Legend General Plan Land Use

Transcription

I SECTION GENERAL PLAN PAGE
Vision Statement Land Use Element Purpose Background Horizon Year and Sphere of Influence Significant Changes in Land Use Designations Land Use Designations Land Use Definitions Lands Considered Most Likely to be developed by 2020 Land Use Goals, Policies and Strategies Circulation Element Purpose Background Motorized Transportation and Indicators of Roadway Efficiency Roadway Classifications Non‐Motorized Transportation Key Circulation Issues Circulation Goals, Policies and Strategies Housing Element Table of Contents Noise Element Purpose Background Community Noise Assessment Existing Noise Environment Noise Goals, Policies and Strategies Resource Conservation and Open Space Introduction Background Purpose Water and Air Resources Wastewater Treatment, Reclaimed Water and Groundwater Recharge Storm Water Air Quality i LU LU‐1 LU‐1 LU‐1 LU‐2 LU‐3 LU‐5 LU‐7 LU‐11 CE CE‐1 CE‐1 CE‐1 CE‐2 CE‐5 CE‐5 CE‐7 HE i NE NE‐1 NE‐1 NE‐2 NE‐3 NE‐7 RC RC‐1 RC‐1 RC‐2 RC‐2 RC‐4 RC‐4 RC‐10 SECTION PAGE
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Mineral and Soil Resources Energy and Sustainable Practices Green Building and Design Solid Waste Open Space Goals, Policies and Strategies Safety Element Purpose Background Police and Fire Protection Barstow Police Department Prevention and Awareness Activities Future Demand for Police and Fire Services Public Safety Goals, Policies and Strategies Emergency Preparedness Emergency Preparation Goals, Policies and Strategies RC‐12 RC‐15 RC‐18 RC‐18 RC‐19 RC‐20 RC‐21 RC‐25 SE SE‐1 SE‐1 SE‐1 SE‐2 SE‐3 SE‐3 SE‐5 SE‐7 II ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Table of Contents i III TECHNICAL REPORTS Biological Technical Report Air Quality Analysis Report Greenhouse Gas Analysis Report Traffic Study Noise Impact Analysis Tab 1 Tab 2 Tab 3 Tab 4 Tab 5 LAND USE ELEMENT Purpose The Land Use Element establishes the vision of Barstow for its long‐term development. The City has carefully reviewed development patterns and made modifications in order to better reflect changes in the city’s development objectives and state land use and environmental quality guidelines and directives. This Element reflects the City’s core values as enunciated in the General Plan Vision Statement. It focuses on the protection and enhancement of existing neighborhoods and the establishment of newly developed land uses designed to better serve existing residents, entice new residents to relocate to the community and provide a wider range of employment opportunities and commercial goods and services for inhabitants of Barstow and the surrounding area. Background The legal framework for the Land Use Element is established in Government Code Section 65300 et. seq., which requires that all municipalities adopt land use plans for residential, commercial, industrial, open space and other uses for all lands within their boundaries. The Land Use Element affects all other Elements, but especially the Circulation Element, which is designed to assure that the City’s land use pattern can be supported through an effective and efficient circulation system, as well as the Housing Element, which assures that adequate plans are made to accommodate residential opportunities for individuals and families across the household income spectrum. The Land Use Element also relates to all other elements, including Open Space and Conservation, which provides the basis for assuring that the City’s environment remains conducive to healthy living on the part of its residents and that key resources such as air quality, biological diversity and open space continue to be protected and enhanced as the community develops. Horizon Year and Sphere of Influence The “horizon year” of this General Plan is 2020; beyond the horizon year there is insufficient information to forecast in an informed manner the likely pattern, intensity and pace of future urban growth. Consequently, the population, housing, commercial and industrial growth estimates upon which this plan is based, as well as the environmental analysis that forms the basis of the Master Environmental Impact Report accompanying the General Plan are based upon development that analysis suggests is likely to occur by 2020. Between 2000 and 2010 population growth in Barstow occurred at a rate of approximately .7 percent annually; in the ensuing three years this growth rate remained essentially the same. For the remainder of the 2010 – 2020 decade (and for the purposes of the General Plan and Master EIR), population and housing growth are anticipated to occur at a 2.0 percent annual rate. The land use designations, goals and policies contained in this General Plan are intended to accommodate this level of projected future growth within the existing city boundaries, possibly augmented by lands that could potentially be annexed by 2020. LU‐1 In addition to lands within the city boundaries and likely annexation areas, this plan contains designations for properties that fall outside the city but within its “Sphere of Influence”. Under State law, Barstow’s Sphere of Influence has been established by the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo). The Sphere of Influence defines the probable ultimate boundaries of the City at “build out”, i.e. the point at which the City has grown to its maximum population capacity. In light of Barstow’s historically low rate of population growth, the vast amount of unincorporated land included in the city’s Sphere of Influence (more than twice the acreage that falls within the current city limits) and the high cost of connecting most of these lands to the city’s water and sewer infrastructure, most of the lands that fall outside of the city limits and beyond the properties likely to be annexed by 2020 are highly unlikely to be developed within the time frame encompassed by this General Plan. These lands have, therefore, been assigned an Interim Open Space/Resource Conservation land use designation. Over time, as the General Plan is subsequently revised and the viability of these lands as sites for development increases, it is intended that lands within this interim designation will ultimately be designated and developed for urban land uses. This approach to land use planning assures that the city’s development occurs in a manner that is both economically and environmentally viable and sustainable. Significant Changes in Land Use Designations and Policies Since Previous General Plan The previous draft of Barstow’s General Plan was approved in 1997. At that time, most lands located on the periphery of the developed portion of the City’s Sphere of Influence carried a “Specific Plan” land use designation, which meant that in order for these lands to be developed a specific plan needed to be proposed and submitted by the property owner or his/her representative. This posed a constraint to the development of roughly two‐thirds of the land within the City’s Sphere of Influence, all of which were designated “Specific Plan” on the General Plan Land Use Diagram. The cost of preparing and submitting a specific plan accompanied by its requisite environmental documentation, combined with other factors such as the 2008‐2012 economic downturn, likely contributed to the complete absence of development of any of the properties so designated over the past 18 years. In an effort to address this dilemma, the revised General Plan Land Use Diagram provides greater specificity with regard to land use designations throughout the planning area. Additionally, the revised General Plan is accompanied by a Master Environmental Impact Report that contains analysis of the likely impacts of development expected to occur within the 2015‐20 time horizon of the document, along with mitigation measures, designed to streamline the process of obtaining approval of development projects proposed under the General Plan while addressing State requirements for environmental review and mitigation. Another important development that has occurred since the 1997 adoption of the previous General Plan is the designation of the vast majority of lands located north of Old Highway 58 within and adjacent to the City’s Sphere of Influence as part of the Superior‐Cronese Area of Critical Environmental Concern by the federal Bureau of Land Management under the authority of the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act. The designation resulted primarily from the LU‐2 determination that these lands comprise critical habitat for the endangered Mojave Desert Tortoise. For all practical purposes, the effect of this designation is to preclude these lands, as well as those located in close proximity to them, from being developed for urban uses due to the exhaustive and extensive federal and state permitting and mitigation processes that would be required in order to do so. This designation does, however, make these lands highly suitable for sale or lease as mitigation properties within which endangered species can be managed and maintained as a means of offsetting the impact of developing less critical habitat areas located primarily in the south and southwest portion of the planning area. Accordingly, lands within and adjacent to the Superior‐Cronese Area of Critical Environmental Concern have been assigned an Open Space/Resource Conservation land use designation. A third, more recent, development that has policy, if not land use implications, is the May 2014 adoption of Resolution 4750‐2014 by the City Council, designating the portion of Main Street from Interstate 40 to State Route 58 as the "Route 66 Business Corridor" and the portion of Main Street from Otis Avenue to 7th Avenue the "Downtown Business and Cultural District". Policies and strategies intended to implement this resolution are included under Goal 3 of the Land Use Element. Finally, the 2006 passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act by the California State Legislature and its subsequent signing into law by then‐Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has necessitated the inclusion of numerous policies and initiatives throughout this General Plan document that are geared toward the mandated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. From the perspective of land use, maximum allowable densities in single‐family residential and medium density residential districts have been increased somewhat in order to promote a more compact pattern of urban development, thereby reducing urban sprawl and its resultant adverse air quality impacts. Additionally, the amount of lands designated for diverse use has been increased in comparison with the 1997 General Plan in order to provide greater flexibility to property owners and prospective developers while encouraging the location of housing closer to jobs and commercial enterprises. Land Use Designations The land use designations illustrated on Exhibit L‐1 represent, in part, a response to the changing circumstances described above. In particular, the “Specific Plan” land use designation that was so heavily employed in 1997 has been replaced by the assignment of designations that provide more guidance to prospective developers. In the northern portion of the Sphere of Influence, lands owned by the Bureau of Land Management and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company that are unsuitable for urban development due to either the need for habitat preservation or environmental mitigation are designated as Open Space Resource Conservation, while privately held lands immediately adjacent to them are primarily designated for very low density residential use. Properties in the southwestern portion of the planning area have been assigned land use designations ranging from industrial to single‐family residential to diverse use, based on an assessment of the “highest and best use” of the property informed in many instances by consultation with property owners and prospective developers. A land use LU‐3 Match Line
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Exhibit L-1
Land Use Designations
NTS
Legend
citylim
Sphere of Influence
Public Quasi Public
General Plan Land Use
ESTATE RESIDENTIAL (RE)
LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
(LDR)
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDNENTIAL
(SFR)
MEDIUM-DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL (MDR)
DIVERSE USE (DU)
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (GI)
GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC)
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
OPEN SPACE (ROS)
INTERIM OPEN SPACE/
(IOS/ROS)
designation entitled Interim Open Space/Resource Conservation has been assigned to lands on the outer periphery of the planning area, particularly to the south, that are not expected to be developed within the 2015‐20 time horizon of the revised General Plan. Finally, land use designations in the previously developed portion of the city remain largely unchanged from the 1997 General Plan Land Use Diagram, with limited exceptions, including the modest increase in allowable densities alluded to earlier. Under State planning law, cities are permitted to amend their general plans up to four times per year. This provision allows for changes in land use designations as the needs of the community evolve, as opportunities arise that were not anticipated at the time of plan adoption or in the event that a property owner or developer seeks approval for a project that is inconsistent with the existing land use designation. Thus, while the designations illustrated on the land use diagram represent the pattern of development that is considered most likely to occur within the 2015‐2020 time horizon of the revised General Plan, it is recognized that modifications in land use designations can and often do occur over the course of plan implementation. Land Use Definitions The land use designations established by this General Plan are identified below: Estate Residential (RE; 1 dwelling unit per 2.5+ acres) This land use designation allows detached single family homes on lots of at least two and one‐
half gross acres. Adequate water supply must be provided for domestic and fire protection needs, as approved by the City Engineer. With regard to sewage disposal, individual septic tanks are subject to adequate leach fields and acceptable percolation tests as determined by the City Engineer and congruent with standards established by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Upon annexation to the City trunk line sewer facilities must be provided to serve the subdivision/development Streets shall consist of 28‐feet minimum paving width, asphalt curb and drainage improvements as specified by the City Engineer. Pedestrian and/or bicycle pathways should be integrated into all new projects in this designation that are located along pedestrian and/or bicycle routes identified in the Circulation Element. Low‐Density Residential (LDR: 1 dwelling unit per 1 – 2.49 acres) This designation allows detached single family homes on lots of between one and 2.49 gross acres. Adequate water supply must be provided for domestic and fire protection needs, as approved by the City engineer. Upon annexation to the City trunk line sewer facilities must be provided to serve the subdivision/development. Streets shall consist of 28‐feet minimum paving width, with curbs and drainage improvements as specified by the City Engineer. Pedestrian and/or bicycle pathways should be integrated into all new projects in this designation that are located along pedestrian and/or bicycle routes identified in the Circulation element. LU‐5 Single‐Family Residential (SFR; maximum 7 dwelling units per acre) This designation allows detached or semi‐detached single‐family homes on lots varying in size not to exceed a gross density of 7 dwelling units per acre. City sewer, water and street standards shall be established or maintained on lands so designated. Pedestrian and/or bicycle pathways should be integrated into all new projects in this designation that are located along pedestrian and/or bicycle routes identified in the Circulation element. Medium‐Density Residential (MDR; maximum 20 dwelling units per acre) This designation has been assigned to multi‐family developments and areas of potential multi‐
family development located within and adjacent to the City’s developed core. The designation accommodates a variety of housing types, including duplexes, triplexes, apartments, garden‐
style units and townhouses. City sewer, water and street standards shall be established or maintained on lands so designated. Pedestrian and/or bicycle pathways should be integrated into all new projects in this designation that are located along pedestrian and/or bicycle routes identified in the Circulation element. Diverse‐Use (16 dwelling units/acre residential; 50% lot coverage, 35’ max height commercial) This designation provides for diversity of compatible and mutually beneficial commercial and residential uses (such as housing, retail stores or offices) on a given parcel or combination of parcels. The designation is intended to encourage development featuring convenient linkages between commercial and residential uses that provides a buffer between major public or industrial areas or highways and lower density residential land uses. Additional benefits of the Diverse‐Use designation include mitigation of traffic and air quality impacts associated with urban development. Downtown Business and Cultural District (R66; limited diverse use) This designation is intended to encourage the establishment and maintenance of tourist‐
oriented uses, such as museums, souvenir shops, bed and breakfast establishments, cafes and hotels, while discouraging uses that are less conducive to the promotion of tourism. The range of allowable land uses within this designation, consequently, is more restrictive than those allowed within the General Commercial land use classification. General Commercial (GC; 50% lot coverage; 35’ maximum building height) The Barstow General Plan includes a single land use designation for commercial land uses in order to maximize the flexibility accorded to property owners and developers in terms of the types of commercial land uses allowed on lands so designated. While it is recognized that some commercial centers are likely to serve primary local, neighborhood‐based customers and others may be geared toward highway travelers, all of these uses can be accommodated within the General Commercial land use designation. Administrative uses such as offices are also allowable within the GC land use designation, rather than limiting such uses to lands designated exclusively for office use. LU‐6 General Industrial (GI; 50% lot coverage, 45 foot maximum building height) The industrial designation allows for a variety of activities ranging from manufacturing, warehousing and distribution to industrial plants. As is the case for commercial uses, the General Plan includes a single land use designation for all types of industrial uses, employing the Conditional Use Permit process to ensure compatibility with adjacent uses. Public/Quasi Public (P/QP; 50% lot coverage, 35 foot maximum building height) This designation includes a range of public facility, service and utility functions, including schools, government offices, libraries, parks, utilities and transportation easements. Open Space/Conservation (OS/C) This designation applies to lands with high environmental resource value, such as habitat for threatened or endangered species, scenic vistas or archaeological significance. The majority of these lands fall under public (e.g. BLM) or quasi‐public (e.g. PG&E) ownership. Interim Open Space/Resource Conservation (IOS/RC) Lands within the city’s Sphere of Influence that are not expected to be developed within the time frame of the current General Plan (2015 – 2020) due to cost constraints associated with the expansion of city infrastructure have been assigned this interim designation. It is anticipated that subsequent revisions to the General Plan will result in gradual, planned conversion of these lands to urban uses at such time as is warranted by market demand and economic viability. Exhibit L‐1 (General Plan Land Use Diagram) illustrates the distribution of land use designations within Barstow’s city limits and sphere of influence. Table L‐1 provides an estimate of acreage within each land use designation. Lands Considered Most Likely to be Developed by 2020 Much of the growth that is expected to occur in Barstow within the 2015‐2020 time horizon of the revised General Plan will consist of infill development on existing vacant parcels already served by infrastructure such as roadways, water, sewer and drainage. Key infill sites include Section 7, a residential neighborhood straddling Barstow Road between Rimrock Road and I‐15 that contains approximately 176 vacant parcels suitable for development that could accommodate up to 550 single family homes if subdivided to their maximum allowable density, roughly 60 percent of which are located in West Section 7; lands immediately south of Rimrock Road, that could accommodate an additional 500 or more single‐family residences; and a small number of vacant properties in the vicinity of Montara Road that are suitable and designated for multi‐family residential development. With regard to commercial land uses, existing vacant parcels in the vicinity of interchanges with I‐15 at L Street and Lenwood Road are considered most likely to be developed in the near future. Industrial development is expected to occur in the southwest portion of the City. Geographically speaking, the pattern of future development in Barstow will be to the south and southwest. To the north, development is constrained by the biological sensitivity of the land, in particular its suitability as habitat for the endangered desert tortoise. Development to the east LU‐7 is limited by the presence of the Marine Base south of the Mojave River and the absence of infrastructure north of the River. Additionally, a southwesterly pattern of future development appears to be congruent with market demand, with the I‐15 corridor and the growth of desert communities to the south serving as forces driving Barstow’s future economic development. At a projected annual growth rate of two percent, between 1,000 and 1,200 housing units could be constructed in Barstow by 2020, although a substantial increase in the city’s employment base would likely be necessary to provide the demand for this level of housing growth. Senior housing which is less dependent on employment growth is expected to comprise the majority of new housing starts within the General Plan time horizon. In order to provide the level of specificity required for a master environmental report to be useful, City planning and economic development staff spent considerable time between August 2013 and July 2014 reaching out to land owners and prospective developers to determine the sites within the planning area that offer the greatest potential to be developed in the near future. The results of these efforts are shown on Exhibit L‐2, which identifies potential locations for future growth in Barstow accompanied by estimates of the type and scope of development considered most likely to occur. Each of these potential development sites is discussed briefly below. Site 1: This location comprises the 1,200 acre Barstow Industrial Park which is ultimately expected to become the largest conglomeration of industrial uses in the city. Within the 2015‐
2020 General Plan time horizon, 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space is expected to be built in this area. Site 2: Comprised of the former Sun and Sky golf course and adjacent properties, this site was initially proposed for a large industrial project that has not yet come to fruition. Preliminary analysis conducted for that project did, however, reveal that the vicinity is well‐suited for industrial use. Accordingly, these lands have been assigned an industrial land use designation and the master EIR analysis includes an assumption that 500,000 square feet of manufacturing development will occur in this vicinity by 2020. Site 3: The long‐awaited Indian casino is considered likely to be built at this location, comprised of 88,500 square feet of gaming, 160 hotel rooms, two full‐service restaurants, one drive‐
through restaurant and various retail shops. Recent developments, including publication and certification of a federal environmental document for this project, provide optimism that the casino may, in fact, be built by 2020. Site 4: This 314 acre parcel owned by the Lansing Companies has been proposed for a diverse use project consisting of a low water use golf course surrounded by 1,575 homes at various densities designed for active seniors along with various ancillary land uses. Representatives of the property owner have indicated that preparation of a specific plan for the site is underway, with submittal for review by the City expected to occur in mid‐2015. LU‐8 13
8
6
9
1
500,000 SF GENERAL INDUSTRIAL
2
500,000 SF GENERAL INDUSTRIAL
3
CASINO FULL SERVICE RESORT
WILL INCLUDE:
* 88,500 SF GAMING FLOOR
* 160 ROOM HOTEL
* 2 FULL SERVICE RESTAURANTS
* 1 DRIVE THROUGH RESTAURANT
* 1 BUFFET
* 1 COFFEE SHOP
* RETAIL SHOPS
10
1
7
11
12
5
4
1575 SFDU
5
HWY Commercial
WILL INCLUDE:
* 50,000 SF RESTAURANT
* 300,000 SF HOTEL
* 100,000 SF RETAIL
6
2
4
7
400 SFDU
8
30 Med Density Housing
9
140 SFDU
10
11
1700 SFDU
150,000 SF Commercial
50% Retail / 50% Office
12
20,000 SF Office
13
Exhibit L-2
Likely Development Sites
SPANISH TRAILS
WILL INCLUDE:
* 372,000 SF COMM
W OF L STREET; S OF MAIN
* 302,000 SF COMM
E OF L STREET; S OF MAIN
* 200,000 SF HOTEL
E OF L STREET; S OF MAIN
* 94,000 SF COMM NOF MAIN
* 20 MED DENSITY HOUSING
3
Proposed Habitat Preservation Property
239.83 acres
ESTATE RESIDENTIAL (RE)
LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
(LDR)
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDNENTIAL
(SFR)
MEDIUM-DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL (MDR)
DIVERSE USE (DU)
GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC)
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (GI)
INTERIM OPEN SPACE/
(IOS/ROS)
OPEN SPACE (ROS)
Public Quasi Public
Legend
citylim
Sphere of Influence
Site 5: This potential development site consists of lands on both sides of the I‐15/Lenwood Road interchange owned by The Plies Companies that have yet to be developed. While specific proposals for development have yet to be submitted, the General Plan environmental analysis includes assumptions of 50,000 square feet of restaurant use, 300,000 square feet of hotel space and 100,000 square feet of retail uses in the vicinity of these locations. Site 6: Lands amounting to roughly 110 acres along L Street between I‐15 and Main Street and including properties north of Main in this vicinity have been designated the Spanish Trail Specific Plan area. A specific plan for this site was approved by the City Council in December 2013. At build‐out this project is expected to include over 700,000 square feet of commercial development, a mid‐luxury hotel and restaurant, medium density housing for active seniors and an interpretive pathway celebrating the history of the Old Spanish Trail. Site 7: Located at the southeast corner of H Street and Rimrock Road, this large vacant parcel has been designated for single‐family residential development. The General Plan master EIR assumes that 400 homes will be built in this vicinity within its time horizon. Site 8: This city‐owned 2.11 acre parcel located on Mountain View Avenue immediately north of Barstow Community Hospital and east of the Barstow Senior Center has been proposed for 30 units of single‐family attached solar housing targeted toward active seniors. Site 9: This 36.2 acre site along the south side of Rimrock Road just west of the Higgins Road intersection had a 146‐lot tentative map recertified in March 2013. The General Plan master EIR includes an assumption that 140 single‐family homes will be built at this location by 2020. Site 10: This small, triangular parcel located on the south side of Rimrock Road approximately ¼ mile east of the Montara Road intersection has been designated for medium‐density residential use. It is anticipated that up to 20 single‐family attached or multi‐family dwellings could be built on this site by 2020. Site 11: This site consists of a collection of large parcels located in the vicinity of the Barstow Sportspark that are well‐ suited for a combination of residential, neighborhood commercial and diverse land uses. Based on consultation with the landowner’s representative it is estimated that the site could eventually accommodate up to 1,700 single‐family residential units along with 150,000 square feet of diverse uses possibly including retail, office and medium‐density residential. Site 12: This site is comprised of two parcels totaling just less than 80 acres located between Old Route 66 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line immediately southwest of the San Bernardino County Flood Channel. Preliminary discussions with the site owners revealed a strong interest in developing the site with a less refined notion of precisely what types of uses would ultimately be located there. For the purpose of the General Plan EIR analysis, the site has been designated for diverse use with 60 medium‐density dwelling units and 20,000 square feet of retail/office uses assigned to the two parcels. LU‐10 Site 13: This 249 acre triangular parcel located on the north side of Old Highway 58 at its intersection with Interstate 15 is immediately adjacent to the Superior‐Cronese Critical Habitat Area designated by the Bureau of Land Management. Originally envisioned as a potential site for residential development, this parcel may have stronger potential for open space and habitat preservation in light of the physical, biological and economic constraints to its development for urban uses. For this reason it has been assigned an Open Space/Resource Conservation land use designation. Obviously, were development to occur on all of the sites referenced above at the uses and intensities indicated the total amount of residential, commercial and industrial square footage would greatly exceed the amount that is expected under the assumption of two percent annual growth between 2015 and 2020. It is more likely that development within this time frame will occur on some, but not all of these sites and that few if any of them will be developed to their maximum intensities until some point beyond 2020. The estimates identified are employed for the purpose of a) preparing an environmental impact analysis that encompasses as many of the impacts of developing these sites that can be anticipated at this time; and b) providing city residents, landowners and prospective developers with a greater understanding of the City’s vision for its future growth and development. Land Use Goals, Policies and Strategies GOAL 1: Foster and Promote a well‐ planned, orderly development pattern that enhances community values, and assures development and maintenance of adequate infrastructure. POLICY 1.A: The City shall maintain a land use map that assures a balance of residential, commercial, industrial, open space and public lands. STRATEGY 1.A.1: The City shall maintain an inventory of remaining capacity of all General Plan land use classifications and recommend to the City Council, as needed, changes in land use designations to maintain a balance of available land uses within the planning area. Responsible Parties: Planning Staff, Planning Commission STRATEGY 1.A.2: The Zoning Ordinance and accompanying map shall directly correspond to General Plan land use designations, and shall remain consistent with the General Plan. Responsible Parties: Planning Staff, Planning Commission, City Council POLICY 1.B: Encourage the creation of integrated specific or master planned communities that encompass a range of land use types. STRATEGY 1.B.1: Prepare Specific Plans for the lands located along L Street between I‐15 and Main Street as well as for the Route 66 Historic District along Main Street. Responsible Parties: Planning Staff, City Engineer, Planning Commission STRATEGY 1.B.2: Provide guidance to land owners and developers interested in pursuing the approval of specific plans or master planned communities. Responsible Parties: Planning Staff, City Engineer, Planning Commission LU‐11 GOAL 2: The City seeks to ensure an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the community that will maintain and enhance property values throughout the planning area. POLICY 2.A: Pursue landscape and streetscape enhancements, particularly at key gateways to the community and in the vicinity of significant historical, commercial and public use areas. STRATEGY 2.A.1: Work with property developers to incorporate landscape and streetscape enhancements into the design and implementation of land development projects. Responsible Parties: Planning Staff, Planning Commission STRATEGY 2.A.2: Design and install landscape and hardscape gateway improvements at I‐15 and L Street; I‐15 and Barstow Road; I‐40 and Montara Road, and at both the eastern and western entrances to the Route 66 Historic District along Main Street. