents on green building and ways to incorporate sustainability in project design and existing structures. • Advertise the availability of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and Residential Solar Rebate Programs. • Distribute information from PG&E and others that detail energy conservation measures and resources for existing buildings and new construction. • Advertise PG&E assistance programs for low-income households who want to make their homes energy efficient through the Energy Savings Assistance Program • Encourage developers to be innovative in designing energy-efficient homes and improving the energy efficiency of new construction. • Promote California’s Low-Income Weatherization Program, which provides low-income households with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to residents.

Help to connect 10 lower-income households with energy conservation and weatherization assistance to reduce displacement risk and facilitate place-based revitalization through home improvements.

Make information available on the City’s website and in public places, such as City Hall, by July 2023.

H-20

Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c), any non-vacant sites identified in the prior fifth Cycle or vacant sites identified two or more consecutive planning periods, shall be provided by-right development when at least 20 percent of the units in the proposed development are affordable to lower-income households.

Upon adoption of the Housing Element.

Rio Vista

Housing Programs

6th Cycle Programs

Overview of Program Deliverables

Let us know if we got something wrong.

Take action and get involved