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, Planning Staff, Public Works Staff, Planning Commission POLICY 2.B: Aggressively enforce Municipal Code provisions and Use Permit Conditions pertaining to maintenance of private property and the abatement of public nuisances. STRATEGY 2.B.1: Regularly and periodically conduct city‐wide field inspection to ensure conformance with Municipal Code and Use Permit Conditions. Responsible Parties: Planning and Code Compliance Staff STRATEGY 2.B.2: Conduct a review of existing municipal ordinances relating to the maintenance of private property to ensure their comprehensiveness and the sufficiency of penalties for non‐compliance. Responsible Parties: City Council Rules and Policies Committee, City Staff POLICY 2.C: The City shall encourage quality design in all development projects and shall encourage the enhancement of existing developed properties. STRATEGY 2.C.1: The zoning provisions of the Municipal Code shall include design guidelines for all land use types that enunciate the City’s requirements and expectations. Responsible Parties: Planning Staff, Planning Commission, City Council STRATEGY 2.C.2: The City shall pursue funding sources to provide incentives for renovation, rehabilitation and upgrading of existing residential, commercial and industrial land uses. Responsible Party: Community Development Department GOAL 3: Improve the downtown core as a viable and attractive destination for tourists. POLICY 3.A: Encourage land uses within the Downtown Business and Cultural District that are conducive to the promotion of tourism while discouraging uses that are not so conducive. LU‐12 STRATEGY 3.A.1: Pursue the relocation of museums currently occupying city‐owned facilities, as well as military, space and automobile‐oriented and other museums and cultural attractions to the Downtown Business and Cultural District. Responsible Party: City Manager and/or designee(s) STRATEGY 3.A.2: Consider the creation of incentives for tourist‐oriented businesses, such as cafes and gift shops, to locate within the Downtown Business and Cultural District. Responsible Parties: Assistant City Manager, Economic Development and Planning Manager STRATEGY 3.A.3: Formulate and implement land use restrictions preventing further proliferation of incompatible uses within the Downtown Business and Cultural District while considering the creation of incentives for existing incompatible uses to relocate to other parts of the City. Responsible Parties: Economic Development and Planning Manager, Planning Staff POLICY 3.B: Enhance the visibility and notoriety of Barstow’s Route 66 Main Street as the longest remaining active Main Street along the entirety of the Route 66 Business Corridor. STRATEGY 3.B.1: Prepare and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy for the Downtown Business and Cultural District and the Route 66 Business Corridor. Responsible Parties: Public Information Officer, Economic Development and Planning Manager STRATEGY 3.B.2: Pursue funding support for the implementation of initiatives identified in the Route 66 marketing strategy. Responsible Parties: Community Development staff; Economic Development and Planning Manager GOAL 4: Enhance the Prosperity and Economic Vitality of Barstow POLICY4.A: With regard to commercial development the City shall pursue a two‐pronged strategy, focusing on a) inducing visitors to spend more time and money in Barstow; and b) developing commercial uses that address underserved markets within the community. STRATEGY 4.A.1: Approve and implement the Spanish Trail Specific Plan on lands located along L Street between I‐15 and Main Street. Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff; Assistant City Manager, Economic Development and Planning Manager STRATEGY 4.A.2: Encourage the development and expansion of retail establishments serving markets that have been identified by the April 2012 Retail Site Assessment as having surplus demand, including furniture and home furnishings, electronics and appliances, sporting goods, hobby, books and music stores and health and personal care services. LU‐13 Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff, Assistant City Manager, Economic Development and Planning Manager. STRATEGY 4.A.3: Increase the attractiveness of the Route 66 Historic District as a tourist destination. Responsible Parties: City Manager, City Council, Community Development Staff POLICY 4.B: Expand opportunities for well‐paying jobs by growing and diversifying the City’s industrial workforce. STRATEGY 4.B.1: Actively pursue development of the Barstow Industrial Park. Responsible Parties: Assistant City Manager, Economic Development and Planning Manager STRATEGY 4.B.2: Consider strategies geared toward fostering homegrown industries such as the creation of a community development corporation. Responsible Party: Economic Development and Planning Manager GOAL 5: Expand the range of cultural, aesthetic and recreational opportunities available to city residents and prospective visitors. POLICY 5.A: Encourage the establishment and expansion of museums, art galleries and sites of historical interest at designated locations within the city. STRATEGY 5.A.1: Pursue the relocation of existing museums to the Route 66 Historic District and, with the cooperation of Goldstone, Ft. Irwin and the Marine Corp Logistics Base, establish space and military museums within the District. Responsible Parties: City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Council STRATEGY 5.A.2: Establish a formal working partnership with Barstow Community College in the operation of its newly completed Performing Arts Center. Responsible Parties: City Manager, Economic Development and Planning Manager POLICY 5.B: Work with entities such as the Bureau of Land Management, the National Parks Service and the State Lands Commission to increase public awareness and utilization of sites of historic interest. STRATEGY 5.B.1: Pursue designation and signage of portions of the Old Spanish Trail that traverse Barstow by the National Parks Service. Responsible Party: Economic Development and Planning Manager STRATEGY 5.B.1: Seek financial support from state and federal agencies toward the enhancement and marketing of the Route 66 Historic District. Responsible Parties: Assistant City Manager, Economic Development and Planning Manager LU‐14 GOAL 6: The City shall consider supporting annexation of unincorporated lands to the extent that such annexations would consolidate and improve services, accommodate anticipated population growth, improve the range and diversity of the City’s housing stock, expand the property and sales tax bases and promote economic growth and prosperity. POLICY 6.A: Seek the support of residents and property owners for a phased annexation of the currently unincorporated Barstow Heights area. STRATEGY 6.A.1: Achieve annexation of lands east of A Street by 2017 and east of H Street by 2020. Responsible Parties: Planning Staff, Planning Commission, City Council STRATEGY 6.A.2: Expand circulation and public utilities infrastructure to enhance the feasibility of annexation of the remainder of Barstow Heights at the earliest feasible date beyond the 2020 General Plan horizon date. Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff, City Engineer POLICY 6.B: Annex lands adjacent to the city limits at such time as viable development proposals consistent with General Plan land use designations are submitted and approved. STRATEGY 6.B.1: Review and approve development proposals on unincorporated city‐adjacent lands and seek approval from LAFCo for annexation concurrent with their approval. Responsible Parties: Planning Staff, Planning Commission, City Council STRATEGY 6.B.2: Expand circulation and public utilities infrastructure to enhance the feasibility of annexation and development of lands adjacent to the city limits. Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff, City Engineer LU‐15 CIRCULATION ELEMENT Purpose The Circulation Element addresses the local roadway network as well as alternative means of transportation, such as bicycle and pedestrian travel throughout the City. The Circulation Element provides maps to guide the orderly development of all aspects of the transportation system, as well as goals, policies and programs that correlate the City’s transportation network with the types, intensities and locations of land uses within the planning area. Background The Circulation Element both affects and is influenced by city and regional land use planning. It has fundamental effects on the physical, social and economic environment of the community and it is also directly linked to the Housing and Noise Elements, as well as the Conservation and Open Space Element, particularly as it pertains to alternative modes of transportation The Circulation Element is also closely connected to the Conservation and Open Space Element, particularly as it relates to the impact of transportation systems on local and regional air quality. As the city and the surrounding region continue to grow and develop, vehicle miles will increase and travel speeds will be reduced, resulting in higher emissions per mile traveled. The Circulation Element sets forth policies and programs that can play an important role in maintaining and enhancing the flow of traffic and preserving air quality in the community. The Circulation Element examines existing conditions in the planning area and includes an analysis of projected future development, based on development likely to occur within the General Plan planning horizon as shown on the Land Use Diagram (see Land Use Element). Through the use of engineering principles and computer modeling analyses of existing and projected future traffic conditions, the Circulation Element establishes the backbone circulation system needed to accommodate planned growth, identifies a phasing plan for implementation of circulation improvements and establishes standards for each type of roadway as well as bicycle routes and pedestrian trails. These standards are accompanied by a comprehensive set of goals, policies and strategies that provide the City’s elected and appointed officials, as well as staff and the public, with guidance on the development of these systems throughout the community. Motorized Transportation and Indicators of Roadway Efficiency The efficient movement of traffic on local and regional roadways is critical to the normal day‐
to‐day functioning of a community. Consequences resulting from obstructions in traffic flow include economic loss due to delays in transporting goods, increased psychological stress for the traveling public, heightened risk of motor vehicle accidents and air quality deterioration. The efficiency of a roadway can be determined by assessing the roadway’s level‐of service (LOS), which describes the capacity of a roadway and the degree to which it is being utilized. CE‐1 LOS is a qualitative measurement that takes into consideration factors such as speed, travel time, driving comfort, safety and traffic interruptions. Levels of Service are described as a range of alphabetical connotations, “A” through “F,” which are used to characterize roadway operating conditions. LOS A represents the best, free flow conditions, and LOS F indicates the worst conditions, i.e. gridlock. Quantitatively, LOS is often defined by the ratio of the number of vehicles utilizing a roadway section or intersection to its capacity (V/C Ratio). At LOS F, 100 percent of the capacity of a roadway segment or intersection is being utilized, resulting in a V/C ratio of 1.00. Traffic engineers and transportation planners are involved in ongoing efforts to strike a balance between providing ideal roadway operating conditions and controlling the costs of infrastructure and right‐of‐way needed to assure those conditions. Roadway capacity can be increased by adding travel or turning lanes, constructing raised medians and/or restricting vehicle access to a roadway. Traffic flow can be substantially improved by reducing the number of vehicle conflict points, thereby avoiding the loss of capacity caused by disruptions to traffic flow caused by vehicles entering or leaving the roadway. Roadway capacity can also be influenced by the availability of alternative, non‐motorized means of transportation. Communities typically use LOS C as the standard for acceptable roadway conditions. Table C‐1 defines the various LOS classifications. Roadway Classifications The General Plan Circulation Map (Figure C‐1) visually depicts the city’s roadways, identifying a hierarchy of five classes of streets that collectively comprise the city’s vehicular circulation network. These classifications include: Freeways (minimum 160‐foot Right‐of‐Way): Defined as limited access roads providing largely uninterrupted travel and designed for high speeds; Primary Arterials (100‐foot ROW): Comprised of roads that carry most of the traffic entering and leaving an area and typically feature speed limits ranging from 30 to 50 miles per hour. Secondary Arterials (80‐foot ROW): These roads interconnect and augment the urban principal arterial roadway network. They also distribute traffic to smaller, local geographical areas. Collectors (60‐foot ROW): Roads designed to provide access within residential neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas and to collect traffic from local roads and channel it into the arterial system. Local Streets (50‐60‐foot ROW): Comprise the remainder of all roads not classified at a higher level. They serve primarily to provide direct access to properties and the higher order roads. CE‐2 LOS A V/C Ratio Table C‐1 Roadway Level of Service Description Quality of Traffic Flow <.60 Primarily free‐flow operations at average travel speeds usually about 90 percent of the free‐flow speed of the roadway. Vehicles are completely unimpeded in their ability to maneuver within the traffic stream. Stopped delay at signalized intersections is minimal. B .61‐.70 Reasonably unimpeded operations at average travel speeds usually about 70% of the free‐flow speed of the roadway. Ability to maneuver within the traffic stream is only slightly restricted. Stopped delays are not bothersome, and drivers generally are not subject to appreciable tension. C .71‐.80 Traffic operations are stable. However, mid‐block maneuverability may be more restricted than in LOS B. Longer queues, adverse signal coordination, or both may contribute to lower average travel speeds of about 50% of the average free‐flow speed. Motorists will experience some appreciable tension while driving. D .81‐.90 Borders on a range where small increases in flow may cause substantial increases in approach delay and decreases in arterial speed. LOS D may be due to adverse signal progression, inappropriate signal timing, high volumes, or some combination of these factors. Average travel speeds are about 40% of the free‐flow speed. For planning purposes, this level‐of‐ service is the lowest that is considered acceptable. E .91‐.99 Characterized by significant approach delays and average travel speeds of one‐third or less of the free‐flow speed. Typically caused by some combination of adverse progression, high signal density (more than two signalized intersections per mile), high volumes, extensive queuing, delays at critical intersections, and/or inappropriate signal timing. F 1.00+ Arterial flow at extremely slow speeds, below one‐third to one‐fourth of the free‐flow speed. Congestion is likely at critical signalized intersections, with high approach delays and extensive queuing. Source: p. 11‐4, Highway Capacity Manual, Special Report 209, Transportation Research Board, 1994. CE‐3 58
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Exhibit C-1
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Non‐Motorized Transportation In addition to motorized vehicles, individuals increasingly employ non‐motorized means of transportation, such as walking and bicycling, as means of traversing the community. Another more recent development related to the city’s circulation network centers on a trend away from single‐occupancy vehicle trips toward carpooling and ride‐sharing. According to the 2010 United States Census Bureau, residents of Barstow carpool to work at a significantly higher rate than Californians as a whole (20 percent versus 11.7 percent). Additionally, Barstow residents walk to work at more than twice the average rate of the statewide workforce (7.5%/2.8%). Overall, the percentage of workers commuting via single‐occupancy vehicle as opposed to carpooling, bicycling, walking or working at home is 65.7% in Barstow compared to a statewide rate of 73%. The above findings concerning the transportation patterns of Barstow residents have important policy implications. First, in assessing the environmental impacts of commercial, residential and industrial development, vehicle trip generation models based on statewide estimates of vehicle use are likely to overstate the traffic and air quality impacts of projects located in Barstow. Consequently, estimates of these impacts need to be adjusted downward on the order of approximately 10 percent. Secondly, these comparatively low rates of travel by single‐
occupancy vehicle, accompanied by surprisingly high rates of walking, bicycling and carpooling, have emerged in spite of the relative lack of a concerted effort on behalf of public agencies to encourage this behavior through the provision of supportive infrastructure such as park‐and‐
ride lots, carpool parking spaces, bicycle lanes and designated pedestrian pathways. This suggests that a modest increase in effort on the part of the City and other public entities to encourage the use of alternatives to single‐occupancy vehicles for transportation could result in an even higher rate of utilization by city residents, accompanied by the resultant benefits in terms of traffic congestion reduction and air quality improvement. For this reason, this General Plan Circulation Element contains a broader range of policies and initiatives geared toward non‐
motorized transportation than the document it succeeds. Exhibit C‐2 illustrates the City’s planned network of bikeways, pedestrian pathways and park and ride facilities. Key Circulation Issues Based on the preceding discussion, augmented by the traffic analysis that is included as an appendix to the General Plan document, the following issues have been identified as high priorities for the 2015 – 2020 planning horizon:  I‐15 congestion, particularly on weekends  Lack of connector roadway between Lenwood Road/I‐15 commercial area and Barstow Heights  Absence of bicycle lanes and designated pedestrian and bicycle routes  Need for additional park and ride facilities  Construction of 1st Street bridge and realignment of 1st Street intersection with Main Street CE‐5 O
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At the time of the preparation of this exhibit, the City has been working on the Alternative Transportation
Plan (ATP). As this plan was not adopted at the time of preparation, the pedestrian and bicycle
routes may be updated. The latest version may be obtained from the City's Engineering Department.
Exhibit C-2
Pedestrian Paths, Bicycle Routes and Park and Ride Facilities
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Circulation Goals, Policies and Strategies GOAL 1: The City shall maintain and expand a safe, efficient and convenient circulation system. POLICY 1.A: Continue to utilize Capital Improvement Program and Measure I funds to maintain and enhance the city’s roadway network, retaining a minimum level of service of “C” along all roadways and at all intersections. STRATEGY 1.A.1: Upon completion of the Rimrock Road, Montara Road and miscellaneous street improvement projects, identify additional roadway segments for enhancement and improvement. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, Community Development Staff STRATEGY 1.A.2: Continue to maintain and implement the City’s Pavement Management Plan for complete asphalt concrete overlays or equivalent roadway improvements. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, Community Development Staff POLICY 1.B: Endeavor to avoid facing residential properties onto arterial roadways. STRATEGY 1.B.1: Locate the rear yards of residences along arterial roadways when residential development is proposed to abut such roadways in order to provide separation of residences from the roadway and to minimize vehicular conflicts. Responsible Parties: City Planning and Community Development Staff STRATEGY 1.B.2: Seek to acquire right‐of‐way from developers proposing residential uses along arterial roadways for pedestrian pathways and/or bicycle routes. Responsible Parties: City Planning and Community Development Staff POLICY 1.C: Pursue expansion of the City’s roadway network to accommodate planned residential, commercial and industrial growth and to address existing system deficiencies. STRATEGY 1.C.1: Construct a connector roadway between the Lenwood Road Outlet Malls and Barstow Heights. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, Community Development Staff STRATEGY 1.C.2: Replace the First Street bridge. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, Community Development Staff STRATEGY 1.C.3: Upgrade Rimrock Road between H and L Streets and L Street between Rimrock Road and I‐15 from secondary to primary arterial roadways. Responsible Parties: San Bernardino County Transportation Department (unless annexed to the City) CE‐7 GOAL 2: Upgrade the appearance of freeway corridors and major gateways into the City. POLICY 2.A: Pursue aesthetic enhancements of freeway sound walls. STRATEGY 2.A.1: Add design elements such as decorative masonry, murals or city logos to existing freeway sound walls. Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff STRATEGY 2.1A.2: Treat sound walls with graffiti‐resistant material to ensure complete removal whenever possible. Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff POLICY 2.B: Provide visual enhancements at major gateways to the City. STRATEGY 2.B.1: Design and install gateway signage and landscaping at the following locations:  I‐15 and L Street  I‐15 and Barstow Road  State Route 58 and West Main Street  I‐15 and East Main Street Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff STRATEGY 2.B.2: Secure financial support for gateway enhancements from private developers and public entities such as the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the State Lands Commission. Responsible Parties: City Manager, Economic Development and Planning Manager GOAL 3: Foster improved traffic flow and air quality by encouraging the use of non‐motorized transportation, alternative fuel vehicles and multi‐occupant vehicles. POLICY 3.A: Encourage pedestrian travel by improving the means by which residents and visitors may walk throughout the community. STRATEGY 3.A.1: An inventory of discontinuous sidewalks on all qualifying roadways shall be compiled and individual improvement projects shall be funded through the Capital Improvement Program to connect these sidewalks. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, City Planner, Community Development Staff, City Council STRATEGY 3.A.2: Install pedestrian enhancements along and in the vicinity of the route of the Old Spanish Trail as designated on Exhibit C‐2. Responsible Parties: City Planner, Community Development Staff, City Council POLICY 3.B: Establish a network of bicycle routes as illustrated on Exhibit C‐2. CE‐8 STRATEGY 3B.1: Endeavor to designate and install at least one segment of Class 1 bikeway (i.e. separate pathway running parallel to existing roadway) within the 2015 – 2020 time horizon of the General Plan. Responsible Parties: City Engineer, Community Development Staff STRATEGY 3.B.2: Provide striping of Class 2 bikeways along routes shown on Exhibit C‐2. Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff STRATEGY 3.B.3: Install signage along routes designated as Class 3 bikeways on Exhibit C‐2. Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff POLICY 3.C: Encourage carpooling and the use of alternative fuel vehicles by city residents and employees. STRATEGY 3.C.1: Construct at least one additional park‐and‐ride facility within the 2015‐2020 time horizon of the General Plan. Responsible Parties: California Department of Transportation in consultation with City Engineer, Community Development Staff STRATEGY 3.C.2: Secure the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall and in conjunction with the development of major commercial and industrial land uses. Responsible Parties: City Planner, Community Development Staff POLICY 3.D: Implement incentives outlined in Municipal Code Chapter 19.49 – Design Guidelines such as relaxation of parking requirements, density bonuses and exceptions to building height and lot coverage requirements in exchange for on‐ or off‐site provision of bicycle racks and/or storage facilities, bikeways, electric vehicle charging facilities, designated pedestrian pathways or other design features designed to foster alternatives to single‐
occupancy, internal combustion engine driven vehicle use. STRATEGY 3.D.1: Work with property developers and project designers to incorporate features identified in Policy 3D above into proposed development projects. Responsible Parties: Economic Development and Planning Manager, City Planner STRATEGY 3.D.2: Remain abreast of new developments and innovations pertaining to the mitigation of adverse traffic and air quality impacts associated with urban development. Responsible Parties: Community Development Staff, City Planner, Planning Commission CE‐9 BARSTOW HOUSING ELEMENT 
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Planning Commission Resolution #___-2015 Approved X/XX/2015 recommending Council
Approval of Master Environment Impact Report
Planning Commission Resolution #____-2015 Approved X/XX/2015 recommending Council
Approval of the General Plan Amendment (PGPA-14-00XX)
City Council Resolution #____-2015 Approved X/XX/2015 adopting the Master Environment
Impact Report
City Council Resolution #____-2015 Approved X/XX/2015 adopting the General Plan
Amendment (PGPA-14-00XX) updating the Housing Element of the City of Barstow General
Plan
A cknowledgements City Council Mayor Julie Hackbarth‐McIntyre Mayor Pro‐Tem Timothy Silva Council Member Carmen Hernandez Council Member Richard Harpole Council Member Merrill Gracey Planning Commission Chairman Robert Clemmer Vice‐Chair James Noble Commissioner Viola Basulto Commissioner Bea Lint Commissioner Andrew Ziemer City of Barstow Gaither Loewenstein Economic Development & Planning Manager Michael Massimini City Planner Jennifer Riley Planning & Environmental Services Administrator Contents Housing Framework 1. 2. 3. 4. Introduction Framing the Challenge Goals, Policies and Strategies Housing Programs HE‐1 HE‐6 HE‐9 HE‐20 Appendices A. Housing Needs 1. Demographic Trends 2. Housing Trends 3. Special Housing Needs 4. Affordable Housing At Risk of Conversion B. Constraint Analysis 1. Market Constraints 2. Land Use Controls 3. Development Standards 4. Permitting Process C. Housing Resources 1. Housing Production 2. Inventory of Sites 3. Environmental Concerns 4. Feasibility of Sites 5. Implementation Resources D. Program Evaluation 1. Accomplishments 2. Public Outreach E. Community Initiatives 1. Housing Production 2. Housing Diversity 3. Entitlement Process 4. Social Diversity 5. Housing Resources HE‐A‐1 HE‐A‐1 HE‐A‐8 HE‐A‐19 HE‐A‐33 HE‐B‐1 HE‐B‐2 HE‐B‐6 HE‐B‐13 HE‐B‐19 HE‐C‐1 HE‐C‐2 HE‐C‐2 HE‐C‐26 HE‐C‐29 HE‐C‐32 HE‐D‐1 HE‐D‐1 HE‐D‐9 HE‐E‐1 HE‐E‐2 HE‐E‐3 HE‐E‐6 HE‐E‐7 HE‐E‐8 Tables Table HE‐1: Table HE‐A‐1 Table HE‐A‐2 Table HE‐A‐3 Table HE‐A‐4 Table HE‐A‐5 Table HE‐A‐6 Table HE‐A‐7 Table HE‐A‐8 Table HE‐A‐9 Table HE‐A‐10 Table HE‐A‐11 Table HE‐A‐12 Table HE‐A‐13 Table HE‐A‐14 Table HE‐A‐15 Table HE‐A‐16 Table HE‐A‐17 Table HE‐A‐18 Table HE‐B‐1 Table HE‐B‐2 Table HE‐B‐3 Table HE‐B‐4 Table HE‐B‐5 Table HE‐B‐6 Table HE‐B‐7 Table HE‐C‐1 Table HE‐C‐3 Table HE‐C‐4 Table HE‐D‐1 Table HE‐E‐1 Quantified Housing Objectives
Age Characteristics in Barstow
Race and Ethnicity Trends in Barstow
Household Trends in Barstow
Employment in Barstow
Household Income in Barstow
Housing Composition in Barstow
Age of Housing Housing Prices in Barstow
Housing Rents in Barstow
Affordability of Housing in Barstow
Housing Problems Housing Problems for Lower Income Households
Trend in Special Needs Groups
Housing for Seniors Housing for Families Housing for Homeless People
Regional Housing Needs Allocation
Publicly Assisted Multi‐Family Housing
Residential Development Fees in Barstow
Primary Land Use Designations Allowing Housing
Barstow’s Specific Plan Areas
Permitted Residential Uses by Zone
Residential Development Standards
Parking Standards for Residential Uses
Reasonable Accommodation Process
Inventory of Housing Sites
Recent Projects Built in Barstow
Comparison of RHNA and Site Availability
Program Evaluation, 2006‐2014 Housing Element
Housing Initiatives to Improve Housing Choice
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Location Map Barstow Population Growth, 1950‐2020
Barstow Average Housing Prices, 2000‐2012
Barstow Average Housing Rents, 2000‐2012
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Available Vacant Residential Land Within ½ Mile of Infrastructure HE‐C‐22
Figures Figure HE‐1 Figure HE‐A‐1 Figure HE‐A‐2 Figure HE‐A‐3 Exhibit Exhibit HE‐C‐1 Housing Framework The Housing Framework introduces the 2014‐2021 Barstow Housing Element, the process of development, a synopsis of major housing issues, and the City’s goals, policies and strategies to address its housing needs. Appendices are attached to the Framework to provide supporting information. 1. Introduction Located in the high desert in central San Bernardino County (see Figure 1), Barstow incorporated as a city in 1947 and as reported in the 2010 Census had a population of 22,639. Barstow has grown from a small railroad town to become a center for rail transportation, the defense industry, mining, and tourist‐oriented retail businesses. Barstow is home to Burlington Northern/Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway and two factory outlet complexes, Tanger Outlet and Barstow Outlet Stores. While the Tanger Outlet had expanded to include 10‐20 more stores, the Barstow Outlet Stores has experienced a growing number of vacancies with only a handful of stores remaining. The City also serves as the gateway to the U.S. Army National Training Center (Ft. Irwin), the Marine Corps Logistical Base – both the Nebo and Yermo Annex, and NASA’s Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex. Despite the past expansion in the commercial and industrial sectors, the City experienced relatively slow economic growth during the 1990s. Unemployment, which was close to 10 percent in 1990, dropped to 5.9 percent in 2000. Unemployment then increased to 10.5 percent in March of 2013. It has remained above the County average of 9.3% in July, 2013. Overall, Barstow has the fourteenth lowest median income of all other jurisdictions in the County, not including 34 cities with no reported median income (ACS 2006‐2010). This is a significant increase from the 4th Cycle Housing Element (2006‐2014), listing Barstow as the fourth lowest. As of the 2010 Census, the City had 9,555 housing units (an increase of 4.4 percent from the 2000 Census), of which approximately half were owner‐occupied units. Housing estimates for 2014 provided by the California Department of Finance (DOF) indicate there are 9,656 housing units in the City, which is a 0.011 percent increase since the 2010 Census. The City contained an unusually high number of vacant housing units totaling 15.4 percent of the City’s housing stock, according to the 2000 Census. DOF 2014 estimates are consistent with an estimated vacancy rate of 15.2 percent. With affordable prices and rental rates, Barstow offers housing opportunities to the varied income levels of residents in the community. While the City has an aging housing stock, demand in Barstow for newer, larger housing developments was beginning to be addressed with recent housing developments. The Shadow Ridge and Highland Trails Ranch developments offered 3 and 4 bedroom units of higher‐end housing. The recession in the latter part of the 2000s, however, caused these and other developments to cease. The Highland Trails Ranch was acquired by Williams Homes, which completed the remaining 83 residences in early 2014. These homes have helped to serve the demand for move‐up and moderate income housing in HE‐1 the City. Vacant residential land is still plentiful and relatively inexpensive in Barstow. The development potential remains high in the City with annexations anticipated, potential commercial and industrial projects that would create living wage jobs, and abundant availability of affordable land. In addition to updating the City’s housing element, the City is performing a comprehensive update of the General Plan, providing a new direction to guide future development. An important aspect of the revised General plan is a modest increase in allowable residential densities in order to provide the necessary housing opportunities as the City develops. Following this comprehensive revision, the zoning code and zoning maps will be amended to be consistent with the General Plan. Figure 1 Regional Lo catio n Map City of Barsto w HE‐2 A. S ta tu to r y Au th o r ity California law requires that cities develop housing programs to address existing and future housing needs in their respective communities. To comply with state law and provide housing opportunities for residents, the City of Barstow prepares a housing element. The housing element is a state mandated element of the Barstow General Plan and is intended to address the production, maintenance and improvement of housing. The current housing element covers an eight‐year planning period from 2014‐2021. Detailed statutory requirements for preparing a housing element are contained in the California Government Code (sections 65580‐65589.9). In accordance with state law, the housing element must include: an identification and analysis of its existing and projected housing needs; an analysis of the various governmental and nongovernmental constraints to meeting these needs; and a series of goals, policies and scheduled programs (strategies) to further the development, improvement and preservation of housing. This housing element has two sections: Housing Framework and Appendices. The Housing Framework sets forth key housing issues in Barstow, followed by the goals, policies, strategies and resources to address them. The appendices are as follows:  Appendix A: Housing Needs. This includes an analysis of demographic, economic, social, and housing characteristics of Barstow residents and an assessment of current and future housing needs in the community arising due to population and employment growth and change.  Appendix B: Constraints Analysis. This includes an analysis of potential governmental constraints that affect the development, maintenance, and improvement of housing for all income groups and people with disabilities, commensurate with the City’s identified housing needs.  Appendix C: Housing Resources. This includes an inventory of resources available to address the City’s housing needs, including available land to accommodate new housing, financial resources to support program efforts, and administrative capacity to manage housing programs.  Appendix D: Program Evaluation. This includes an evaluation of current housing programs and accomplishments in addressing the housing needs identified in the 2006‐2014 Housing Element. This appendix also includes a summary of comments received during this update.  Appendix E: Community Initiatives. This includes the results input from many community forums held on housing issues over the decade. Although the City presently lacks resources to implement all these initiatives, this appendix is a resource to draw upon for creative housing solutions. HE‐3 B. Rela ted P la n s Barstow’s 2014‐2021 Housing Element is related to local planning efforts and others mandated by the State of California and federal government. The following list describes these documents and how the City will maintain consistency with each of them in accordance with state law.  General Plan Housing Vision. Barstow’s General Plan Vision Statement, adopted by the City Council in October 2013 reads as follows: Barstow is a community where visitors explore, workers reside and raise their families and children grow up to find jobs at livable wages, enabling them to remain in the community to develop their own households. The City’s Housing Vision is to maintain a socially and economic diverse community of homeowners and renters in accordance with the General Plan Vision Statement.  General Plan Consistency. The Housing Element is consistent with the revised General Plan. The City will maintain consistency between general plan elements by ensuring that changes in the housing element or other elements are consistent with one another when general plan amendments are needed.  Water and Sewer Services. The Golden State Water Company has a franchise agreement to provide water service to most of Barstow. Some locations have private water systems (wells) that are regulated through the Mojave Water Agency (MWA) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region. Sewer service is provided by the City Waste Water Reclamation division of the Environmental Services Department, with some locations reliant upon private sewer systems (typically septic). The City transmitted its 2014‐2021 Housing Element to these agencies so population projections could be incorporated into their plans. This allows purveyors to plan for infrastructure and set priorities to serve affordable housing – as required under Government Code section 65589.7 – should a shortfall in water or sewer service occur.  Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities. As required by SB 244 (Government Code Section 53082.5, 56375, et. seq.), cities are required to amend their land use element to address provision of services to disadvantaged communities within their sphere of influence. According to the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission, Barstow has disadvantaged communities under the definition specified in SB 244 within its sphere of influence. Although the disadvantaged communities are primarily to the northwest (most separated by the Mojave River) and southeast (primarily BLM or Government Land) of the City, the areas have some constraints that may limit effective consideration within the 2014‐2021 time frame of the Housing Element, and especially for the 2015‐2020 General Plan. In addition, much of this land is vacant with no known development proposed. HE‐4 C. P u b lic O u tr ea c h California law requires that local governments engage the public in the development of the housing element. Specifically, Government Code section 65583(c)(7) states “that the local government shall make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element, and the program shall describe this effort.” State law does not specify the means and methods for participation; however, it is generally recognized that the participation must be inclusive. In accordance with the guiding principal of the General Plan, the City of Barstow continues to engage the community in defining City housing needs and discussing creative ways to address them. During the preparation for this housing element, the following outreach events were held:  Land Use Workshops. During the preparation of the land use and mobility element, the City of Barstow held two workshops that dealt with housing and the land use plan. Held during 2013 and 2014, these workshops focused on where the City should direct residential growth and the types of housing products desired. These strategies underpin the City’s growth strategy articulated in the housing element.  Stakeholder Input: In preparing this Housing Element planning staff contacted stakeholders in Barstow about their perceptions of housing needs, constraints to meeting housing needs, and potential programs. Stakeholders included Desert Manna (a local service provider for homeless residents), New Hope Village (a transitional housing program), Haley House (a housing program for victims of domestic abuse) and the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino.  Community Workshops. Two community‐wide General Plan Workshops were held in August 2013 and August 2014 to solicit input from the public concerning the General Plan, including housing needs and issues facing the community. These workshops were extensively advertised in the print, broadcast and web media in an effort to maximize public awareness and participation. Approximately 45‐50 residents attended each of the two public workshops. Comments made at the workshops are available by request.  Commission Hearings. Barstow has an active planning commission structure that reviews the housing element, provides input, takes comments from the public, and ultimately makes recommendations to the City Council. The Planning Commission held public hearings on the General Plan and Housing Element on August 26, 2013, September 9, 2013, September 23, 2013 and August 25, 2014. Additional hearings are anticipated to occur in February 2015 following publication of the General Plan and Final Environmental Impact Report. HE‐5 Comments and recommendations received during these many public forums are summarized in Appendix D of the Barstow Housing Element. 2. Framing the Challenge Barstow’s 2014‐2021 Housing Element is prepared during a period unlike previous decades. Changes to the housing market, demographics, and overall economy are fundamentally different than was the case during the prior two decades. Barstow faces unique challenges, potential constraints, and opportunities for furthering its housing vision. Housing and Neighborhood Change A volatile housing market marked the 2000’s through much of California, and the nation. From housing boom to recession and now to recovery, underlying housing issues remain. Barstow’s ability to further its housing vision is largely dependent on its success in addressing the following:  Housing Costs. During the 2000’s, Barstow’s housing prices soared. During the foreclosure crisis, prices for single‐family residences drastically fell (45.4% in 20081), and then stabilized. However, there was a price drop of 3.6% between 2011 and 2012.1  Housing Overpayment. As housing prices have increased faster than household income, the affordability crisis continues to worsen. From 20002 to 20103, the percentage of renter households nationwide overpaying for housing increased from 25.3% to 48%. During the same period, the percentage of all homeowners overpaying for housing increased from 19.5% to 24%, but more than 45.7% of those with a mortgage were overpaying for housing. Because of Barstow’s lower rents and home prices the proportion of households overpaying for housing is lower than the state and national rates, especially since the 2008 downturn.  Housing Quality. Overall, Barstow’s housing stock is in good condition. However, certain neighborhoods still have higher numbers of older homes that need maintenance and repairs. In addition, the percentage of owner‐occupied units is declining, with many units owned by out of town landlords. Because Barstow’s housing stock is older than many communities, it must address issues such as lead‐based paint, asbestos, and other conditions associated with older structures. Further, many of the out of town landlords have little interest in properly maintaining the rental property, or no knowledge of the conditions of the homes until contacted by the City’s Code Compliance unit. Homes need to be closely monitored and repaired to keep structures in good condition and extend their useful lives. HE‐6 
Potential Loss of Affordable Housing. Barstow’s quality of life has been affected by the economy. Most cities must set‐aside affordable housing. However, Barstow’s median housing value is $53,000, and the median income is $40,266.1 Unlike most southern California communities, therefore, market rate housing in Barstow remains affordable to all but the very lowest income residents. For this reason, it is not anticipated that the City will need to formally set‐aside affordable housing for several years to come. Regardless, the City does not restrict the number of Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) housing developments proposed. The ability to gain TCAC approval resides with the developers. 1
Reference: Profile of the City of Barstow, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). Sources include the U.S. Census Bureau; Nielsen Co.; California Department of Finance; MDA Data Quick; and SCAG. 2
Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 2000 Census Report 3
Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, 2005‐2009 American Community Survey (ACS) Demographic Change The 2000s were not only marked by a dynamic economy and housing market, but also by significant demographic changes. Some of these changes were more reflective of demographic patterns throughout the State of California and nation. Yet aside from these national and statewide patterns, other demographic changes in Barstow were more subtle and micro‐
focused on conditions unique to our community. These demographic changes include:  Aging Baby Boom Generation. Over the 2000’s, Barstow’s population increased by 1,520 residents, but this change was largely due to the baby boom generation. Residents ages 45 and older increased by 1,965, 445 more than the overall increase. This change is mirrored throughout much of California, while many places, including Barstow, witnessed a decline in the other age groups.  Race and Ethnic Change. Race and ethnic changes were also evident. The City’s Hispanic population increased 15 percent between 1990 and 2000, and 26 percent between 2000 and 2010. The Black population increased the most dramatically percentage‐wise, from 5 percent from 1990 to 2000, to 35 percent between 2000 and 2010. The White population went from an 8 percent increase between 1990 and 2000, to a decrease of 2 percent between 2000 and 2010. The most dramatic decrease was among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, whose population declined by 6 percent.  Household Size. Barstow’s household size has fluctuated over the past 30+ years from 2.85 persons per household (PPH) in 1980 steadily declining to 2.71 PPH in 2000. However, the current PPH according to the 2010 Census is 2.75, a minor increase since the 2000 Census. HE‐7 
This is expected to continue to increase as it can be speculated that families will share residences until such time that the economy begins to improve. The slight increase in average household size may also be attributable to the increased proportion of Hispanic residents, who tend to reside in larger households. Increasing Household Income. In 1989, the median household income was $29,289. Ten years later, this increased to $35,069, and according to the 2009‐2011 ACS, the median household income had increased to $43,456. However, there is a significant difference between the median income of renters ($21,761) and homeowners ($58,899). The 2007‐
2011 ACS reflects that Barstow’s median income is $45,417, with the county at $55,853. With respect to lower income residents, the percentage of lower income residents is 43.7. Above moderate income households currently make up 43.9%. This leaves a small percentage of moderate income residents (12.5%). This is a significant change from the 2000 Census. In 2000, lower income comprised of 52.6% of the households, moderate income households made up 22.4%, and above moderate households were 25%. This can best be seen comparing the charts below. 2000 Census Lower
Income
Lower
Income
Moderate
Income
Moderate
Income
Above
Moderate
Income
Above
Moderate
Income
2010 Census 
Special Needs. The City of Barstow continues to have a large resident population with special housing needs (55.45%, an increase from 43.84% in 2000). This includes seniors, large families, people with disabilities, people who are homeless, and other groups. Regardless of the broader demographic trends at work, Barstow’s special needs groups continue to be one of the largest cohorts in need of affordable housing. Balancing Goals and Resources In the early 2000’s, Barstow began to see a potential growth in the housing market in the production of housing units, most of which were geared towards the “first‐time home buyer.” However, the subsequent financial crisis affecting the nation also curtailed Barstow’s ability to address its housing needs. On the heels of a poor economy, the State legislature’s actions led to the elimination of redevelopment altogether, permanently taking nearly a million dollars in HE‐8 redevelopment funds that had been used to eliminate blight, and finance affordable housing, such as the First Time Buyers Program and rehabilitation of housing. Part of this loss occurred as a result of sharp cuts in state and federal housing grants. These included federal community development block grants, state homeownership grants, and other funding sources. The economic downturn also resulted in reduced sales tax, property tax, building permit fees, and other revenues. Significant losses in funding, along with staff reductions in virtually every City department, continue to constrain the ability to address housing needs. Although the economy is recovering, it may take years for the City to restore curtailed programs. Fortunately, because of the community’s comparatively low housing costs, the curtailment of such programs has consequences that are less severe than in other higher cost housing markets. The fiscal and administrative context facing Barstow during this time should not be interpreted to mean that the City has changed its commitment toward housing. These contemporary fiscal challenges, although significant, will not remain indefinitely, particularly as evidence emerges of recent improvements in the economy. Economic improvements, though, will not replace the redevelopment funds that were taken by the State, 20 percent of which were mandated by law to be allocated toward affordable housing. It is therefore incumbent on Barstow to devise creative strategies, unique partnerships, untapped funding sources, and other means to continue advancing its housing vision. Despite these challenges, the City remains committed to furthering its housing vision and pursuing needed programs to address its housing needs. Guided firmly by an inclusive housing vision, the following section sets forth the goals, policies, and implementation programs that Barstow is following to address the housing needs in the community. 3. Goals and Policies Goal HE‐1: Housing and Growth Needs The City of Barstow has for several years encouraged the development of move‐up, executive, and senior housing. This is due to the belief that employers may have reluctance to move their operations here due to the lack of executive housing. Most developers, however, have shown greater interest in providing “first‐time homebuyer” residences, and this accounted for the majority of the housing proposed during the housing boom. While this serves the needs of some residents and some of the homes that were built fell into the category of move‐up housing, executive housing has been limited to custom homes built specifically for the owners. Senior housing has not been addressed since the Veterans Home of Barstow was built. The HE‐9 majority of the housing that has been built so far since 2006 has been affordable housing, drawing people from apartment living. One project, though stalled prior to completion of the tract, was later purchased by another developer and completed. This tract was geared more towards the move‐up category, though on small lots. Several of the policies that are listed below were achieved over the last five years. It is important to note that the City is not restricting the special needs of housing, or limiting second units provided sufficient infrastructure is in place (consistent with state law), though no second units have been built since this ordinance went into effect in 2009. The City is open to all housing proposals, but advises on the types that the City would like to see. Even though the state dissolved the Redevelopment Agency, the City still pursues other avenues to entice developers to develop needed housing for certain groups, including senior citizens, by offering City land under land write‐downs, land exchanges, etc. Goal HE‐1 PROVIDE A RANGE OF HOUSING BY LOCATION, TYPE AND PRICE TO MEET THE GROWTH NEEDS OF THE CITY. Policies HE‐1.1 Provide a variety of residential development opportunities in the City, ranging from large lot rural living, to single‐family neighborhoods, to moderate density apartments as designated in the Land Use Diagram. Strategy: The General Plan includes a wide variety of housing types. The infrastructure is conducive to this as some areas are remote with no or limited sewer access, so larger lots are necessary for the private systems. This does, however, provide for large lot rural living. In addition, the overall density of residential housing will increase as a result of higher allowable densities in the revised General Plan. As a result, the overall potential housing development in Barstow remains more than sufficient to meet projected housing needs. Following the General Plan update, the City will conduct a comprehensive revision to the Zoning Map and the zoning code to be consistent with the General Plan. This will ensure consistency between the documents and that a variety of housing types will be provided. HE‐1.2 Encourage the development of upper‐end housing to provide opportunities for moderate and upper income employees in the City to reside in Barstow. HE‐10 Strategy: The City has been encouraging upper‐end housing for several years. However, during the housing boom of 2006, developers built primarily entry level homes, indicating that construction of higher price homes will occur during later phases. Unfortunately, the housing market crashed, and few new houses were constructed. Upper‐end housing, at this time, is limited to custom homes. HE‐1.3 HE‐1.4 HE‐1.5 HE‐1.6 Promote the use of favorable home purchasing techniques, including the City's Mortgage Assistance Program and preferential financing available through private lending institutions. Strategy: As with other funding programs, the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency resulted in the elimination of most of, if not all, monies available for such programs. The City continues to seek potential funding sources and hopes to re‐
introduce this and other programs to the community. Encourage the development of rental housing units with three or more bedrooms to accommodate large families and address unit overcrowding in Barstow, particularly in the northern area of the City. Strategy: In 2003 and 2006, two Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) apartment projects were built, each with 80 units. These projects receive TCAC funding for a period of 55 years. Between the two projects, there are 71 three bedroom, and 40 four bedroom units. Both of these projects are located north of Main Street (the base‐line separating the northern section and southern section of the City). Two additional TCAC funded, large‐family affordable housing projects are proposed on Montara Road, located in the southeast area. Encourage the development of housing for the elderly by offering incentives such as land write‐downs on City‐owned property and flexible development standards. Strategy: The City has been working with potential developers to provide active senior housing on land currently owned by the City. Two locations in particular are located close to the Barstow Community Hospital and the Senior Citizens Center. Encourage the development of residential units which are accessible to handicapped persons or are adaptable for conversion to residential use by handicapped persons. Pursuant to State law, require apartment complexes with 20 or more units to provide a minimum of one handicapped accessible unit, with two units required for developments over 100 units. HE‐11 Strategy: The City follows current state and federal laws for the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, the City currently has one Certified Access Specialist (CASP) on staff to address the requirements of ADA at both the state and federal level. In 2011, the City amended its municipal code to include Reasonable Accommodations to the zoning chapter, ensuring that the public has the right to alter their residence for any necessary ADA requirements. HE‐1.7 HE‐1.8 HE‐1.9 Allow for the development of second units in single‐family zones subject to the availability of adequate infrastructure. Strategy: In 2009, the City amended its Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance to allow second dwelling units (subject to infrastructure support) to be approved administratively. Prior to this amendment, second units required a conditional use permit. Permit the development of manufactured housing in all residential zones, pursuant to the City's manufactured housing ordinance. Strategy: In the 1980’s, state law required local agencies to permit manufactured housing in all residential zones. In 1989, the City amended its municipal code to address this state requirement. Encourage the construction of planned residential developments in the City. Strategy: Continue to work with developers to provide patio homes, townhomes, and other forms of planned residential developments that provide homes for working couples, families and senior citizens. Incentives for this may include small‐lot subdivisions, reduced setbacks and other standards modifications. Goal HE‐2: Conserve and Improve Existing Housing Forty‐four percent of Barstow’s housing stock was built between 1950 and 1969, making the homes more than 45 years old. Seventy‐one percent of the City’s housing stock was built prior to 1980, indicating that the majority of the houses in Barstow either are in need of, or will need maintenance and updating. This is a significant portion of the homes built within the City, with merely 5% of the housing stock built in 2005 and later. Given the age of the majority of the houses, it is anticipated that many require improvements and no longer meet building code (i.e., electrical, dual pane windows, sufficient insulation, etc.). However, given the current economy coupled with the fact that monies are not as readily available (i.e., grants, low interest loans, etc.), it can be anticipated that many of the homes will not be sufficiently maintained, let alone improved over original construction. Even so, some HE‐12 improvements are accomplished over time. For instance, the state requires that existing homes (under certain conditions) increase attic insulation upon a re‐roof. This could have a negative effect as some people may be able to afford re‐roofing their house, or adding insulation, but not both, and therefore neither are accomplished. HE‐13 Goal HE‐2 CONSERVE AND IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF THE CITY'S EXISTING HOUSING STOCK. Policies HE‐2.1 Utilize the City's code enforcement program as the primary tool for bringing substandard units into compliance with City codes and for improving overall housing conditions in Barstow. Strategy: The City’s Code Compliance Division is active in patrolling the city, using the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance as the key mechanism in order to gain compliance of substandard units and properties. Additionally, Code Compliance and the Building Department respond to complaints pertaining to housing conditions. Any valid complaints are issued a correction notice with a time frame in which to correct the issue. Failure to correct the issue may result in fines and ultimately court action. HE‐2.2 HE‐2.3 HE‐2.4 Pursue the removal of abandoned substandard housing units in the City's flood prone areas. Strategy: The City’s first attempt to remove substandard housing units is via the property owner. For the City to remove abandoned housing units, it must go through a lengthy legal process. Ultimately, the City may sometimes have to acquire a court order to remove the structure that poses a safety hazard, placing a lien is placed on the property for the cost of the removal. In other circumstances, the City was able to acquire the property at fair market value in order to remove the abandoned substandard structure. This has occurred with respect to several homes in the Crooks/Pierce neighborhood along the Mojave River. Encourage vigorous enforcement of the City's nuisance ordinance, along with other applicable codes, to promote property maintenance. Strategy: The City’s Code Compliance Division is actively patrolling the City to ensure that nuisances are identified and addressed. Each of the City’s three compliance officers has a beat that they patrol. A number of nuisance violations are on‐record, but typically the nuisances are eliminated by the notice of violation, without having to resort to fines and court actions. Actively market single‐family rehabilitation programs available through the City and County which provide financial assistance to lower income property owners. HE‐14 Strategy: With the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, both the City and County have little to no financial assistance available to assist lower income property owners. However, upon the availability of funds, the City typically notifies the public in a number of ways including the internet (City’s website), in the local newspaper, and potentially the local radio stations. Because of the lack of funding, no formal policy is in place at this time. HE‐2.5 HE‐2.6 Provide information on County multi‐family rehabilitation programs to owners of deteriorated apartment buildings. Strategy: The City has a Housing Program Coordinator that works with the County on any program available for rehabilitation of residential. Based on a discussion with the Coordinator, the County also has limited funds due to the elimination of the Redevelopment Agencies and current economic conditions. The County has committed their remaining funds into its own housing projects, leaving little to no money available for the rehabilitation of privately owned apartment buildings. Upon the availability of funds, the City will work with the County and property owners to rehabilitate deteriorating apartment buildings. Attempt to preserve rent‐restricted housing in the City that is at‐risk of converting to market rate housing by monitoring the prepayment status of projects and identifying financial and organizational resources available to preserve these units. Strategy: The City currently has two, 80‐unit deed‐restricted projects, built in 2003 and 2006 on North Yucca Avenue. The City continues to work with two proposed additional deed‐restricted large‐family, affordable projects (72 and 73 units) on Montara Road, both located south of the existing Walmart retail center. These projects are TCAC funded and typically have a minimum 55 year commitment, so no deed‐restricted units are currently at‐risk. The two new projects are both by the same developer, proposing that one will be built first, followed by the second upon the TCAC approvals. The City will continue to work with any private developer to maintain and/or increase the amount of rent‐
restricted housing and maintaining any that are at‐risk of converting. The City also has one family type apartment complex, Virginia Terrace, that participates in the County Voucher program. Once a rent‐restricted facility, their covenant expired in 2001. HE‐15 The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino provides an additional 179 family housing units, and 40 senior housing units. These are scheduled to remain in perpetuity as long as the County owns the land. Goal HE‐3: Preserve and Enhance Neighborhoods Barstow residents experience a social, cultural, and economic diversity that contributes to the rich character of community life. A diverse community is believed to evoke contrasting ideas, allow creative expression, foster a greater appreciation of lifestyles, and ultimately, although not without conflict, produce a stronger and more resilient community. The City of Barstow has the privilege to support and promote a diverse community where all residents are included and valued, where no group is privileged above any other group, and where all have opportunity. Barstow’s housing policies and programs have a fundamental role in preserving the quality, social and economic diversity of the community. Barstow’s rental voucher subsidies (issued through the County), and other housing strategies preserve housing opportunities for residents. Barstow supports concepts such as aging in place, barrier‐free housing, and other innovative products that are designed to adapt to the changing lifestyle needs of Barstow residents. These programs create, preserve, and help to maintain or enhance housing options. One of the objectives of Barstow is to provide housing of all types (affordable, seniors, move‐
up, and executive). In order to help achieve this, the City recognizes the need to implement goals and policies to ensure that adjacent residential types are compatible with one‐another. A multi‐family apartment complex or commercial use should blend‐in with the single‐family residential neighborhood that is adjacent to it. Otherwise, a degradation of the single‐family neighborhood may occur. Therefore, design considerations must be implemented to aesthetically blend the two uses to be compatible with one‐another. The following goals and policies are intended to further achieve the City’s quality housing enhancement and preservation objectives. Goal HE‐3 PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS IN BARSTOW AND ENSURE THAT NEW HOUSING IS SENSITIVE TO THE EXISTING NATURAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT. Policies HE‐3.1 Ensure that multi‐family development is compatible in design with single‐family residential areas and is consistent with the intensity and scale of existing housing. HE‐16 Strategy: In 2014, the City adopted an ordinance establishing design guidelines. Among other things, the ordinance addresses compatibility with adjacent properties. This includes the “…stepping down the scale, height, and density of buildings at the edges of the development when surrounding neighborhoods are of lower density or smaller scale. ” HE‐3.2 HE‐3.3 HE‐3.4 Regularly examine new residential construction methods and materials and upgrade the City's residential building standards as appropriate. Strategy: The City is open to new types of construction methods. Any method approved by the Building Department must meet certain seismic, fire and other safety criteria. This is approached on a case‐by‐case basis. The City’s new design ordinance particularly encourages the incorporation of energy‐saving features in new residential development projects. In 2014 the Barstow Unified School District increased school fees, charging the maximum allowable by state law. This dealt a potential setback for development. Prior to this, the school fees were set at $0 as the schools have vacant sites that are not being utilized. The City, by contrast, has continued to hold developer impact fees to 33% of the total amount allowed under its impact fee schedule in an effort to encourage residential development. Prohibit new residential development from fronting on major arterial highways without adequate setbacks and buffering. Strategy: The City of Barstow has approved some subdivisions in the past that front on major arterial roadways. This has caused some concern and the City no longer allows this. However, no formal code changes have occurred to address this. The City will amend the zoning ordinance (commonly referred to as Title 19) upon completion of the comprehensive General Plan amendment and will incorporate this into the amendment to Title 19. Ensure higher quality development standards in new mobile home developments as specified in the City's Mobile Home Subdivision zone, including compatibility with adjacent single‐family neighborhoods. Strategy: State law requires that all residentially zoned properties must allow mobile, or modular homes. However, the state did allow the City to require development standards. In 1989, the City amended its “Special Provisions” ordinance to establish standards for all residential development, including mobile homes. This establishes set‐down criteria, as well as minimum width, eve HE‐17 overhang, window and door treatment, and skirting requirements. These requirements apply to all residential developments. In addition, the City recently (2014), adopted a “Design Guideline” ordinance to set additional development standards for all development. The City will continue to enforce these design codes. HE‐3.5 HE‐3.6 HE‐3.7 Endeavor to ensure that housing constructed expressly for low and moderate income households not be concentrated in any single area of Barstow. Strategy: The City has apartment zoned properties in several locations within the City. Although two large‐family affordable projects were built near each other on North Yucca Avenue adjacent to the Main Street shopping centers and walk‐
in clinic, another two are proposed on Montara Road south of the Walmart center. The City does not dictate where low and moderate income households are concentrated. The deciding factor is made by the developer based upon the availability of suitable land (i.e., acreage, services, and infrastructure) and other market‐related factors. Locate higher density residential development in close proximity to public transportation, services and recreation. Strategy: The City has not seen high density development for several years. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the City experienced an upsurge in apartment development, resulting in an excess supply of apartments. The latest apartment developments included two large‐family affordable projects (2003 and 2006) and a market‐rate apartment complex built in 2007. These projects were located near retail centers, with the last one near a public park. Prohibit housing development in areas subject to significant geologic, flooding, blow sand, noise and fire hazards. Strategy: The most significant geologic hazards are identified as Alquist‐Priolo hazard zones. The City has one within the City limits, and one adjacent to the City but within the planning area. These areas are restricted with no development permitted. In addition, areas impacting by flooding are discouraged for residential development, or appropriate measures must be taken such as increasing the pad height above the flood elevation. The areas most susceptible to blow sand have been zoned for industrial development. Noise impacts are minimized. However, there is no adequate method of eliminating the noise from the Santa Fe Classification Yard. For the most part, HE‐18 there is sufficient distance to minimize most noise from the yard. However, during certain events there is no mitigation possible. HE‐3.8 HE‐3.9 Accommodate new residential development which is coordinated with the provision of infrastructure and public services. Strategy: This policy is, for all practical purposes, implemented by developers as the cost of infrastructure installation is expensive and borne by them. In addition, proximity to public services is a selling point. The City discourages what is termed “leap‐frog development” in favor of infill development. In the previous General Plan there were no mechanisms in place to prevent leap‐frog development other than the actual cost of extension of infrastructure, which in itself proved to be an effective mechanism for its prevention. The revised plan utilizes the Open Space and Interim Open Space land use designation in an effort to formalize its intent to develop in a compact fashion. Encourage the use of energy conservation devices and passive design concepts which make use of the natural climate to increase energy efficiency and reduce housing costs. Strategy: In addition to following state energy guidelines and the aforementioned new local design ordinance, the City recently adopted an ordinance regarding alternative energy. This allows the installation of roof‐mounted solar systems, and ground mounted solar systems (subject to certain criteria) via administrative approval of a building permit. In addition, the City has a water efficiency ordinance that limits the amount of lawn area while regulating summer‐time watering times (avoiding the hottest times of the day where evaporation is highest). Goal HE‐4: Special Housing Needs The City of Barstow shall continue to address the needs of residents with special housing needs. Policies HE 4.1 Work with developers to encourage the provision of housing for seniors. Strategy: Continue to offer city‐owned property at reasonable prices to developers interested in providing senior housing. HE 4.2 Continue to assist non‐profit organizations in modifying their approaches to homeless assistance from service provision to transitional housing. HE‐19 Strategy: In 2014 the City allocated over $ 150,000 from its Community Development Block Grant program to assist New Hope Village in purchasing and renovating a 10‐unit apartment building for use as transitional housing. Increasing movement of persons with development disabilities out of institutions requires new models of permanent supportive housing. Barstow is also exploring additional models for homeownership. 4. Housing Programs The housing element vision, goals, and policies are achieved through the implementation of housing programs. These programs are consistent with the general plan, City vision and mission, and state and federal mandates. The housing program section is organized into four goal areas – housing and growth needs, conserve and improve existing housing, preserve and enhance neighborhoods, and special housing needs. Quantitative Objectives To maintain consistency among planning efforts and address state law, quantified objectives for all housing programs are provided, where possible. Quantified objectives can refer to the number of households served, housing units built or preserved, or other units of service planned for from 2014‐2021. The quantitative objectives are based on current funding known today. As indicated elsewhere in the Housing Document, the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency by the state has severely impacted the City’s and county’s ability to provide funding sources the continuation of past programs. Should the funding change, the achievable objectives would change as well. Table HE‐1 provides a summary of quantified objectives from these programs. Table HE‐1: Quantified Housing Objectives Income Category 0‐30 % of 31‐50 % 51‐80% 81‐120 % >120 % Program Area* MFI of MFI of MFI of MFI of MFI 1
Housing Construction 94 94 138 154 363 0 0 0 0 0 Housing Rehabilitation, Preservation and Homeownership Assistance2 Rental Housing Assistance3 8 55 9 0 0 Total 102 149 147 154 363 Source: SCAG Regional Housing Needs Assessment, City of Barstow, 2014, Global Premier Development * All quantitative objectives are subject to funding availability; MFI is median family income 1 Refers to the 2014‐2021 regional housing needs assessment 2
Funding is no longer available. Upon securing funding, housing rehabilitation, preservation and homeownership assistance may occur HE‐20 3
Refers to the Calico Apartments project that are assisted as part of TCAC With the exception of the very low income group, the estimated housing needs of all other Barstow residents can be met through market‐rate housing in light of the city’s low overall home prices and rents. The City of Barstow will implement numerous initiatives to achieve the goals, policies, and objectives in the 2014‐2021 Housing Element. The programs are organized with individual activities, specific objectives, time frames for completion, funding sources, and agencies responsible for implementation. The following describes these housing initiatives and programs in detail. Program #1: Code Enforcement Code compliance is an important tool to maintain the quality of property values in neighborhoods and commercial areas, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents. To achieve these goals, the City has several code enforcement functions, described below.  Code Compliance. Code compliance is a means to ensure that the quality of the City’s commercial and residential neighborhoods is maintained. Code compliance staff enforces state and local regulations governing exterior building conditions, property maintenance, and interior conditions. For properties found in violation, eligible property owners are directed to nonprofit organizations and City rehabilitation loans and grants, if available, for assistance in resolving code violations and making repairs.  Emergency Enforcement. The Building Official oversees emergency enforcements. When deemed necessary to emergency abate (i.e., sewage spill, etc.), all attempts are made to reach the responsible party (i.e., land owner). If they cannot be reached, the abatement work begins and the land owner is billed for all costs incurred by the City. If necessary to abate or reimburse the City, code compliance cases commence with notices, administrative citations and, if necessary, court action. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Continue program implementation; reallocate resources to maximize achievement of code compliance goals.  Work with health department officials to coordinate efforts responding to health and safety concerns. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: Ongoing HE‐21 Responsibility: Interdepartmental Funding Source(s): General Funds Program #2: Downtown Barstow The City of Barstow has long directed enhanced efforts at improving the Downtown Redevelopment Area. This is an older part of the City along the Historic Route 66. With the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, the Downtown Redevelopment Area is no longer a guiding development opportunity. The City, therefore, must look at other alternatives to revitalize this historic segment and the adjacent properties. In response to this, the City Council adopted a resolution in May 2014 designating the Downtown Business and Cultural District and is considering preparation of a Downtown Specific Plan that will ultimately seek to bring back the Historic Route 66 feel of this segment of Barstow. Main Street in Barstow is the longest active remaining Route 66/Main Street left in the United States. The City Council’s May 2014 resolution also designated the entire length of this roadway segment as the Route 66 Business Corridor. Although this is primarily a commercial corridor, the adjacent lands include a mixture of commercial and residential uses. A specific plan in this area would help to maintain a diversity of uses that includes a residential component with an increased density. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Upon the completion of the comprehensive General Plan update and the comprehensive revision to the zoning ordinance, the City will move forward with an initiative to adopt a specific plan for the Downtown Historic Route 66 Area. This will include the involvement of the property owners and other stakeholders of the project area. Target Population: Downtown Historic Route 66 Area Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Planning and Economic Development Funding Source(s): General Funds, CDBG, Private Investments Program #3: Housing Inspection According to the 2009‐2011 American Community Survey (ACS)(U.S. Census), there are 11.4 percent of rentals and only 0.39 percent of owner/occupied units that are considered substandard housing. The 2009‐2011 ACS indicates that out of 4,832 owner‐occupied units only 19 have no telephone service and all have kitchen facilities and plumbing, while of the HE‐22 3,852 rental units 90 have no kitchen facilities, 71 lack plumbing and 281 are without telephone service. The City does not conduct any occupancy inspections, quadrennial inspections or lead‐based hazards inspections. Housing inspections are complaint‐driven. Upon receiving complaints from the tenants, or adjacent property owner, the Code Compliance Officers investigate. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Continue to inspect upon receiving complaints. Enforce any code violations. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Building, Fire and Code Compliance Funding Source(s): General Funds Program #4: Historic Preservation Most buildings in Barstow do not have any recorded historical significance. The most recognized historical structure is the ‘Casa Del Desierto’ (House of the Desert) Harvey House on North First Avenue adjacent to the rail tracks. This is also the only local structure on the National Registry of Historic Places and the California Office of Historic Preservation. The original Barstow Harvey House, built in 1885, was a wood constructed depot, restaurant, and hotel that burned in 1908. Designed by Mary Colter, a new brick structure was constructed from 1910 to 1913. The Harvey House was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1975. The City is interested in preserving the history of Barstow, but sadly, this is the only structure of significance that remains. No residential structures exist that have been placed on any historic registry. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Continue maintenance on the Historic Harvey House. Target Population: Citywide HE‐23 Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Public Works Funding Source(s): General Funds, CDBG Program #5: Housing Design Historically, Barstow has never regulated the design of a residential project unless it is part of a specific plan. However, in 2014, the City adopted design guidelines (Chapter 19.49) for all new development.  Design Review. Barstow recently adopted an ordinance to add Chapter 19.49 to the Municipal Code, establishing City‐wide design guidelines for all development. These Citywide design principles will set the foundation, and City residential design guidelines provide clear examples of the quality and type of design recommended. Design guidelines work in tandem with development standards in the zoning code or appropriate specific plans. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Implement design guidelines to ensure maintenance of Barstow’s architectural character and quality of the built environment. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Planning and Economic Development Funding Source(s): General Funds Program #6: Housing Sites For the population, Barstow has a lot of area. As such, the City’s population density is only about 547 people per square mile. Although higher than the state average of about 228 people per square mile, and much higher than the national average of just over 81 people per square mile, it is much lower than the surrounding cities and urban centers. The Victor Valley cities have densities of 940 to well over 1,200 people per square mile, and Los Angeles has a density of about 7,545 people per square mile. (ref.: USA.com) In addition, Barstow has approximately 41 square miles within the City limits, with nearly 157 square miles within the Sphere of Influence. Barstow has many undeveloped parcels within the City limits and the Sphere of Influence. Housing sites for future development are not limited by available land, but by the availability of infrastructure and resources, such as water. HE‐24 In late 2013, the City began an update of the general plan, working with the community through participative planning. Although this update will reduce the total acreage designated for residential development, increases in density provide sufficient residentially designated sites to allow the City to nearly quadruple in population, excluding residentially zoned properties that are under‐developed. This nearly 80,500 unit potential far exceeds the RHNA estimates to 2021 and the 2035 RTP estimate of 25,079 units (inclusive of existing units). The City has no development caps at this time, and none are anticipated in the foreseeable future. Rather, the City needs to draw businesses that can entice residential growth through an increase in local living wage jobs where residents can afford to purchase homes. The City of Barstow has a regional housing needs estimate of 843 units. The affordability breakdown of the 2014‐2021 RHNA is 188 very low income units, 138 low income units, 154 moderate income units and 363 above moderate income units. These housing planning targets can be addressed through a combination of housing production credits and available housing sites. As mentioned in Appendix C, the City has adequate sites to accommodate the full RHNA and its income levels. The proposed general plan and mitigations in the EIR ensures that sites are available for development as envisioned in the Land Use Element within the housing element planning period. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Adopt the general plan increasing allowable residential densities.  Continue to review specific plans and make needed changes to achieve the 2014‐2021 RHNA.  Continue to work with businesses to create living wage jobs, thereby creating a demand for additional housing. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Planning and Economic Development Funding Source(s): General Funds Program #7: Diverse Use The City is implementing a Diverse Use land use and zoning category for this comprehensive General Plan amendment. This land use designation will replace the existing Mixed Use general plan and Mixed Land Use (MU) zoning designation. The intention is to encourage a true mixture of uses on a given property. Currently, the Mixed Use/Mixed Land Use designations have resulted in an “either‐or” situation, where the developer chose to develop as residential HE‐25 or commercial. The Diverse Use designation is intended to promote both developments on the parcels, allowing live‐work scenarios or residences within easy walking distances to employment or services. This designation will allow residential densities of up to 20 units per acre, in addition to the office or commercial uses. With this density, several residences could be provided along with the office and commercial services, making them attractive to people seeking to live near jobs and services, and desiring smaller yards to maintain. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Adopt the general plan creating the Diverse Use land use designation.  Amend the zoning code creating the Diverse Use zoning designation. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: 2015‐2016 Implementation, ongoing application of code Responsibility: Planning and Economic Development Funding Source(s): General Funds Program #8: Resource Conservation Barstow is moving forward in encouraging sustainable development in a manner that reduces energy consumption, protects the environment and facilitates the production of affordable housing. The City’s efforts include building codes, administrative solar reviews, and services identified below.  Building Codes. Barstow implements the California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) to promote sustainable building design and construction practices in the community. CalGreen’s mandatory provisions apply only to new construction and rehabilitation.  Solar Review. Barstow recently added provisions in the municipal code for alternative energy. This includes the administrative review of solar panels for roof‐mounted, and some ground mounted systems. As it stands, the City has issued 179 solar permits (as of 8/26/14) since 2008, with the largest amount of permits issued in 2013 (86), some of which were for apartment complexes.  Water and Sewer Services. The City has several hundred acre‐feet of water allotted for future use that is currently not being used. Therefore, there are adequate supplies of water in place to accommodate the 2014‐2021 RHNA. However, in accordance with state law, the City is required to adopt written policies and procedures that grant priority for service allocations to proposed projects that include low income housing. This action was proposed in the 2008 housing element but needs to be completed. Sewer services are provided by the City of Barstow. The existing wastewater transport system can handle a peak flow of HE‐26 approximately 7 million gallons per day (mgd) at the maximum collection point near the City's sewage treatment plant. The treatment plant has a carrying capacity of 4.5 mgd, with a current demand of 2.6 mgd. The existing system is expected to adequately serve the current allocated capacity. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Continue to implement CalGreen and make technical refinements to the code as required to implement its provision, and implement Calgreen’s provisions to additions and alterations.  Continue to implement the City’s alternative energy ordinance to lessen the demand on renewable energy.  Work with the local water purveyors and the City’s wastewater treatment staff to finalize written policies and programs to prioritize water and sewer service allocation. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Building, Planning and Economic Development Funding Source(s): General Funds, CDBG Program #9: Identification and Alleviation of Potential Constraints The Housing Element identifies multiple issues that merit greater attention during the implementation of housing goals, policies, and programs. These issues are related to municipal codes, development fees, and processes. The following activities are proposed to address these potential constraints. Some of the potential constraints are physical in nature (i.e., infrastructure, topography, species habitat, etc.) while others are economically based (such as job opportunities).  Development Review. The City recently implemented a development review process in an effort to identify requirements early on, and work with the applicant to achieve the minimum local, state and federal requirements for developments. This has proven helpful in identifying specific development criteria early on in the process instead of towards the end, with developers reacting positive to the process. This will be implemented further with design review as the City recently adopted Citywide Design Guidelines. As the City progresses, it is anticipated that some enhancements to the processes will be implemented.  Development Fees. During the mid‐2000’s, Barstow was successful in approving several thousand lots of tentative subdivisions for new housing units. During the period, concerns were raised about development fees, and were subsequently adopted in 2007 in a one‐third phased implementation plan. The market subsequently crashed and halted this trend for HE‐27 
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years. Although the building industry is recovering and numerous projects are in the pipeline, the City annually reevaluates its fees in line with the aforementioned process. Although most categories are now at 100 percent of the recommended fees, single‐family residential development is still at one‐third of the recommended fees in order to entice development. Ongoing Evaluation. Over time, potential constraints to the development, maintenance, and improvement of housing will arise due to changing conditions and community needs in Barstow. These potential constraints could be related to municipal codes, environment, or city processes. The City will continue to examine these situations on a case‐by‐case basis, through a mid‐cycle housing element review or through special studies. Locational Constraints. The Victor Valley essentially began growing as a bedroom community to the San Bernardino/Riverside area. Barstow’s remote location is too far from these urban centers to become a bedroom community. Therefore, many of the residents are employed locally, at the nearby military bases, and in some cases, the Victor Valley area. With the economic downturn of the late 2000s, job opportunities have also stalled. The city, however, has seen a recent interest in commercial and industrial development and continues to work with developers to ensure that the job growth will occur in Barstow. The City’s fee structure is such that the land use approval fees are generally the lowest among the five high desert cities, as well as much of California. In addition, the review time for projects is timely, providing feedback within a reasonable time to the applicants/developers (average two weeks). In addition, other incentives have been provided to developers on a project‐by‐project basus in order to ensure job growth, thereby creating increased housing demand. Physical constraints to housing development include: 1) the costs of extending infrastructure; 2) grading of sites with steep slopes; and 3) the presence of protected species on sites suitable for residential development. As development proposals arise, the City considers whether projects require the extension of any infrastructure and works with the developer to ensure that the infrastructure is extended. The City is also, as part of the Comprehensive General Plan Amendment (including this Element), increasing the density of most residential lands. This will make it more feasible to address physical constraints, such as topography, as more units will be permitted per acre. In regards to protected species, the City is considering the purchase of land for the off‐set of development impacts on species habitat. This will result in a savings to the builders who would need to seek purchase of land at inflated values. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives: HE‐28 
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Continue the implementation of development review processes and implement a design review process, amend the code or procedure when necessary to improve processing timelines and achieve desired outcomes. Reevaluate appropriateness of development fee schedules following implementation of development process improvements. Periodically review potential constraints to the development, maintenance, and improvement of housing as situations arise. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Building, Planning and Economic Development, Engineering Funding Source(s): General Funds Program #10: Alternative Housing Opportunities Barstow residential neighborhoods offer a diversity of housing types that vary in type, density and vintage. Additionally, Barstow has an abundance of available land available for future development. Even so, the City is taking steps to broaden the range of housing opportunities for its residents.  Small Lot Ordinance. One of the trending forms of housing introduced to Barstow is small lot bungalows or garden lots, especially for active seniors. The bungalow court, which features small houses arranged around a center garden, was the predominant form of multi‐family housing in Southern California in the early 1900’s. Adaptations of this concept have become popular in recent years in southern California. Small lot subdivisions allow for single‐family homes, townhouses, or garden courts on smaller parcels than under standard zoning regulations. These housing products can have separate lots, do not require expensive subterranean parking, offer lower cost homeownership opportunities, and can be oriented in visually interesting ways.  Second Units. Second units are self‐contained units attached or detached from the primary residential unit on a single lot. Second units typically rent for less than apartments of comparable size, and can offer affordable rental options for seniors. Rent from second units can help modest income and elderly home owners remain in or continue affording their homes. The City has developed a ministerial approval process along with residential development standards (Section 19.75 of the Barstow Municipal Code). This ordinance also requires that the second unit be constructed to resemble the main structure in design and materials. HE‐29 Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Review zoning code and consider amendments to facilitate small‐lot, single‐family subdivisions as a means to providing affordable homeownership opportunities while balancing the need to protect the unique architectural and historic character of the City.  In 2011, the City amended Section 19.75, establishing standards and a ministerial process for second units. Although this tool has not yet been utilized, it remains available to allow developers or homeowners to establish a second unit on single‐family and multi‐family properties as an affordable unit. Target Population: City‐wide, all residential zones, all economic groups Time Frame: 2014‐2021 Responsible Agency: Planning and Economic Development Funding Source: General Funds Program #11: Financial Assistance With the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, monies are no longer available. However, the City seeks funding through other sources, wherever possible.  City Assistance. With the elimination of the Redevelopment Agency, financial assistance from the City is more challenging. The City works with other agencies, such as San Bernardino County, when possible to provide financial assistance.  Land Assemblage/Write‐downs. The City may also provide land write‐downs to selected developers in the acquisition and disposition of housing sites and/or surplus properties for the construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing units. Typically, developers acquire and assemble lots before submitting an application for development and City funding. Subject to the availability of funding, the City will continue to seek property acquisition opportunities, consider offering land at reduced rates and other creative land subsidies, and to provide assistance in assembling sites for affordable housing. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives: HE‐30 
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Contingent on availability, provide funding support for the production, rehabilitation, and preservation of as many residential units as possible. Dependent upon surplus land, continue to consider providing opportunities for the development of affordable housing units for extremely low, very low, low income and senior housing through land write‐downs. Provide reduced fees in return for developers providing affordable housing. 
Target Population: City‐wide, Extremely low, very low, low income and senior Time Frame: Ongoing Responsible Agency: Planning and Economic Development Funding Source: CDGB, General Funds, Grants Program #12: Rental Housing Assistance Barstow works with the San Bernardino County whenever possible. The county is the primary source of rental housing assistance in the Barstow area. The county provides three rental assistance efforts. The City works with Desert Manna and New Hope Village in providing housing for eligible homeless individuals and families. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Housing Choice Vouchers. The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino provides 161 Housing Choice Vouchers for the Barstow residents.  Project Based Vouchers. The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino provides 100 Project Based Vouchers within the community.  Public Housing Units. The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino provides 219 public housing units within the City.  Emergency Rental Assistance. The City of Barstow supports and cooperates with private non‐profit agencies and organizations that provide emergency rental assistance or housing. These include, but are not limited to, the United Way, Catholic Charities, Desert Manna and the Red Cross. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino and other agencies Funding Source(s): Federal and county funded, various private and agency funded Program #13: Affordable Housing Preservation HE‐31 Because the market value of residences is typically low, there has not been a high demand for additional affordable housing. Regardless, some of those that are restricted are under long‐
term contracts with the State through the Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC). These typically have a 55‐year restriction. Two such housing projects (81 unit1, large‐family, affordable) have been built with two more (73 unit, large‐family affordable) projects pending TCAC approval.  Deed Restricted Affordable Housing. Barstow has approximately 232 publicly assisted (privately owned) multi‐family units that are either deed restricted or contracted through the TCAC as affordable to lower income households. One project with 72‐units set‐aside for the Voucher program can go market rate, but is unlikely due to the assurance of funding provided through the vouchers. Eighty units1 may turn market rate by 2058, and a second eighty unit project1 may turn market rate in 2061. This is because these are under a 55‐year restriction through the TCAC. In addition, the City has two more projects pending that may qualify for TCAC funding. Although neither one has built at this time, it is anticipated that one (73 units) may build within a couple years. The other site may not be built during the timeline of this Housing Element cycle, but will provide more than 70 units for affordable housing. In addition, the County maintains 219 housing units (conventional public housing) for low income housing. To define a set‐number for extremely low, very low and low income units is difficult because most of the housing is set‐up to allow for all, essentially paying their appropriate portion based upon their income.  Market Rate Affordable Housing. Much of the market rate housing is within the range of affordability. For instance, the Barstonian Apartments offers two bedroom units between $725 to 750 a month (as posted on their website accessed 04/18/2014). Rates range anywhere from $350 per month for an efficiency apartment unit to $1,200 a month for a four bedroom house (all listed under Section 8 on www.gosection8.com). However, this same website has non‐Section 8 housing between $425 per month for a one bedroom to $1,150 per month for a four bedroom house. An apartment complex (converted to Market Rate in 2006) listed their prices as $745 per month for a one bedroom and $795 per month for a two bedroom unit (Desert Heights Apartment’s website, accessed on 04/18/2014). This reflects a drop of $180 a month and $230 a month for the one and two bedroom units, respectively, since July 2008 (ref.: 2006‐2014 Housing Element). Note: 1 Apartments listed are 81 units each including manager’s unit. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives: HE‐32 
Continue to expand partnership and funding opportunities to leverage resources for housing programs. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Economic Development Funding Source(s): Local, State and Federal Funds Program #14: Housing for Disabled People Barstow implements activities to encourage the development of housing suitable for people with disabilities (including developmental disabilities). City programs for providing housing and services to people with a disability follow.  Building Design. The ADA mandates certain requirements for multifamily housing units to be accessible to people with disabilities. There are also techniques for improving the accessibility of housing through the adoption of principles of “universal design,” “visitability,” or “barrier free” housing. Features typically include zero‐step entrances, wide enough doorways for wheelchairs, and other key features. Barstow will explore ways to make these types of improvements where feasible.  Reasonable Accommodations. Much of Barstow’s housing was predominantly built before ADA requirements and may not be as accessible as newly constructed units. Therefore, the City’s municipal code establishes a process for requesting and granting reasonable modifications to zoning, development regulations, building codes, and land use to allow for the fullest access to housing. The City will continue to implement this process to improve access to housing for people with disabilities in Barstow.  Housing Opportunities. At times, expanding housing opportunities for people with disabilities (including developmental disabilities) is needed. The City supports the construction of housing and group quarters that is suitable for people with disabilities. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Currently, there are no requirements that new single‐family housing shall be built to be able to convert to ADA accessible housing (i.e., doorways, hall widths, etc.). However, it is anticipated to become a state and/or federal requirement at some point in the future. The City will analyze the need to determine if a demand is necessary at this time, and has allowed modifications subject to necessary permits, ensuring that no structural support or other safety issues will result from the modifications. Multi‐family housing and group quarters are required to meet the criteria of the ADA. HE‐33 
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In 2011, the City adopted a Reasonable Accommodations Ordinance to allow for an administrative granting of reasonable modifications, via a no‐cost application, to zoning, development regulations, building codes, and land use to allow for the fullest access to housing. Since the inception of this mandatory ordinance, no applications have been submitted. This may be because either the work is done without permits, or it is in the scope of a building permit of a remodel. As indicated during the development of the prior Housing Element, the City worked with homeowners to allow such modifications. As stated above, any group quarters is required to meet ADA requirements. Although the City does not require that single‐family housing meet ADA requirements, the City supports the construction of housing that meets these requirements. Target Population: Citywide Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Building, Planning and Economic Development Funding Source(s): Local, State and Federal Funds Program #15: Housing for Seniors Senior citizens (persons 65 and older) make up more than 10 percent of the City’s population, perhaps in part because of the warmer, drier weather and lower cost of living. Moreover, the senior citizens tend to be long‐time residents of Barstow. Many residents have spent the largest portion of their life here, moving here due to family, jobs or military obligations and ultimately retiring in the community. City activities dedicated to providing housing and services for seniors are described below.  Housing Facilities. Barstow does not have any publicly funded senior housing projects at this time. However, the private sector has provided a number of senior housing developments, such as the Holiday Homes Mobile Home Park and the Veterans Home of California, Barstow. This mobile home park is age restricted to 55 and above. The 55‐64 age group makes up another 10 percent (2,261, 2010 Census) of the population. In addition, the City has been working with some developers on a couple sites to provide housing for the active senior, with some provision for assisted living, which is currently only provided for by the Veterans Home of California, a 400 bed facility. This facility is primarily an independent living facility, but they have facilities available for intermediate care and skilled nursing.  Life Care Facilities. As the baby boomer population ages, senior housing is becoming more in demand. As noted earlier, the 55 and above age group accounts for more than 20% of the population, yet few facilities are in place. Even with the Veterans Home of Barstow (VHB) providing 400 beds, this accounts for a small portion of the seniors (those age 65 and HE‐34 
above account for 2,419 Barstow residents). Additionally, the VHB is limited to military veterans. This eliminates a significant portion of the senior population for eligibility. The VHB also allows veterans aged 55 and above, and younger if disabled, further reducing the amount of housing for seniors. The Holiday Homes Mobile Home Park has 264 spaces within the park, allowing for up to 528 residents (assuming a maximum of double‐
occupancy). Holiday Homes is strictly an independent living situation. Senior Services. Barstow seniors have access to supportive services that enable them to live at home as independently as possible. The funds for these services are provided through private donations as well as San Bernardino County, providing meals and nutrition, recreation, health care, and service programs. Many programs operate from Barstow’s Senior Center. The City’s transit line offers low‐cost public transit for seniors. The public transit system, regardless of which fare is collected, does not operate at‐cost or at a profit. Rather, it is dependent upon local, state and federal funds. On September 12, 2013, the High Desert Meals on Wheels (HDMOW) program, who previously served the area, had to terminate its contract due to insufficient funding. The Barstow Senior Citizens Center (BSCC) took over the operation and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with BSCC and increased the funding for the expansion of services in the greater High Desert area (Barstow, Adelanto, Hesperia and Victorville), increasing the funding to $365,746 for fiscal year 2013‐2014. This is still insufficient to cover all of the costs, so the program also relies upon on participant and private donations. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Continue to support the provision of senior housing and life care facilities and the preservation of affordable senior housing as funding is available.  Continue to fund the provision of supportive services for senior residents as funding is available. Funds are not expected within this planning period. Citywide Target Population: Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Interdepartmental Funding Source(s): Local, State and Federal Funds Program #16: Homeless Services Barstow does not operate any homeless services. However, the City assists in this service by providing a $1 a year rent for the Desert Manna Homeless Shelter. In addition, the City works with New Hope Village to offer transitional housing and rapid re‐housing. HE‐35 
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Continuum Care. Barstow has traditionally helped to support the Desert Manna Homeless Shelter, sometimes through improvements (in cooperation with County funds) or through occasional monies, when available. Mostly, the city assists them by offering a structure for a one dollar a year rent. Desert Manna is a non‐profit agency and is able to receive additional funding sources through grants, as applicable. In addition to the Desert Manna, Barstow is served by the Haley House, serving women and children of domestic violence, who would be homeless or otherwise stay in an abusive relationship. The Haley House serves approximately 37 women and children annually. The Haley House is seldom above capacity, which its staff takes as an indication that services for this group are adequate at this time. Rapid Re‐housing/Transition. Barstow cooperates with New Hope Village which provides transitional housing as well as rapid re‐housing. With the support of funding from the City of Barstow’s Community Development Block Grant allocation New Hope Village is moving into a new facility, increasing the project from 6 units at their current location (renting from Desert Manna) to 10 units at another site. Once New Hope Village relocates, the Desert Manna will continue this site as transitional housing. Supportive Services. Supportive services are generally provided by Desert Manna, New Hope Village, and New Hope Village Too. Additional support is also provided by the local community and religious institutions. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  Update the zoning code to allow transitional and permanent supportive housing in residentially oriented zones subject to the same standards as to housing of the same type in the same zone.  Amend zoning code to allow emergency shelters as a by right use in at least one zoning district, subject to management and operational standards permitted in state law. Target Population: Citywide, Extremely low, very low, and low income Time Frame: Ongoing Responsibility: Economic Development, and Park and Recreation Funding Source(s): CDBG, HUD, Private Funding and Donations Program #17: Housing Education and Monitoring Education and monitoring activities are an essential process for evaluating and refining housing programs. The City has three primary activities geared toward monitoring progress and engaging and educating decision makers and the community about housing policies and programs. HE‐36 
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Monitoring Program. The City maintains records of housing production for specific plans so that adequate sites remain available for development. Barstow periodically prepares the annual monitoring reports – the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report for federal programs and the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for the California HCD. The City will continue to prepare these reports as required by law and work toward integrating their preparation in a more coordinated manner. Community/Commission Education. Housing policy, programs, state and federal mandates, and funding sources are intricate in detail. Moreover, housing programs often change in response to market cycles. In an effort to enhance and inform the decision‐
making process for housing matters, the City will continue its role in educating elected leaders, city staff, and stakeholders, regarding Barstow’s housing Issues through public forums and individual discussions between staff and interested parties. Mid‐cycle Housing Forum. The 2014‐2021 Housing Element is prepared during a unique period in time. Southern California cities have one of the shortest periods to update the housing element. The region is struggling to recover from the worst economic downturn in generations and the loss of redevelopment dollars. Finally, the City could face new market pressures before the end of the housing element cycle in 2021. In this context, a mid‐cycle review of the housing element may be an appropriate course of action to ensure that housing programs remain relevant through 2021. Implementation: 2014‐2021 Objectives:  On annual basis, monitor the progress in meeting the objectives set forth in the housing element and prepare annual reports as required.  Conduct ongoing educational efforts to engage and inform the public, decision makers, and stakeholders about housing issues.  At the midpoint of the 2014‐2021 housing element period (2018), review select programs and activities to fine tune and adjust as deemed necessary. Target Population: Citywide, All economic groups Time Frame: Annual and 2018 for mid‐cycle review Responsibility: Planning and Economic Development Funding Source(s): General Fund HE‐37 City of Barstow Housing Element A. Housing Needs
Housing Needs Appendix A includes an analysis of demographic, economic, housing and special needs characteristics and trends in Barstow. The Analysis is intended to identify issues that affect the City’s existing and future housing needs. 1. D em o g ra p h ic T r en d s Population Growth The City of Barstow is the 17th largest city in San Bernardino County, with a population estimate of 22,639 according to the 2010 Census Bureau. Over the past 60 years, the City’s population has fluctuated tremendously, with an 89.8% increase from 1950 to 1960, and ‐1.6% from 1990 to 2000. Historically, the population growth has followed ebb and flow of activities at Fort Irwin. More recently, the recession affected the City’s potential for new housing. According to the Southern California Association of Governments’ forecasts, the City of Barstow’s population is projected to increase to 27,300 by the year 2020 (See Figure A‐1). This growth estimate is larger than is anticipated under the revised General Plan (@26,000 in 2020) Figure A‐1: Barstow Population Growth, 1950‐2020 City of Barstow Population Growth
30,000
27,300 25,000
21,472
20,000
17,442
22,639
21,119
17,690
15,000
Population
11,644
10,000
5,000
6,135
0
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Sources: U.S. Census (1950‐2010) and SCAG 2012‐2035 Regional Transportation Plan HE‐A‐1 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Age Characteristics Barstow’s housing needs are influenced by the age characteristics of residents. Different age groups have different lifestyles, family types, and income levels that affect their preference and ability to afford housing. Typically, younger adults occupy apartments that are more affordable. Middle‐aged adults tend to choose larger homes to accommodate children, and seniors may begin to downsize to smaller homes that are easier to maintain. Understanding changes in age characteristics provides insight into present and future housing needs. The state and the nation are in the midst of democratic change, with significant increases in age due to the aging of the baby boom generation. These trends are evident in Barstow. Despite modest population growth during the 2000’s, Barstow’s median age of residents actually dropped to 31.1 years in 2010 from 32.1 in 2000 (US Census). Mirroring national changes, Barstow’s baby boom (middle‐age) age adults also was the fastest growing segment of Barstow’s population. Middle‐aged adults (45‐64 years) increased 53% between 2000 and 2010. In contrast, most of the younger generation decreased with the exception of those under 5 years of age (which increased 11%). The senior population decreased approximately 7%. All other age groups remained relatively the same. See Table A‐1 below. Changes in age distribution are also due to local housing market factors. Barstow is known for relatively lower housing prices and apartment rents that are easier for younger households to afford. As such, Barstow is an attractive community for seniors and lower income adults. The nationwide trend, an increase in the resident age, is a market that needs to be addressed for Barstow at least as much as affordable housing. Some of the specific housing needs include those for seniors as well as move‐up and above median income residences. As Table A‐1 below reflects, the age cohort most typically associated with move‐up housing (ages 45‐64) had the largest population change of all age groups, and while the 65+ reflects a minor change, the age group of 75 plus reflected no change. Although the 65+ age group saw a slight reduction, there is still an unmet demand for senior housing, with current supply limited primarily to mobile home parks and convalescent hospitals. According to the demographic and building indicators, several trends appear likely, most likely including continued development of apartments for low‐income housing, single‐family homes for first‐time homebuyers, move‐up and custom homes for executive homes. In addition, over the next five to ten years, it can be expected that more people will look to retire as they approach the 65+ age group, necessitating an increase in senior housing. HE‐A‐2 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Table A‐1: Age Characteristics in Barstow Age Category 0‐19 (dependent) 20‐24 (household forming) 25‐44 (family forming) 45‐64 (move up housing) 65+ (retirement years) Total: Source: U.S. Census, 2000‐2010 Number of Residents Population Change 2000 2010 7,175 1,520 5,789 4,086 2,549 21,119 6,903 1,596 5,781 6,239 2,361 22,880 2000‐2010 Percent ‐272 76 ‐8 2,153 ‐188 1,761 ‐4% 5% 0% 53% ‐7% 8% Race and Ethnicity Barstow is known for its diverse population. The population boom before the 20th century included Chinese and Mexican workers on the railroads. Over time, the area became home to Latino residents – a pattern existing today. Housing needs and preferences are sometimes influenced by cultural preferences, but typically the issue of race and ethnicity and housing has more to do with fair housing opportunities and incomes. Although population totals have changed little during the prior decade, Barstow saw significant change in the race and ethnic composition of its residents. As shown in Table A‐2, the number of White (Caucasian) residents increased slightly during the 1990’s, but declined between 2000 and 2010. Hispanics also increased by a substantial amount of approximately 1,000 residents from 1990 to 2000, but doubled that increase to nearly 2,000 residents between 2000 and 2010 (a 26% increase). African Americans only had a moderate increase between 1990 and 2000, but had a substantial 35% gain between 2000 and 2010 (an increase of 863 compared to 330 between 1990 and 2000). The three largest ethnicities are White, African American and Hispanic. Although Barstow has become more integrated, some areas have a concentration of residents of one to two race/ethnicities. A commonly accepted definition of “concentration” is when one race or ethnic group in a neighborhood comprises a higher percentage of that neighborhood than their overall proportion of the population countywide. Under this definition, African Americans and Hispanics are more concentrated in the northeast portion of Barstow, north of the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe, and east of Yucca Avenue, commonly referred to as the Riverside Drive area. Hispanics also are concentrated in other areas such as Section 7 (Township 9 North, Range 2 West), a section of land located primarily south of Interstate 15 on both sides of Barstow Road. HE‐A‐3 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 22.6% of Barstow’s households speak a language other than English at home. A household is considered linguistically isolated if all members 14 years and older have at least some difficulty in speaking English. In accordance with the Census Bureau, approximately 8.1% of households are linguistically isolated. Of this total, 2.2% are households that speak Asian and Pacific Island languages, 18.9% are Spanish‐
speaking households, and 1.1% speak Indo‐European languages. Table A‐2: Race and Ethnicity Trends in Barstow Race/Ethnicity Number of Residents 1990 2000 2010 White African American American Indian/Alaskan Native Asian* Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander* Some Other Race Two or More Races* Total: Hispanic 11,550 2,120 365 12,059 2,450 510 667 44 21,472 6,726 11,840 3,313 477 2000‐
2010 ‐219 863 ‐33 Percent ‐2% 35% ‐6% 650 200 723 278 73 78 11% 39% 3,886 1,364 21,119 7,708 4,242 1,766 22,218 9,700 356 402 1,099 1992 9% 29% 5% 26% Source: U.S. Census, 1990‐2010 * Asian/Pacific Islander combined in 1990 data, Alaskan Native not accounted for in 1990 data, Native Hawaiian and Two or More Races not accounted for in the 1990 data. Household Characteristics Barstow’s housing needs also differ depending on household characteristics. This includes family size, single versus double income, and physical ability. Families with young children often seek the living space and the financial investment that homeownership offers. In contrast, single‐person households tend to desire apartments that are easier to afford and maintain and offer greater mobility. These patterns underscore the need for a diversity of housing types and prices for different households in the City. National trends reveal several key changes in the composition and type of households since 1990. These include a declining share of families with children and a continued increase in the number of single person households. These changes are due to many factors, including the aging of the baby boomer generation (many of whose have children who have left home), single people choosing to wait longer to marry and have children, the changing race and ethnic HE‐A‐4 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
mix of the population, and many other factors. Subgroups of families have also changed, but to generally a lesser degree. During the 2000’s, the number of households living in Barstow increased by 8%, but population only increased by 7%. This pattern was due to a decline in married families with children (15% decline), a 4% decline in married couples with no children, and a 9% increase in single persons. At the same time, the average household size increased to 2.7 persons. In Barstow, single‐
person households now comprise about 22% of households, a slight increase from prior years. Looking forward, whether these trends continue depends on the housing market and demographic change. If development patterns in apartments continue or demographic trends continue, Barstow may then see a corresponding decline in household size for the foreseeable future. Table A‐3 summarizes changes in household composition in Barstow. Table A‐3: Household Trends in Barstow Number of Households Household Change Household Types 1990* 2000 2010 2000‐2010 Percent Population 21,472 21,119 22,639 1,520 7% Total Households 8,509 9,123 9,867 744 8% Married with Children 5,535 1,626 1,416 ‐210 ‐15% Married with No Children 1,845 1,766 ‐79 ‐4% Other Families 2,395 2,672 277 10% Single Persons 1,700 1,981 2,174 193 9% All Others 416 2,231 Average Size 2.79 2.71 2.75 0.04 1% Source: U.S. Census, 1990‐2010 * The 1990 Census Data is formatted different than the 2000 and 2010 Data. Employment Growth and Change Economic trends play an important role in defining housing needs. This relationship includes: 1) the impact of job growth on the City’s share of future housing needs; 2) the wage levels associated with employment growth; 3) the housing demand associated with new workers desiring to live in Barstow; and 4) the mobility and land use decisions and environmental mitigations that must be made to accommodate housing or employment growth. The City of Barstow is addressing the relationship of these complex issues through the update of the Land Use Element. The City of Barstow serves as a major employment center for the Fort Irwin Army National Training Center and the Marine Corps Logistic Bases (Nebo and Yermo Annex) as well as HE‐A‐5 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
transient services for the many travelers along Interstates 15 and 40, and Highway 58. This transient influence accounts for nearly 42% of the local jobs, with education and health services comprising 22% of local jobs. With 11,395 people eligible to work (ages 20‐64), there is a deficit of nearly 3,700 jobs. This does not address those that commute to work, which greatly affects the identified numbers. For instance, SCAG (using U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 data) estimates that only 27.68% (2,267 people) work locally, indicating that a large proportion of local residents commute out of the City, while a number of people commute to Barstow to work. Looking forward, Barstow is projected to experience employment growth in most sectors throughout the remainder of the 2014‐2021 housing element planning period. Projected employment growth is inferred from economic studies as part of the update to the General Plan Land Use Element. In summary, retail trade and other services are projected for higher growth rates, with the highest growth rate in Education and Health Services. All other growth projections are 3% or less. Barstow has been very active in attempting to recruit jobs to the community, but current economic conditions, as well as the State regulatory environment, have affected the City’s ability to bring such jobs to the City. In addition, with only 2,267 of the population working locally, additional efforts need to be made to keep jobs local. Table A‐4: Employment in Barstow Economic Sector Agriculture & Mining Construction Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation and Warehousing, and Utility Information Financial Activity Professional and Business Services Education and Health Services Leisure and Hospitality Other Services Public Administration Total Employment
2010 13 141 93 105 1,524 529 143 187 432 1,712 1,706 454 662 7,701 Trends in Growth 2021 Change 13 0 329 188 98 5 156 51 1,816 292 765 236 184 41 357 170 618 186 2,710 998 1,838 132 777 323 750 88 10,411 2,710 Source: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), based on 2012 Employment Development Department Note: Public Administration‐includes government and schools HE‐A‐6 % 0% 2% 0% 1% 4% 3% 1% 2% 2% 13%
2% 4% 1% 35%
City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
HOUSEHOLD INCOME Household income affects the type and price of housing that can be afforded. In 2010, the City’s median household income was approximately $40,266, 14.6% higher than $35,069 in 2000 and slightly higher than the median household income for San Bernardino County. The State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) surveys households in each county on an annual basis to determine the median income. The median income is also adjusted for households of different sizes. Households are then grouped into four income groups for purposes of determining the need for assistance. Based on 2010 categories, these income groups and thresholds are:  Extremely low: households earning up to 30% of the county median family income (CMFI), or a maximum of $20,000 for a household of four.  Very low: households earning 31% to 50% of CMFI, or maximum income of $33,300 for a household of four.  Low: households earning 51% to 80% of CMFI, or a maximum of $53,300 for a household of four.  Moderate: households earning 81% to 120% of CMFI, or a maximum of $74,400 for a household of four.  Above moderate: households earning above 120% of CMFI, which is more than $74,400 for a household of four. Ref.: San Bernardino County 2012 Housing Element Table A‐5 provides a summary of Barstow’s households by income group. The majority of households earn above moderate incomes (44%), yet another 44% of all Barstow households earn lower incomes. This is due in part to the affordability of land and the current housing market. Due to low land prices, houses were able to be built during the housing boom from 2006 to 2008, and the devalued land after the housing crash lowered housing costs. At this time the City of Barstow has not had to implement any policies to keep housing affordable. The high degree of housing affordability in the city has been market‐driven. HE‐A‐7 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Table A‐5: Household Income in Barstow Total Households Income Category Extremely Low Income Very Low Income Low Income Moderate Income Above Moderate Income Total
Number of Households 1,528 1,572 695 1,086 3,812 8,693 Percent of Total Households 18% 18% 8% 12% 44% 100% Source: Southern California Association of Governments, 5th Cycle RHNA Final Allocation Plan, 1/1/2014‐10/1/2021 and 2009‐2011 American Community Survey (ACS) 3‐Year Estimates Note: As the recorded household income is established at "set" amounts, they do not coincide specifically with Barstow's income ranges for the various Household Income Categories. Therefore, the Category was rounded up or down to the nearest compatible "recorded" household income pursuant to the ACS. 2. H o u s in g T r en d s This section describes housing characteristics and trends to provide a basis for assessing the match between the demand and supply of available housing in Barstow. These include housing growth, housing characteristics, age and condition of housing, housing prices and rents, and homeownership rates. Housing Composition Barstow has an exceptional range of housing opportunities reflective of its diverse community. Approximately 68.2% of the housing stock is single‐family homes and 31.8% is multi‐family units. (Ref.: 2014 California Department of Finance) In the past decade, developers have concentrated on building single‐family residential units. Developers during the housing boom were geared towards introductory housing (i.e., first‐time homebuyers) and move‐up housing. In neither case, is there much disposable income for higher‐end housing. As noted above, there is an equal percentage of above moderate, and the collective lower income groups (44% each). Some custom homes were built during this timeframe, and it can be reasonably assumed that many of the 44% above moderate income households already have purchased their homes. This does not address the need for executive housing for new executive positions due to job growth. There is some anecdotal evidence that the lack of sufficient executive housing has deterred companies from locating in Barstow. HE‐A‐8 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Looking forward through 2020, Barstow anticipates continued residential development for lower income households, with some active senior housing opportunities (another market that is not adequately served). As of the writing of this element, no housing projects are in the pipeline. However, there are two senior projects under consideration (one being 60 units, the other not disclosed yet) and one large‐family, affordable housing complex proposed, creating 73 units. A second large‐family, affordable housing complex is on‐hold (72 units), but likely to develop upon completion of the 73 unit complex. According to SCAG growth projections, the City of Barstow will have about 12,430 housing units by 2040. This projection is too far out for the City to speculate on its accuracy. However, the City has worked with SCAG to develop the figures based on the City’s projection of development to 2020. Table A‐6: Housing Composition in Barstow 2000 2010 Number of Percent of Number of Percent of Housing Products Units Units Units Units Single‐Family Units ‐ Single‐Family Detached 5,042 57% 5,446 57%
‐ Single‐Family Attached 252 3% 202 2%
Multi‐Family Units ‐ Multi‐Family (2‐4 units) 1,096 12% 1,330 14%
‐ Multi‐Family (5 or more) 1,488 17% 1,742 18%
Mobilie Homes 965 11% 835 9%
Total 8,843 100% 9,555 100%
Sources: California Department of Finance, 2000, 2010 and 2014 2014 Number of Units 5,528 202 1,330 1,742 854 9,656 Percent of Units 57%
2%
14%
18%
9%
100%
Housing Tenure Housing tenure refers to whether a household owns or rents a home. Ample homeownership and rental opportunities allow people of all incomes and household sizes to choose the type of housing and location best suited to their needs and preferences. Housing vacancy rates, in combination with housing tenure, also affect the prices and rents charged for housing units. Tenure Rates The American dream is often intertwined with homeownership, which brings with it independence, wealth, housing security and safety, and quality of life. Homeownership HE‐A‐9 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
commits the owner to a long‐term economic relationship with the home, typically resulting in increased investment into the property, which in turn increases property values within a neighborhood. Home investment and the physical presence of homeowners are thought to also improve the quality and stability of residential neighborhoods. In the City of Barstow, a slight majority of households (51.1% or 4,223) own a home while 48.9% (4,041 households) rent a home (U.S. Census ACS 2007‐2011). Barstow’s homeownership rate has decreased slightly since the 2000 Census, when ownership was 54.1% (4,139 households) and renter occupied units were 45.9 (3,508 households). In San Bernardino County Total County Area) ownership is 63% (383,573 households) while renter occupy 37% of all households (228,045). The unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County experienced higher homeownership (69%, or 64,589 own and 31%, or 29,496 rent). Homeownership rates are largely a function of the price of housing relative to household income, although homeownership rates have clearly fluctuated in recent years due to the highest foreclosure rates across the southland in generations. Vacancy Rates Housing vacancies are a measure of how well the supply of housing matches the demands for specific types of housing. Typically, housing vacancy rates of 5% to 6% for apartments and 1% to 2% for homes is considered optimal. This amount of housing vacancies ensures that consumers have sufficient choices for different types of housing products, that prices are generally moderated because a balanced supply is available, and that developers have a financial incentive to continue building housing. Higher vacancy rates lead to price depreciation. Lower vacancy rates are also not desirable; they indicate a tight market and cause housing rents and prices to increase. According to the 2010 Census, the City of Barstow’s housing vacancy rate is estimated at 5.0% for homeowners and 16% for rentals. The total vacancy rate for 2010 was 15.4% (1,470 units). This included those for rent, rented but not occupied, for sale, sold but not occupied, seasonal/recreational/occasional use, and all other vacant households. The total County Area experienced a vacancy rate of 3.7% for owners, and 8.7 for rentals, while the unincorporated County Area experienced 4.3% for owners, and 9.5% for rentals. Housing vacancy rates do not generally include foreclosures, unless the unit is unoccupied and for sale. According to Trulia.com, the City of Barstow has approximately 117 foreclosures (as of August 14, 2014) currently offered for sale within the City, with an additional 47 in the adjacent county areas. This statistic makes it difficult to determine the actual number of vacant units at any given point in time. HE‐A‐10 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Housing Age and Condition Barstow’s housing is predominantly older, with 53% built before 1970 (or older than 40 years). Residential units generally begin to show age after 30 years and require some level of maintenance, such as roof repair, painting, landscaping, and exterior finishes. Homes between 30 and 50 years require more significant maintenance and renovation, and older homes may need more substantial repairs. Another concern related to the age of housing is lead‐based paint hazards. Homes built prior to 1978 typically contain lead‐based paint, which can cause a number of hazardous health conditions for children (specifically developmental delays). Health hazards occur when the paint chips and is inhaled by residents, particularly children. Since 1978, the federal government has banned the use of lead‐based paint. Still, older homes may need to paint over lead‐based paint or remove peeling paint. Generally, Barstow’s housing is in good condition, and most residential neighborhoods are maintained. However, a number of structures need repair. The Census provides a limited assessment of housing conditions. According to the 2007‐2011 ACS, approximately 1.5% of all housing units lack complete kitchens and/or 1.1% complete plumbing. This translates to approximately 211 substandard units in Barstow. Estimates for substandard housing do not include units lacking heating. Many of these conditions are concentrated in lower to moderate income areas of Barstow. However, according to SCAG Regional Housing & Households, Barstow has 524 units lacking kitchen facilities, although no household owners were without kitchens, and only 90 rental units lacked kitchens. Out of 206 homes lacking plumbing, 13 were home owners and 71 no rental units lacked plumbing. Based on these figures, the majority of homes lacking kitchen and/or plumbing are unoccupied units. To address housing condition issues, City Code Compliance actively patrols the City for exterior violations. Any interior issues are complaint‐driven, typically by dissatisfied tenants. In prior years, Barstow had rehabilitation programs through the Redevelopment funding. However, since the state dissolved the Redevelopment Agencies, no more funding is available by this mechanism. Although the state offers loan programs for such improvements, they do not seem to be attractive to Barstow residents and are seldom pursued. Table A‐7 summarizes the age of housing units in Barstow. HE‐A‐11 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Table A‐7: Age of Housing Housing Age Percent of Decade Built Number of Units Units 2005 or later 539 5% 2000‐2004 159 2% 1990‐1999 589 6% 1980‐1989 1,601 16% 1970‐1979 1,799 18% 1960‐1969 2,202 22% 1950‐1959 2,243 22% 1940‐1949 584 6% 1939 or earlier 309 3% Total 10,025 100% Source: U.S. Census, 2011 5‐Year American Communities Survey Housing Prices The last decade has been characterized by volatility in the housing market. This volatility in the market caused record‐high housing prices, followed by a plummet. Housing costs in Barstow have dropped to pre‐2000 levels. Homeownership Barstow experienced unprecedented changes in housing prices around the mid 2000’s. From 2000 to 2006, the median home price nearly tripled, from the low $60,000s to a high of $182,000s, perhaps in part as a result of anticipation of the proposed casino development. However, as the recession deepened in the later 2000s, median housing prices plummeted through 2010. Prices have begun to recover only recently, within the last few years, with Trulia.com indicating median sales price from May 14, 2014 through August 14, 2014 at $78,000. This is up from the 2012 yearly median price of $53,000 (MDA Data Quick, 2012). This would equate to a 47% increase in the median home prices were the data from these two sources comparable. In actuality, the increase in home prices from 2012 to 2014 was probably significantly lower. HE‐A‐12 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
$200,000
$180,000
$160,000
$140,000
$120,000
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$‐
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
Figure A‐2: Barstow Average Housing Price, 2000‐2012 Source: MDA Data Quick, 2012 Table A‐8 below shows the average price based on sales from May 2013 through May 2014. Table A‐8: Housing Prices in Barstow Number of Sales and Average Prices Single‐Family Homes Average Price 261 $88,330 Source: Redfin.com, sales search for 5/2013‐
5/2014 Rental Units Apartment rents have not increased as dramatically as the sales prices of single‐family homes. A combination of data was used throughout the time between 2000 and 2012, including the 2000 Census, and three American Community Surveys (ACS) prepared by the Census Bureau. As shown below, there is a significant increase from 2000 to the 2005‐2009 ACS, increasing from $504 to $784 (a 51% increase). After that, the rental prices have stabilized with slight increases for the timelines that followed ($21 or 3%, then an additional $7 or 1%). Although the rental prices peaked similarly to the housing prices (but substantially less of an increase), the prices stabilized, with minor increases the following years. HE‐A‐13 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
$900
$800
$700
$600
$500
$400
$300
$200
$100
$‐
2000 Census
2005‐2009 ACS
2006‐2010 ACS
2008‐2012 ACS
Figure A‐3: Barstow Median Housing Rents, 2000‐2012 Source: USA.com Housing rents vary by the age of the structure, surrounding neighborhood, and property amenities. The Census Bureau does not provide rents separately for different types of housing (e.g., apartments versus single‐family homes), making the comparison difficult. However, single‐family housing rents typically command a higher price than apartments. The median rents are listed below in Table A‐9. Table A‐9: Housing Rents in Barstow Barstow Median Contract Rents First Quartile Median Third Quartile $466.00 $635.00 $796.00 Source: www.city‐data.com Housing Affordability Housing affordability refers to how much a household can afford to pay each month in rent or mortgage for an apartment, townhome, or single‐family home. Typically, housing affordability is defined as the ratio of housing expenses to income, referred to as a “cost burden.” It is assumed that households should not spend more than a certain portion of income towards housing expenses; otherwise, they are deemed to be overpaying. Overpaying for housing makes it difficult to afford other basic necessities. The housing industry assumes the “affordable” payment for a homeowner should range from 30‐40% of gross monthly income, with the latter figure from the California Association of HE‐A‐14 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Realtors’ first‐time homebuyers’ index. A mortgage payment typically includes several components – loan principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. For purposes of calculating affordability, we assume a conventional 30‐year, FHA‐insured loan at 5% interest rate. For renters, the appropriate cost burden also varies from 30‐40%, with the latter being used under the federal housing choice voucher program. With such a range in affordability criteria, this housing element uses a midpoint estimate of 35% cost burden for ownership (since many expenses are tax deductible) and 30% cost burden for rental housing as the thresholds. These two benchmarks of housing affordability are consistent with thresholds cited under the Health and Safety Code; however, individual cities may adopt a different affordability threshold depending on the housing program. Table A‐10 shows the amount that households can afford for housing costs. Table A‐10: Affordability of Housing in Barstow Income Category1 Household 3‐Person 4‐Person 2‐Person 5‐Person 2
Maximum Affordable Home Price Extremely Low $24,000.00 Very Low $41,000.00 Low $66,000.00 Moderate $99,000.00 $27,000.00 $46,000.00 $74,000.00 $112,000.00 $30,000.00 $51,000.00 $83,000.00 $124,000.00 Maximum Affordable Rent3 Extremely Low $263.42 $296.35 $329.27 Very Low $454.17 $510.94 $567.71 Low $726.67 $817.51 $908.34 Moderate $1,090.00 $1,226.26 $1,362.51 Source: HUD Income Limits FY 2013 and FHA Mortgage Calculator $32,000.00 $56,000.00 $89,000.00 $134,000.00 $355.62 $613.13 $981.00 $1,471.51 1
2013 HCD Income Limits are based on surveys by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for San Bernardino County, adjusted by household size. 2
Monthly affordable mortgage assumes 30‐year fixed mortgage, 5% down payment, 5% interest rate, standard expenses, and maximum payment of 35% of income toward housing. 3
Monthly affordable apartment rent based on monthly payments of up to 30% of gross household income, not including the cost of utilities. Housing Affordability by Income Level The general affordability of rental and ownership housing to different income groups can be derived by comparing household income and housing costs from earlier sections and data presented in Tables A‐8, A‐9 and A‐10. This analysis will be used later in this housing element HE‐A‐15 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
to determine how the City of Barstow will meet its regional housing needs assessment requirements. The affordability of housing in Barstow is summarized below:  Extremely Low/Very Low Income. For four‐person households, extremely low income households can afford a home priced up to $32,000 and very low income households can afford up to $56,000. Most single‐family homes sell for prices above these thresholds. However, nearly 27% were within this threshold. A very low income household could afford $454 to $613 in rent. Nearly one‐half of the rental stock is estimated as affordable to very low income households, although the majority is assumed to be financially assisted apartments (such as TCAC), or housing units that accept vouchers. In addition, some apartments rent for as low as $350 a month, without any form of assistance.  Low Income. Lower income households can afford to buy a single‐family home priced up to $89,000. According to current home sales prices, 65% of single‐family homes sold within this price range. Low income households can afford $726 to $981 for an apartment. These rents are available for Barstow for the majority of the apartments and some rental single‐
family units.  Moderate Income. Moderate income households have the greatest housing opportunities; they can afford a single‐family home from $99,000 to $134,000. Over the past year (August, 2013 to August, 2014), nearly 85% of all standard sale homes sold for less than the maximum threshold price for a moderate income family, but these homes are predominantly older units. With respect to apartments, moderate income households can afford from $1,090 to $1,471 per unit and would be able to afford most, if not all, apartments available.  Above Moderate Income. Above moderate income households include households earning above 120% of the median family income. Ironically, the Barstow market has fewer homes available for this cohort than any other income category, accounting for the City’s 1.4: 1 jobs/housing ratio, indicating that a large proportion of the workforce commutes from homes located outside of the community. Sales Source: Redfin.com, Single‐family home sales from August 2013 to August 2014. Household Problems Housing problems refer primarily to overpayment and overcrowding. Housing overpayment and overcrowding most often occur when a household cannot afford suitably sized and priced rental and ownership housing. In other cases, life changes (retirement, children moving back home, loss of job, etc.) can also cause housing problems. In these situations, a household can choose to either overpay for housing or double‐up with others into too small a unit in order to HE‐A‐16 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
afford housing, which can result in overcrowding. Table A‐11 and the following text show the prevalence of housing problems in Barstow according to the 2005‐2009, 2007‐2011, and 2009‐
2011 American Community Surveys. 
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Overcrowding. Overcrowding occurs where a household has more members than habitable rooms in a house. Moderate overcrowding refers to 1.0 to 1.5 persons per room, and severe overcrowding is anything higher. In Barstow, 3% of owners and 7% of renters live in overcrowded situations. This is below county averages of 5% and 11.8%, respectively. The overcrowding rate has declined since the 2000 census. Overpayment. Housing overpayment refers to paying more than 30% of income towards housing. Moderate overpayment refers to paying 30% to 49% of income towards housing, and severe overpayment is anything higher. In Barstow, 24% of owners and 48% of renters overpay for housing. The overpayment of owners is less than the County averages, while the overpayment of renters is slightly greater (48% versus 47.3%). Whereas many communities overpayment has increased around 9 percentage points since 2000, Barstow’s increased by more than 13 percentage points (ref.: 2000 Census, 2007‐2011 ACS). Housing Needing Repair or Replacement. According to the 2009‐2011 ACS, 11.47% of rental housing and 0.39% of ownership units lack complete kitchens and/or complete plumbing – equaling 461 substandard units. However, in staff’s estimates, this figure should actually be around 200 in light of the fact that over half of the City’s substandard units are vacant/abandoned. City staff estimates that 5% of all single‐family units and 3.5% of multiple units need repairs (rehabilitation work) and 0.57 percent of all housing requires demolition. This translates into 55 housing units. Table A‐11: Housing Problems 2005‐2009 ACS Housing Problem None Moderate Severe Total None Moderate Severe Total Overpayment1 Renters Owners 2,052 3,013 1,088 688 854 262 3,994 3,963 51% 76% 27% 17% 21% 7% 100% 100% 2007‐2011 ACS 2009‐2011 ACS Substandard Overcrowding2 Housing3 Renters Owners Renters Owners 3,729
4,087 178
136 134
0 4,041
4,223
3852
4832 92%
97%
88.53%
99.61% 4%
3%
11.47%
0.39% 3%
0%
100%
100% 100.00% 100.00% Source: American Community Survey, 2005‐20091, 2007‐20112 and 2009‐20113 * Substandard housing did not include units lacking heating and air conditioning. Notes: HE‐A‐17 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Overpayment had 255 renters and 10 owners not accounted for. Lower Income Households Housing problems occur significantly more frequently among lower income households (defined as households earning less than 80% of the median family income adjusted for household size) and among special needs groups. According to the 2006‐2010 CHAS, of the 700 lower income owners, 301 households or 43% overpay for housing. Among the 1,690 lower income renters, 1,166 households or 69% overpay for housing. The CHAS estimates are higher than SCAG’s estimate, because SCAG did not adjust for household size, whereas the CHAS dataset includes that adjustment. Further, the housing problems facing extremely low income households, defined as those earning below 30% of the median family income, are greater. The subset earns income that is nearly equivalent to the federal poverty line. According to the 2006‐2010 CHAS, Barstow has approximately 1,170 extremely low‐income households, including 915 renter and 255 owner households. The vast majority face a high incidence and severity of housing problems, defined as a cost burden greater than 30% of income, and/or overcrowding, and/or without complete kitchen and plumbing facilities. As shown below in Table A‐12, a significant percentage of renter households overpaid for housing. Renters overpaying for housing include 40% of other low income, 78% of very low income, and 82% of extremely low income households. Among owner households, 33% of other low income, 42% of very low income, and 59% of extremely low income overpaid for housing. Table A‐12 highlights the housing problems facing these income groups. Furthermore, certain subgroups (i.e., seniors, large families, etc.) tend to have an even higher prevalence of housing problems than other groups. Table A‐12: Housing Problems for Lower Income Households Housing Problems by Household Income Level1 Income <30% of MFI Percent with Cost Burden > 30% Income 30‐50% of MFI Percent with Cost Burden > 30% Income 50‐80% of MFI Percent with Cost Burden > 30% Total Lower Income 0‐80% of MFI Percent with Cost Burden > 30% Total Households Renters Owners 915
255
82%
59%
485
195
78%
42%
290
250
40%
33%
1690
700
69%
43%
Total 1170 75% 680 62% 540 36% 2390 58% Source: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Data; 2006‐2010. HE‐A‐18 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
1
The 2006‐2010 CHAS is derived from the 2006‐2010 American Community Survey (ACS). Unlike prior Census counts, the ACS has a wide margin of error for individual counts. These estimates should be used with caution as they may not be comparable to other estimates produced by SCAG and may not be comparable with previous censuses. 3. S p ec ia l H o u s in g Need s Certain households in Barstow have greater difficulty finding decent, affordable housing due to their special circumstances. Special circumstances typically relate to one’s income‐earning potential, family characteristics, physical or mental disabilities, age‐related health issues, homelessness, and other factors that make it more difficult to secure and maintain housing. These groups often have lower incomes and higher rates of overpayment or overcrowding. As a result, these household groups are considered to have special housing needs relative to the general population. State housing element law defines “special needs” groups narrowly to include senior households, disabled persons, large households, female‐headed households, farmworkers, and people who are homeless. In keeping with state law and the City’s priority for a socially and economically diverse population, this section provides a summary of needs for each group and the availability of resources to address their needs. Shown below, Table A‐13 compares numeric changes in the magnitude of special needs groups in Barstow from 2000‐2010. Table A‐13: Trends in Special Needs Group 2000 2010 Percent of Special Needs Group Number Residents Number Senior Residents 2,549
12.07% 2,419 Large Families 1,088
5.15% 3,521 Single Parents w/Children* 1,352
6.40% 2,064 Persons with a Disability 4,106
19.44% 4,432 Homeless People 50
0.24% 99 Farmworkers 113
0.54% 22 Sources: U.S. Census, 2000 and 2010 Census Reports; Desert Manna Ministries, 2014 Notes: * 2000 estimate was Female‐headed Households HE‐A‐19 Percent of Residents 10.69% 15.55% 9.12% 19.58% 0.44% 0.10% City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Senior Citizens Seniors are defined as persons 65 years or older, although for housing purposes the age may be as low as 55 years. Barstow has 2,361 residents 65 or older, representing about 10% of the population. Senior citizens are considered a special needs group, because their limited income, higher health costs, and physical disabilities make it difficult to find suitable and affordable housing. Though Barstow had a slight drop between 2000 and 2010 (130 seniors), current trends throughout the nation indicate this population is expected to increase as the baby boom generation approaches retirement. Barstow’s senior population is comprised of primarily three ethnic groups as follows: white (69%) with Hispanic/Latino at 29% and Black or African American at 15%. Other ethnic groups comprise a combined total of 21%. Seniors also comprise nearly 1,500 households, or nearly one in 6 households (2009‐2011 ACS). Of that total, 76% own a home, and 24% rent housing. Approximately 41% are older than 75 years. Each group requires a different strategy to address health, transportation, and housing needs. Some key issues include: 
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Disabilities. The majority of seniors will eventually have a disability that may limit one or more life activities. Whereas some disabilities may limit mobility, others may make it difficult to take care of personal needs. This underscores a need for accessible housing and supportive services. Limited Income. Seniors have limited or fixed incomes in retirement. Although data are not readily available, it is reasonable to assume that many of Barstow’s senior renters and home owners are on fixed incomes and earn lower incomes. As a result, these seniors pay a larger share of their income towards housing. Overpayment. For seniors with extremely low incomes, more than 73% of renters and 68% of homeowners overpay for housing, leaving less income for other living expenses. Very low income seniors fared much better with 15.2% of renters and 31.2% of owners overpaying, and low income seniors experienced 1.5% and 7.9% of owners overpaying. However, it is expected to be worse now as these data are from 2000, and the cost of living has since increased. This underscores the importance of affordable housing options, including programs to repair homes. Special Housing Needs. As seniors gradually age, there is often an increased demand for a broader type of senior living arrangements, from independent age‐restricted housing for more active lifestyles to assisted living for those requiring more supportive services. Service Needs. In addition to housing, seniors rely on supportive services. Services can include transportation, health care, home maintenance assistance, low cost loans or grants HE‐A‐20 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
for rehabilitating homes, referral services, and many other services that can improve the lives of seniors. Barstow faces the challenge of how to accommodate the needs of its residents. With a growing baby boom population and aging of residents, a comprehensive strategy for housing seniors is an important housing challenge for Barstow over the next decade. With the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, there are no City funds available to assist seniors in housing costs and the necessary support services. Therefore, these must come from the county, state and federal agencies for funding. The City is assisting in other ways be proposing land write‐downs to achieve affordable housing for active seniors, as well as assisted living units. Additionally, the City provides rent‐free space to the Barstow Senior Center that provides a range of supportive services to senior residents. Housing Accommodations The City recognizes the goal of providing services to enable seniors to “age in place,” that is, to maintain their current residences for as long as possible. Achieving that goal involves providing a range of supportive services. The City provides low cost or free transit services, referrals to service providers and other services when resources become available. Approximately three‐
quarters of Barstow’s seniors reside in single‐family homes, and nearly one‐quarter in rental units. In addition to traditional housing, the following housing options for seniors are available shown below:  Senior Apartments. The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino has an independent living senior housing project on East Williams Street that is comprised of 40 units. In addition, the Veterans Home of California, Barstow, offers independent living and assisted living quarters for veterans age 55 and older (in addition to disabled veterans). Although not available at this time, the City is working with a developer to provide a senior housing and medical center. As proposed, the development would include 15 four‐plexes, a club house and medical offices. Although an arrangement has not yet been committed, this is the preferred use for the project site. The City is also working with another developer to provide housing for active seniors close to the above mentioned site. This proposal includes approximately 30 housing units.  Age‐Restricted Mobile Home Park. The Holiday Homes Mobile Home Park is an age‐
restricted, independent living park. The park currently has 264 lots with room for expansion. Upon sufficient demand, the park will expand. HE‐A‐21 City of Barstow Housing Element 
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Housing Needs
Residential Care Facility. Residential care facilities for the elderly serve persons 60 years of age or older who may have a disability but typically serve people in need of extended care services. However, the City’s one such facility, Barstow Retirement Plaza, has been sold and is being planned for conversion to market‐rate, non‐age restricted, apartments. This removes a valuable component of senior housing from the local inventory. As indicated above, the Veterans Home of California has a facility near the College off of Barstow Road/Route 247. This facility opened in February of 1996, providing care for up to 400 elderly or disabled California veterans. There are two levels of care at this facility, one is Independent Living, and the other is Intermediate Care. Life‐Care Facilities. Barstow only has access to one such facility located in the adjacent County area. This is a convalescent hospital serving those recovering from ambulatory surgeries, but also provides medical care for seniors. Table A‐14: Housing for Seniors Housing Options Senior Housing Number of Projects Number of Housing Units Affordability Age‐Restricted Senior Apartments1 1 Public housing set‐aside for affordable senior housing (part of the 219 public 40 housing units). Age‐Restricted Mobile Home Park2 1 Privately owned mobile home park on 264 Montara Road. Veterans Home of California, Barstow3 Residential facility with both Independent Living/limited to California 1 400 Occupants resident Veterans only. Housing Vouchers for Seniors 0 Excludes senior who are veterans 0 housed through the VASH Program Residential Care Facilities for Elderly 0 (See Veterans Home of California 0 above) Life Care Senior Housing 0 0
Source: 1 Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino
2 City of Barstow 3 County of San Bernardino Department of Veterans Affairs (website: hss.sbcounty.gov/va/ContactVHBarstow.html) HE‐A‐22 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Family Households The City currently has two apartment complexes that are TCAC funded. The Suncrest and Riverview Apartments complexes total 160 units. Additionally, the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino provides 261 vouchers (161 Housing Choice and 100 Project Based) in addition to 219 public housing units. As previously noted, the majority of the market rate rental units in Barstow are priced within the cost limitations for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households. Many single‐family units are also within the range of affordability. As identified under Household Income (Page HE‐A‐7) of this appendix, the median family income is between $20,000 and $53,300 (extremely low to low income households). The affordability index (Table A‐10, page HE‐A‐15) indicates household affordability at $30,000 to $83,000 (extremely low to low income households) and rent from $329 to $908 per month. All figures based on four‐person households. As Figure A‐2 identifies, housing costs are currently below 2000 levels, and rent has stabilized, with the median below $800. Two subsets of families with children have more difficulty securing housing.  Single‐parent households. The City of Barstow has 1,350 single‐parent households with children, comprising more than 16% of all households (2010 Census). Of those families, a female householder heads nearly 74% of single‐parent families with children. Poverty rates are also higher among single‐parent families. According to the 2009‐2011 ACS, 18% of single‐parent families are at or below the poverty level. Of those, nearly 75% are female heads of household, compared to less than 1.6% with men as heads of household. Whereas the poverty rate for male single‐parent households is lower than the rate for all families, the female single‐parent household rate is significantly higher than the rate for all families. Single‐parent families typically have the same costs as any other families, but must rely on less income to cover normal life expenses. According to one website, the day care costs for one child, 40 hours per week, average $5,200 per year. For single‐parent families, this is a significant portion of annual income, leaving less for housing, medical care, and other expenses. The financial burden is especially difficult for younger people, those who lack steady jobs, or those who are under‐employed.  Large Families. The City of Barstow is home to an estimated 1,303 large families with five or more members, or 16% of all occupied households in the community (Neilson Co., 2012). With respect to tenure, less than ½ of these homes are owned by the occupants. Given the costs associated with large families, it is expected that more than ½ of all large families rent HE‐A‐23 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
as opposed to own their home. According to the CHAS, large families encounter unique housing conditions in that many of the lower income large family renters and owners have at least one housing problem defined as overcrowding, overpayment, or living in substandard housing. The high prevalence of housing problems among lower income large families is due to the housing market. Barstow, like many other communities, has relatively fewer apartments with three or more bedrooms that can reasonably accommodate children. Because of this, family apartments are typically more expensive. According to the 2008‐2012 ACS, 1,240 rental units rent for $1,000 or more per month. Most of these are anticipated to be 3 bedroom single‐family residences as most apartments are less than $1,000 per month. Most of these units are affordable only to moderate and above income households. Housing Accommodations The City of Barstow recognizes the importance of addressing the needs of families. With the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, no money is available to offset the cost of new construction for large‐family, affordable housing units. However, the City supports those that are proposed, such as the TCAC apartments. Two such apartments have been built, with two more proposed. The City has not implemented an inclusionary housing ordinance as many homes and apartments are currently available at market rates; moreover, the virtual absence of builder interest in residential construction in Barstow would be exacerbated by implementation of such an ordinance. Rental housing vouchers are offered by the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, and homeownership programs are no longer available (because of the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency and associated funding). With respect to affordable housing, Barstow residents have the following available housing options for families, which are summarized in Table A‐15.  Affordable Apartments. According to City records, Barstow has two TCAC apartment buildings providing 160 units for large‐families. In addition, the County provides 75 Housing Choice Vouchers (Commonly referred to as Section 8).  Single‐Family Homes. Barstow residents have access to 100 units that are set‐aside for Project Based Vouchers.  Housing Vouchers. Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8 housing) are available to qualifying Barstow residents, providing 161 housing units for lower income households. These vouchers are provided by the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. HE‐A‐24 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Table A‐15: Housing for Families Family Housing Affordable Housing Family Affordable Apartments* Number of Projects 3 Affordable Units 235 Affordability 75 units as Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and 160 units that are state assisted (Tax Credit Allocation Committee funded projects). Apartments (duplex and above) and mobile homes are typically affordable to moderate, low and very low income families. This number does not include the 235 financially assisted units above. Market Rate Housing for Families** Undetermined
3,691 Single‐Family Units Undetermined
100 The City has 100 units set‐aside for Project Based Vouchers. 161 HCV is housing commonly known as Section 8 Housing and is a form of financial housing assistance from the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (includes 75 HCV listed above). Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) Undetermined
Source: Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino; Regional Housing Needs Assessment; California Department of Finance, 2014; City of Barstow * Does not include 219 public housing units provided by the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. ** Does include 219 public housing units provided by the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. Disabled People Physical, mental, and/or developmental disabilities are impairments that substantially limit life activities and make it difficult to care for one’s self. Because of that, disabled persons have special needs for accessible housing. The Census Bureau defines a disability as a long‐lasting physical, mental, or emotional condition that makes it difficult for a person to perform activities such as walking, climbing stairs, dressing, bathing, learning, or remembering. Barstow has 3,220 disabled residents, constituting roughly 14 percent of the population (CHAS 2008‐2010). The major categories of disability are listed below. It should be noted that many individuals have multiple disabilities; therefore, these totals should not necessarily be added together.  With a hearing and/or vision disability: 1,335 (16%) HE‐A‐25 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
 With a cognitive difficulty: 1,415 (17%)  With an ambulatory difficulty: 1,655 (20%)  With a self‐care/ independent living difficulty: 1,230 (15%) Physical Disability The majority of Barstow residents will at some time experience a physical disability. Injury, illness or simply advanced age will limit an individual’s physical ability to perform work, read, and eventually care for themselves. For those living in single‐family homes, residents can benefit from wider doorways and hallways, access ramps, larger bathrooms with grab bars, lowered countertops, and other features common to “barrier‐free” housing. Location is also important for disabled people because they often rely on public transit to travel to services like grocers or medical offices. To assist physically disabled individuals living in the community, the City of Barstow implements a Reasonable Accommodations Ordinance that is designed to offer flexibility in municipal code requirements to expand opportunities for people to build and rent housing that is accessible to people with disabilities. Recently, one of the City’s Building Inspectors became a Certified Access Specialist (CASp), inspecting new construction for ADA compliance. In addition, the Engineering Department requires all street improvements be ADA accessible (i.e., driveways, sidewalks, street corner access) to allow those with a physical disability to travel to local businesses. Developmental Disability According to the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, it is estimated that 1.8% of Californians have a developmental disability. This would indicate that Barstow has approximately 419 persons with some form of a developmental disability (2014 Department of Finance estimates). These disabilities include cerebral palsy, autism, mental retardation, epilepsy, and other similar conditions that begin early in life. Many developmental disabled people can live and work independently within a conventional housing environment. More severely disabled individuals may require group quarters where supervision is provided or where medical needs and physical therapy are provided. However, because developmental disabilities occur before adulthood, the first issue in supportive housing is to transition from the person’s living situation at home to an appropriate level of independence as an adult. HE‐A‐26 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
The primary agency serving this population in Barstow is B.E.S.T. Opportunities, Inc. B.E.S.T. Opportunities is an Adult Development Center (ADC) that works with adults with one or more developmental disabilities, teaching them life skills necessary to survive on their own, including but not limited to social and physical skills, money management, survival skills, basic housekeeping, voting, shopping and various forms of employment. In December 2013, B.E.S.T. Opportunities had roughly 150 individuals enrolled in their adult development center program. Mental Health/Substance Abuse According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated one in four adults – suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Even though mental disorders are widespread, the main burden of illness is typically concentrated in a much smaller proportion – or 1 in 17 people – who suffer from serious mental illness. A smaller percentage of those with severe mental illness have difficulty maintaining adequate and affordable housing. People with mental illnesses face multiple problems when looking for decent, affordable housing. People with serious and persistent mental illness often live in poverty, have unstable employment, and are unable to afford decent housing. This group may also require support services to live successfully in the community. Financial and housing resources available for those experiencing severe mental illness or for those caring for such individuals are limited, and NIMBY concerns are present in every community. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, one in four people may also have an alcohol or drug problem sometime in their life. Although many of these issues will be episodic rather than chronic, substance abuse can affect the ability to secure and maintain employment, housing, and productive relationships. The appropriate housing option is largely dependent on the severity of the condition, but can include long‐term residential care, short‐
term rehabilitation facilities, or services independent of housing. Housing Accommodations Barstow’s housing vision is consistent with the ADA legislation to facilitate the most integrated setting appropriate for people with disabilities to reside, receive services, and participate in community life. The City’s strategy for addressing the various needs of people with disabilities is centered on three core goals: independence, productivity, and integration. Barstow’s housing options for disabled people are described below.  Residential Care Facilities. These facilities serve persons ages 19‐59 who may be physically handicapped, developmental disabled, and/or mentally disabled. Barstow does not have any such facility within the City limits. HE‐A‐27 City of Barstow Housing Element 
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Housing Needs
Specialized Housing Facilities. These facilities are dedicated solely for the occupancy of people with a disability, whether physical, mental, or developmental. Currently, the City does not have any such facility within the City limits. Housing Vouchers. The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. Substance Abuse/Mental Illness. These facilities are California licensed facilities providing residential stays for people who are recovering from alcohol and drug addictions. Presently, the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health offers services on an outpatient basis. The City has some sober living units in various parts of the town. However, they are typically six and fewer occupants, regulated by the state and exempt from local processes. Therefore, the exact number of such facilities is unknown. The City of Barstow has been impacted with the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency. With this dissolution, the City’s ability to financially assist in any development has been severely impacted. Until a substitute funding mechanism is developed, it is not likely that the City will be able to assist in such development with the exception of land write‐downs and possibly fee waivers. Homeless People Barstow has a somewhat unique situation regarding the homeless population. Many people traveling along the interstates get stranded here, and seek shelter, or assistance to be able to move onto their destination. Homeless persons are defined as those who lack a fixed and adequate residence. Homeless people may be chronically homeless (perhaps due to substance abuse) or situationally homeless resulting from job loss, family strife, incarceration, or violence. Homeless people face critical housing challenges due to their very low incomes and lack of appropriate housing. Thus, state law requires cities to plan to help meet the needs of their homeless population. Counting the homeless population is problematic due to their transient nature, different definitions of homelessness, and political and funding issues. According to the Desert Manna Ministries (who operate the homeless shelter), they process approximately 62 people a month. The 32‐bed facility tends to fill at the end of each month, indicating that many of the clients seem to have difficulty managing their money due to mental health issues. This facility only shelters homeless individuals that have ID, are sober, mentally able to follow rules, do not have pets and no have violent convictions. Because of this, it presumably leaves some homeless people on the streets. However, they did not provide data regarding the number of people turned away. This makes it difficult to obtain more accurate numbers, and it does not take into consideration those that opt not to use the shelters. According to the 2010 Census, Barstow had 99 homeless people; a more recent County survey cited below suggests a lower number. HE‐A‐28 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
Housing Accommodations With the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, the City of Barstow has no funding mechanism to provide any housing accommodations. However, the City has assisted some of the non‐profit agencies by means of low rent ($1 a year for Desert Manna and the City purchased $1 homes that are currently being used by New Hope Village Too). These agencies provide housing for the homeless, with New Hope Village recently acquiring a new property with the help of funding from the City of Barstow’s Community Development Block Grant allocation, which will implement a “Housing First” approach to addressing the housing and supportive needs of Barstow’s homeless population. Under this model, non‐chronic and chronic homeless individuals and families are immediately transitioned into housing and provided wrap‐around services to ensure longer‐term housing stability. This is contrasted with a “housing readiness” model that focuses on individuals successfully addressing substance abuse or mental health issues or “graduating” through case management in a shelter/transitional home to become “housing ready.” Although the City’s preference is for rapid reentry into permanent housing, Barstow recognizes that a full continuum of housing options is needed to meet the needs of homeless people at various stages of recovery. The following housing options are provided in Barstow for homeless people.  Emergency Shelter. Barstow currently has one shelter, Desert Manna. The City of Barstow, through Desert Manna, has 32 beds available for applicable homeless persons. In addition, Desert Manna has worked with the City and others to attempt to acquire a new site to increase the capacity and to be able to serve more people. However, financing for such a venture has not been forthcoming. In addition to the Desert Manna, another important segment is the housing for families of domestic violence. These families are essentially made homeless to remove themselves from an abusive relationship. Desert Sanctuary/Haley House provides a sanctuary for these women and their children. In addition to providing a safe household, food and clothing are also provided to help get them on their feet. Desert Sanctuary/Haley House helps approximately 37 women and their children annually.  Residential Rehabilitation. A residence that provides housing for up to six months and provides specialized treatment and active rehabilitation for alcoholism and other drug‐
related issues on‐site. Presently, Barstow has no such facility. Rehabilitation is provided by HE‐A‐29 City of Barstow Housing Element 
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Housing Needs
the Vista Guidance Center. Two locations provide sober living facilities. These include Mental Health Systems, Inc. and San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health. Rapid Re‐housing. This refers to an approach of moving chronically homeless people immediately off the street to permanent supportive housing that allows an environment conducive to stabilization. New Hope Village is establishing a new location to provide 10 residential units for transitional and rapid re‐housing. Their current site, rented from Desert Manna, will continue to be operated as transitional‐housing by Desert Manna. Transitional Housing. A residence that provides a stay of up to two years, during which residents are provided case management services that prepare them to obtain and maintain housing and live self‐sufficiently. New Hope Village is operating a transitional‐
housing facility (6 units), but is relocating to a 10‐unit site that will also implement rapid re‐
housing. This 6‐unit site is rented from Desert Manna, which will continue its operation. Permanent Supportive Housing. A residence that provides permanent housing linked with ongoing support services designed to allow residents to live at the place of residence on an indefinite basis. Several years ago, the City acquired properties under the HUD’s Dollar Homes Program. This program helps local governments to foster housing opportunities for low to moderate income families and address specific community needs. The City leases these homes to New Hope Village Too to provide permanent supportive housing. Table A‐16 summarizes the City’s housing options for homeless people. Currently, the City’s unmet need is to house 19 people (San Bernardino County 2013 Homeless County and Subpopulation Survey: Final Report, May 2013). Table A‐16: Housing for Homeless People Shelter Status 2010 Census Emergency Transitional Not Need Cagegory Estimate Shelter Shelter Sheltered Adults and Families (adults and 32
6 Units
51 99
children) (Approx. 16 persons) Source: Desert Manna Ministries and New Hope Village
City of Barstow Note: No hard figures are provided for those that are not sheltered. However, the 2010 Census estimates 99 homeless people for the City of Barstow. In addition, as the transitional shelter is based on number of units, a figure of 2.7 people per household was considered. This, and the maximum capacity of Desert Manna (emergency shelter), were subtracted from the Census estimate to identify the number not sheltered. It should be noted that a more recent study, the “San Bernardino County 2013 Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey: Final Report” (May 2013) indicates that the City has a total of 61 homeless people, 19 of whom are unsheltered, 31 in an emergency shelter, and 11 in HE‐A‐30 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
transitional housing. This reflects a drop in the homeless population by 38 people in three years. Housing Construction Needs California law requires cities to plan for the accommodation and employment growth by implementing responsive housing programs. To assist in that effort, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) prepares housing construction needs goals for each city as part of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Total housing construction need comprises three primary factors, described below. Population and Job Growth The first component of construction need represents the number of units needed to accommodate new households forming because of population and employment growth. Barstow’s housing need is based on SCAG’s regional growth forecast in the 2012 Regional Transportation Plan, with slight adjustments for the Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA). The household growth component is determined by calculating the expected population and employment growth that will occur in Barstow from 2014 to 2021.  Population Growth. The City’s population is expected to increase about 843 residents from 2014 to 2021. This growth will gradually occur as development projects are approved, completed and occupied.  Employment Growth. Employment levels are project to continue modest growth, increasing by as much as 2.62% per year through 2040 (2016‐2040 RTP). This equates to a job growth of 2,267 people between 2012 (base year) to 2021.  Household Growth. Because of population growth, the number of households is expected to increase by approximately 1.65%, or 1,293 households by 2021. This equates to an increase of 3,492 residents, and is in excess of the RHNA number of 843 residents. The reason for this difference is that the RTP took into account potential development projects while RHNA is based upon the historic growth rate. As potential development does not always occur, the City expects it to fall somewhere between the two figures, such as an increase of 1,200 to 1,500 residents. Housing Factors The RHNA goal for new construction incorporates additional units to accommodate two factors in the housing market. First, the housing market requires a certain number of vacant units to allow sufficient choice for consumers, maintain rents and prices at adequate levels, and encourage normal housing maintenance and repair. In the southern California region, SCAG HE‐A‐31 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
assumed a regional housing vacancy factor of 3.5%, which assumes a 1.5% ownership vacancy and 4.5% rental vacancy. The RHNA model also adjusts the construction need goal to replace housing units lost from residential uses. Over time, all cities can expect that a certain number of housing units will be lost due to demolition, fire, conversion to nonresidential uses, recycling to other uses, or a variety of other reasons. In Barstow, the demolition rate is typically one to three units per year. New construction is varied, with some years having no residential development. However, during the housing boom in 2006‐2008, more than 6,000 new homes were proposed, in addition to a 25,000 home sub‐city called Waterman Junction. The housing market crash resulted in a small fraction of the homes being built. The RHNA figures took into account the housing market crash and recovery for the 2014‐2021 Housing Element 5th Cycle. Fair Share Factor State law requires that the formula used to distribute the RHNA avoid overconcentration of income groups in any given community. The goal is to use the RHNA process to foster the production of an increasing supply and mix of housing types, tenure, and affordability in an equitable manner across the region. In practice, the idea is to require jurisdictions with a smaller proportion of lower income units to provide a larger share of lower income units as part of their construction need to compensate for other jurisdictions that already accommodate more than their fair share. SCAG has adopted a regional “fair share” policy that each community move 110% toward the respective county’s household income distribution in each income category. So if a particular jurisdiction has a higher or lower percentage of lower, moderate, or above moderate income households than the County as a whole, the new construction goal is adjusted accordingly. For communities still growing, this will tend to reduce the differences in household income distributions among communities in the region. The Southern California Association of Governments provides a website with greater detail on the calculations for the Regional Housing Needs formula. Regional Housing Needs Share With the above criteria in mind, the City of Barstow has a regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) of 843 units for the 2014‐2021 planning period. The RHNA also determines the number of units by household income and level of affordability as follows: 94 units each affordable to extremely low and very low income households, 138 housing units affordable for low income households, 154 housing units affordable for moderate income households, and 363 housing HE‐A‐32 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
units affordable for above moderate income households. These housing targets are summarized below in Table A‐17. Table A‐17: Regional Housing Needs Allocation Housing Affordability Household Income Level Extremely Low Income* Very Low Income Definition of Category Allocation Housing Percentage Units of Units Households earning less than 30% of CMFI** Households earning 30‐50% of CMFI 94 11.15% 94 11.15% Low Income Households earning 51‐80% of CMFI 138 16.37% Moderate Income Households earning 81‐120% of CMFI 154 18.27% Above Moderate Households earning 363 43.06% Income above 120% of CMFI Total
843 100.00% Source: SCAG 5th Cycle RHNA Final Allocation Plan, 1/1/2014‐10/1/2021 * SCAG did not provide data for the Extremely Low Income Group as the Very Low Income group (for RHNA data) is 50% or less of CMFI. Therefore, it is assumed that the Extremely Low Income is approximately 1/2 of the Very Low Income level. ** CMFI: California Median Family Income. 4. Af f o r d a b le H o u s in g At Risk O f Co n v er s io n In prior years, the City had experienced significant growth in its multi‐family housing stock, with over 900 apartment units constructed prior to 1990. Construction of multi‐family housing in the City has continued, albeit at a slower pace with 367 units constructed during the 1990‐2000 period. There were 391 units constructed from 2000‐2007. Since then, no apartments have been built. This continued growth in apartment units has resulted in some incentives being necessary to attract renters, but rents have increased with the growth in the cost of living, and stabilized during the housing crash and the current economic conditions. Location is a key variable in the price of an apartment in Barstow. Apartments in newer sections of Barstow command higher prices than the same type of unit in an older section of the City. The HE‐A‐33 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
competitive prices of many rental homes in Barstow have led some renters to choose homes over apartments. Bedroom size is a key consideration in apartments or single‐family homes providing for sufficient living space for the household unit. Above all, location appears to be a key factor in both the prices and the likelihood that the unit is rented. Publicly subsidized affordable housing provides the largest supply of affordable housing in most communities. The City of Barstow has two privately owned affordable housing projects that receive public subsidies in return for long‐term affordability controls. Typically, these residential projects provide units affordable to extremely low, very low and low income households, including persons with special needs. Over time, certain affordable housing units are eligible to change from lower income housing to market rate housing within the planning period. The two projects mentioned are the Suncrest and Riverview Apartments. The Suncrest Apartments is an 81 unit (including managers unit) comprised of 36 very low, and 44 low income households. The Riverview Apartments also has 81 (including managers unit). A third, 72 unit apartment project (Virginia Terrace), receives Housing Choice Vouchers. Although currently eligible to go market rate, it is unlikely to do this due to the guarantee of funding from the vouchers. Two more proposals (one 72 units, the other 73) are also under consideration, though one (73 units) may not be viable during this housing element cycle. The County also offers Project Based Vouchers. These are tied to an individual unit. If the individual/family moves, they lose this assistance. Two apartment complexes utilize the Project Based Vouchers, as follows: Sunrise Vista Apartments – 50 project based vouchers allocated to the site of 156 units. Sunset Pointe Apartments – 50 project based vouchers allocated to the site of 144 units. In addition to the above mentioned apartments, the County maintains 219 conventional public housing units for low income housing. To define a set‐number for the extremely low, very low, and low income units that are provided is difficult because most of the units are set‐up for all affordable qualified tenants, essentially paying their appropriate portion based upon their income. California law requires that all housing elements include an analysis of “assisted multi‐family housing” projects as to their eligibility to change from low income housing to market rates. At HE‐A‐34 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
risk units are multi‐family rental housing projects that receive federal, state, and/or local financial assistance and may change from low income to market rate rents by 2024. If units are at risk, the element must include a detailed inventory and analysis. The inventory must list:  Each development by project name and address  Type of governmental assistance received  Earliest possible date of change from low‐income use  Total elderly and nonelderly units that could be converted  An analysis of costs of preserving and/or replacing these units  Resources that could be used to preserve the at‐risk units  Program for preservation of at‐risk units and quantified objectives Table A‐18 is a list of all multi‐family rental projects that have received public assistance and are deed restricted as affordable. Table A‐18: Publicly Assisted Multi‐Family Housing Project Name and Address Suncrest Apartments 201 N. Yucca Ave. Riverview Apartments 200 N. Yucca Ave. Virginia Terrace 615 E. Virginia Way Conventional Public Housing Various locations. Note: TCAC: Project Characteristics Target Group Year Built Total Units/ Bedroom Mix Property Owner Project Funding Sources Expiration Date of Covenants Family 2003 80 + managers 2 bd: 34 du Simpson 3 bd: 23 du Housing 4 bd: 24 du Group TCAC 2058 Family 2006 80 + managers 2 bd: 16 du Simpson 3 bd: 48 du Housing 4 bd: 16 du Group TCAC 2061 Family 1981 72 1 bd: 12 du Lincoln 2 bd: 44 du Properties 3 bd: 16 du County Voucher Program 2001 Varies 179 40 County Perpetuity Family Senior Tax Credit Allocation Committee HE‐A‐35 NA San Bernardino County Housing Authority City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Needs
At‐Risk Status Barstow currently has two deed restricted properties as identified in Table A‐20 above. A third property takes advantage of vouchers through the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. This site was capable of converting to market rate in 2001. Although they are no longer considered a subsidized facility, they have been accepting County vouchers. In 2014, the City was once again approached by one of two proposed TCAC projects. On July 21, 2014, the city was notified by the Committee giving us an opportunity to comment on this proposed 72 unit project (Calico Family Apartments). On August 4, 2014, the City commented in support of the project. HE‐A‐36 City of Barstow Housing Element B. Constraint Analysis
CONSTRAINT ANALYSIS Appendix B contains an analysis of potential market, governmental, and environmental constraints to the production, maintenance, and improvement of housing for persons of all income levels, including persons with disabilities. Introduction Decent, suitable, and affordable housing is an important goal in Barstow. Barstow has a variety of housing needs due to changing demographics, rising housing costs, socioeconomic conditions, and various other factors. The City and its civic leaders recognize the challenge of providing sufficient housing opportunities and take great care to address them. Nonetheless, the City’s success in achieving its housing goals is limited by certain constraints. Market factors, including land costs, affect the cost of housing construction. Government regulations, although designed to maintain quality of life, can also increase housing construction costs. Beyond normal market and government factors, the City’s success in addressing its housing needs is also constrained by many factors well beyond its control, such as the economic climate, lending industry, and foreclosures. To that end, California law requires a housing element to identify and analyze potential and actual governmental and nongovernmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing (Section 65583[a][4][5]). This section analyzes three potential constraints:  Market Factors. The demand for housing; development costs, fees, and taxes charged for housing projects; availability of financing; the price of land; and other factors that increase the cost of housing reinvestment.  Government Regulations. Land use regulations, building codes, site improvements, fees and other exactions, local processing and permit procedures, and other regulations that raise the cost of development.  Environmental Factors. The adequacy of infrastructure, water, air quality, and public services to support new residential developments, and other environmental considerations that affect housing investment. State law requires the housing element to demonstrate efforts to remove governmental constraints to meet the RHNA and address the need for housing for persons with disabilities (Section 65584[a][4]). If constraints preclude achievement of housing goals, state law requires jurisdictions to address and, where appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental HE‐B‐1 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing for persons of all incomes, including persons with disabilities. 1. M a r k et Co n s tr a in ts Barstow, like many communities, has seen a dramatic decline in the number of new housing units built. This decline in housing construction is due to a convergence of factors – including tighter lending policies, declining home values, foreclosures, and cost of materials. This section analyzes the impact of these “market” factors on the development of housing in Barstow.  Development Costs Development costs include the whole range of costs incurred in the construction, maintenance and improvement of housing. These include construction costs, which include labor costs, and the cost of residential land. The cost and availability of financing are also included, since they affect the construction industry and the financial feasibility of building new residential projects. The availability and cost of financing also affect the ability of homeowners to secure a loan to purchase or improve a home. Construction Costs Construction costs are largely a function of building materials and labor costs. Labor costs can significantly increase construction costs, depending on whether union or non‐union labor is used. For affordable projects funded by the City, state law requires the payment of prevailing wages, increasing labor costs 20% to 30% in southern California. However, to mitigate the impact of increasing labor costs on affordable housing, state law exempts certain projects from paying prevailing wages – projects using low‐income housing tax credits and tax‐exempt bonds where no other subsidy is used. Unfortunately, the City depends solely on private development to meet these demands because, as a small city, funding of residential development by the City is non‐existent, and the City no longer has access to Redevelopment monies that could be used for such projects. It is possible, however, that senior housing projects currently under discussion could make use of low‐income subsidy programs. Construction costs also vary widely depending on the type of construction and parking requirements. For instance, wood‐frame Type 5 construction over concrete parking is substantially less expensive than steel‐frame construction exceeding five stories over subterranean parking. Direct construction costs can average $220 to $300 per square foot for these projects. These costs may vary some by jurisdiction, but nonetheless are fairly standard and not conducive for Barstow. HE‐B‐2 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
An appropriate modification in amenities and quality of building materials used in residential products can result in lower development costs. Another factor related to construction costs is the number of units built at one time. As the project size increases, builders are able to take advantage of economies of scale and build projects at a lower per unit cost compared to smaller projects. Unfortunately, the largest local residential project in 2013‐2014 could only build to suit demand, and was limited, therefore, to 6 to 12 houses at a time, thereby precluding cost advantages associated with economies of scale. As Barstow is not adjacent to another city, one of the problems with residential development costs is that production is limited to a few local small builders. Only during the housing boom of 2006 did Barstow see large‐company builders proposing projects. These builders have not expressed interest in projects in Barstow, in part because the City’s low rate of population growth leads to low levels of demand is not high enough. The lack of competition may be another factor keeing prices higher. Land Costs Although not as much of a problem of late, the cost of land for residential development can represent a significant market constraint to the production of new housing in Barstow. Barstow has a significant amount of available land for residential development. Typically, land costs are lower than nearby cities. However, during the housing bubble from 2000‐ 2006, land prices significantly increased. Many landowners have yet to adjust their asking prices in accordance with the new financial realities, keeping acquisition costs beyond the range within which homes can be profitably built. Access to Financing Changes in construction lending practices have also had a significant impact on the financial feasibility of building new housing. In past decades, housing developers could receive construction loans for 100% or more of a project’s estimated future value. After the boom period of the early to mid‐2000s and ensuing plummet in the housing market, financial institutions tightened regulations for approving construction. Loan underwriting has grown more conservative, with maximum leveraging topping out at 75%. Lenders dramatically increased the amount of equity contribution needed to secure a loan, up from 10% to nearly 30%. Although there is no hard threshold for how much up‐front cash equity is too much before a project would be deemed infeasible (or at least unattractive compared to other investment opportunities), the higher the proportion of equity required, the less likely a developer will proceed with the project. Not only would it require more up‐front cash, but higher equity contribution means a project must be able to achieve an even higher HE‐B‐3 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
value at completion in order to generate the cash flow needed to meet acceptable cash‐on‐
cash returns.  Housing Revenues The economic downturn also impacted the availability of financing for affordable housing, such as Low Income Housing Tax Credit Programs. LIHTCs provide affordable housing developers an allocation of tax credits, which are sold to investors to raise equity for projects. Investors that purchase tax credits are able to reduce their federal tax liability dollar for dollar, so that the purchase of $1,000 in tax credits reduces tax liability by $1,000. Because of the tax breaks, a developer can build or acquire projects with less debt, enabling them to make housing more affordable. LIHTC projects collapsed following the market bust in 2006‐2007, but have picked up considerably in the past few years. The City historically has had sporadic residential development. Before the housing boom, few houses were built each year, sometimes no houses were built. This may have been in part due to the proliferation of apartment development in the 1980’s where an overabundance of apartments (more than 900 units) were constructed. An additional 367 units were built during the 1990’s, and nearly 400 units were constructed from 2000 to 2007 before apartment development ceased (two of the projects are TCAC funded properties). In the early to mid‐
2000s, the City noticed a considerable interest in residential development. However, before many homes were built, the market crashed. This was good and bad for the City, as the City did not have an excess of vacant homes deteriorating. Even though the prices fell to below 2000 levels, housing prices remained just high enough to impede competitiveness with nearby cities. The financial crisis and the Governor’s dissolution of the redevelopment agency has had a significant impact on the development of affordable units and the elimination of blight and maintenance of homes, etc. that the Redevelopment monies could have been used for.  Fees, Taxes, And Exactions Barstow charges fees to recover the cost of processing planning reviews and approvals, building permits, design reviews, and other services. In addition, development impact fees are assessed to ensure that infrastructure, public services, and facilities have adequate capacity to accommodate the demands placed upon them by new residential development. The Government Code allows such fees provided the fee amount approximates the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service and has a reasonable relationship to the infrastructure costs associated with a proposed project. Primary fees charged for new residential development include: HE‐B‐4 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis

Planning and Environmental Fees. The City charges standard fees for planning services, design review, subdivisions, etc. Environmental fees are collected if the City were to prepare, or contract consulting services to review the environmental documents. In most instances, the developer will hire an environmental consultant (as approved by staff) to prepare the appropriate documentation. Any contracting services are billed at‐cost to the developer.  Development Impact Fees. Adopted in 2007, these fees mitigate impacts to the City’s park and recreation facilities, infrastructure, and public services that are caused by the development. The implementation of the fees was to be phased in, with 33% required the first year, 66% the second year, and 100% the third and subsequent years. However, detached, single‐family residential impact fees have remained at the 33% level in an effort to help entice the development of single‐family residences. Although the City has kept development impact fees in check, the Barstow Unified School District recently ended its freeze on assessing impact fees and has re‐established residential impact fees at the maximum amount allowable by State law. This action could potentially affect the City’s ability to attract residential builders to the community.  Water and Sewer. The City charges developers a fixed rate of $1,500 per unit (2014) for the sewer connection fee. The water is via a franchise agreement with Golden State Water Company. Assessment of Fees As a means of evaluating the impact that development fees contribute to the cost of building housing in Barstow, the City estimated the average fees for an 80 unit apartment project (average of 900 square feet per unit) and a 10 unit, single‐family residential development based on an average of 1,500 square feet. HE‐B‐5 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
Table B‐1: Residential Development Impact Fees in Barstow Fee Category City Service Fees Plan Check and Building Fees Planning and Environmental Development Impact Fees Development Impact Fee Fire Department Impact Fee Sewer Connection Fee Other Agency Fees BUSD Impact Fee Total Fee
Per Unit Construction Cost
Percent of Construction Cost
Source: City of Barstow, 2014 Approximate Fees per Housing Unit Apartment
Single‐Family Residential
$588.00
$0.00
$1,610.00
$0.00
$10,041.00
$624.63
$1,687.50
$4,527.00
$859.00
$1,500.00
$3,024.00
$15,965.40
$68,130.00
23%
$5,040.00
$13,536.00
$95,700.00
14%
2. La n d U s e Co n tr o ls Barstow implements a variety of regulations that affect land uses and the cost and supply of housing. These include land use controls, building codes and their enforcement, site improvements, fees and exactions, permit procedures, and others. This section discusses these governmental factors and whether they unduly constrain the provision of housing in Barstow. General Plan Land Use Each city and county in California must prepare a comprehensive, long‐term general plan to guide its future. The land use element of the general plan establishes the basic land uses and density of development within the various areas of the city. Under state law, the general plan elements must be internally consistent; the City’s zoning must be consistent with the general plan. Thus, the land use plan must provide suitable locations and densities to implement the policies of the housing element. Barstow’s comprehensive general plan is the blueprint for the growth and development of the community. It provides for five residential land use designations tailored to different locations and topography in the City. Medium density residential uses are allowed in several commercial locations to support the City’s business sector and provide a diverse use, urban living environment. HE‐B‐6 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
Table B‐2: Primary Land Use Designations Allowing Housing General Plan Designation Estate Zoning District* DL Low‐Density DR Single‐Family RS Medium‐Density RM Diverse Use MU Primary Residential Use Allowed Single‐family residential district typified by single‐family detached homes in a rural setting with lots no less than 2.5 acres. Single‐family residential district typified by single‐family detached homes in a rural or ranchette setting with lots no less than 1 acre. Single‐family residential district typified by single‐family detached with a density of no more than 7 units per acre. Multi‐family residential district typified by multiple units with a density of no more than 20 units per acre. A multi‐use district that allows a mix of residential and commercially oriented uses, with 50% of the lot for commercial use and residential at a density of 16 units per acre. Source: City of Barstow General Plan, 2014‐2021 * Upon completion of the comprehensive General Plan Amendment, a Zoning Amendment will be initiated to not only update the zoning map, but the zoning code to ensure compatibility with the General Plan. Specific Plan Land Use The 1997 General Plan used the Specific Plan designation for specific projects, and for areas where the development potential was unknown. As the zoning map was consistent with the general plan (i.e., Specific Plan zone district), this designation created some problems with certain properties that were individually too small to justify such a Plan, and multiple ownerships of properties made it impractical. Unlike the 1997 General Plan, the current comprehensive amendment to the General Plan will not include the Specific Plan as a designated land use. Rather, it will be treated as more of an overlay district to address certain projects that will have specific needs. In addition, such application may allow the project to exceed the density of the base land use designation. Barstow currently has four specific plans that allow a residential component. They are as follows: HE‐B‐7 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
Table B‐3: Barstow’s Specific Plan Areas Specific Plan Area Housing Description of District Capacity Sitting on 564 acres, this project creates a diverse mix of single‐family housing from introductory, or “first‐time Rimrock Ranch 1,449 homebuyer” through executive housing and large‐lot housing. Open space is included in this project with the possibility of a neighborhood commercial component. Primarily commercially and industrially oriented, a residential Lenwood Specific 705 component was added in 2007 to allow for first‐time Plan homebuyer and move‐up housing. A 46 acre proposal to create a diversity of uses with a business park in one portion of a property (industrial, Sun Valley Business 20 commercial and professional) and low‐density residential Park comprising the balance (10 acres), separated by flood control infrastructure as open space. A 112 acre proposal to create a diversity of uses primarily Spanish Trail 240 oriented towards commercial, but including a 11.5 acre residential component for medium density senior housing. Source: City of Barstow Adopted Specific Plans Residential Uses by Zone California housing element law specifies that jurisdictions must identify adequate sites to be made available through appropriate zoning and development standards to encourage and facilitate the development of various types of housing for all economic segments of the population. This includes the production of housing to meet the needs of different types of households with incomes ranging from low to above moderate. The housing element is the City’s plan for achieving this objective. As described later, Barstow’s housing vision is one of inclusiveness, and is denoted by offering a broad range of housing types that accommodate people of all backgrounds. This includes standard conventional housing opportunities (e.g., single‐family, multi‐family, and mixed uses, etc.) and housing opportunities for persons with special needs (e.g., disabled, seniors, homeless, families, etc.) and other groups. The primary land use designations allowing residential uses are in Table B‐4. Following is a description of the various residential land uses. HE‐B‐8 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
Table B‐4: Permitted Residential Uses by Zone Type of Unit Conventional Housing Single‐Family Multi‐Family (including large‐family) Manufactured Home Diverse Use Affordable Senior Second Units Special Housing Needs Residential Care, Limited (6 or fewer tenants)
Residential Care, General (greater than 6 tenants)
Life‐Care Facilities Boarding House1 Emergency Shelter Temp. Homeless Shelter2 Transitional House SR Occupancy RS‐6/9/16
Residential Zones DL/ DR
RM‐1
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
C
P
C
P
RM‐2 P P P P P P P P P P P P P Diverse Use P
P
P
P
P
C
C
C
C
Source: City of Barstow Zoning Code, 2014 Notes: P = Permitted by right, C = Conditional Use Permit required 1
Defined as a residence wherein three to five rooms are rented to individuals under separate rental agreements. Residents in a boarding house are not considered a family or single housekeeping unit 2
Temporary Homeless Shelters are allowed by right in the RM‐2 district and conditionally permitted in the RM‐1 district through a CUP. * It should be noted that following the comprehensive General Plan Amendment, a comprehensive zoning amendment will be initiated. Although some of the designations may change, it is anticipated that there will be similarities between the current and future designations and that an interpretation will not be necessary. Multi‐Family Housing The zoning code permits multi‐family housing by right in all RM districts. Manufactured housing is permitted in all residential districts. In accordance with the Government Code, the requirements for such housing (e.g., planning, permitting, reviews) are the same as residential units in the same district. Multi‐family residential uses are allowed in the RM zones. Described below, the zoning code also permits additional types of housing. Diverse Use Barstow’s land use framework is designed to focus housing in areas of the community that can best accommodate residential growth and reduce transportation demands. Mixed residential/commercial uses are allowed in the Mixed Land Use (to be Diverse Use) district and HE‐B‐9 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
three of the specific plan areas. Urban housing and mixed‐use standards, described later, are implemented to provide greater flexibility and higher densities. Senior Housing Barstow has a significant senior population. To allow for adequate housing opportunities, senior housing is permitted in all residential districts. In recent years the aging of Barstow residents has created a need for additional senior housing for different age groups and abilities. Following the 2015 General Plan Revision, the City will initiate a comprehensive zoning ordinance amendment to further identify special housing including life‐care facilities that provide housing accommodations and varying level of care to seniors. Life‐care facilities are currently conditionally permitted in the RM‐1 district and permitted by right in the RM‐2 district. Second Units Second units are detached dwelling units that provide complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on the same parcel as a legal single‐family residence. Second units offer several benefits. First, they typically rent for less than apartments of comparable size and can offer affordable rental options for seniors. Second, the primary homeowner receives supplemental income by renting out the unit, which can help many modest income and elderly homeowners remain in or afford their homes. Second units are allowed by right in all single‐ and multi‐family districts subject to the applicable district standards and Chapter 19.75 (Accessory Dwelling/Second Units) of the Barstow Municipal Code. Assembly Bill (AB) 1866 (effective July 2003) requires local governments to use a ministerial process for second unit applications, subject to reasonable development standards. In 2009, the City amended Chapter 19.75 (Accessory Dwelling/Second Units) of the Barstow Municipal Code, allowing the second units through an administrative process rather than a discretionary process. While second units can contribute to affordable housing, it is important to also ensure the integrity of Barstow’s residential neighborhoods. Concerns regarding parking and traffic, suitability of the structure, availability of existing infrastructure, and maintaining the character and integrity of its single‐family residential districts were all factors in developing the ordinance. Over more than twenty years, the City has only seen two requests for a second dwelling unit filed. Both were approved by a conditional use permit. Since the amendment of Chapter 19.75, no requests for second units have been made. Therefore, second units represent a HE‐B‐10 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
negligible component of Barstow’s overall affordable housing strategy. For this reason, the City has included an implementation program in the housing element to reevaluate the parameters of the current ordinance to better facilitate the provision of second units within the context of maintaining neighborhood character. Housing For People With Disabilities As described in Appendix A, the City has a sizable population of persons with disabilities that require different housing arrangements. The City permits a broad range of housing for people with disabilities. The following describes generally how such facilities are planned to be permitted by the municipal code within the community. Residential Care Facilities The City of Barstow will permit in the next municipal code two types of community care facilities – Residential Care Limited (serving six or fewer people) and Residential Care General (serving seven or more people). These are state‐licensed facilities providing 24‐hour nonmedical care for persons in need of personal services, supervision, protection, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living. The upcoming zoning code revision will permit Residential Care Limited homes by right in all residential districts and permit Residential Care General in the multi‐family residential districts. Currently, there are no known residential care facilities within the city limits (although there may be some Residential Care Limited facilities that are not licensed through the City). The zoning code amendment will not subject Residential Care Limited facilities to a use permit, building standards, or regulation not otherwise required of other residential uses in the same district, and imposes no spacing requirements between such facilities beyond those required by state law. Boarding Houses/Group Homes The City’s Municipal Code allows boarding houses by right in multi‐family zoning districts. Consistent with the State Attorney General’s opinion (86 Ops. Cal. Atty. Gen. 30 [2003]), boarding houses are prohibited in single‐family residential districts and allowed by right in all multi‐family residential districts subject to the City’s operational standards. Group homes for the disabled are not yet specifically identified in the current zoning ordinance. However, the City will be initiating a comprehensive amendment to the zoning ordinance upon completion of the 2015‐2020 General Plan, and will address this specific category of boarding house. HE‐B‐11 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
Group Home for the disabled means any home, residence, facility, or premises that provides temporary, interim, or permanent housing to persons who are disabled in a group setting not licensed by the state of California. The City currently does not identify this type of land use as a permitted use. However, the City will identify this use in the comprehensive amendment to the zoning ordinance. Housing For People Who Are Homeless Barstow recognizes the need for housing for the homeless. The City works closely with the Desert Manna and New Hope Village to provide this housing, providing substantial assistance to each of these two agencies. Given changes in state law and HCD guidance, the City is reviewing these provisions for consistency with state law. Emergency Shelter The City defines emergency shelters as those that provide short‐term lodging on a first‐come, first‐served basis for people who must vacate the facility each morning and have no guaranteed lodging for the next night. Transitional Housing Transitional housing is defined as a facility that provides housing for individuals in immediate need of housing in which residents stay longer than overnight. Such housing may include support services (e.g., emergency medical care, employment, housing counseling, etc.) provided the total area for supportive services does not exceed 250 square feet. Transitional housing is currently treated as a residential use and permitted by right in multi‐family districts. Permanent Supportive Housing Supportive housing refers to permanent, affordable housing linked to on‐site or off‐site services. Services typically include assistance to help residents transition into stable, more productive lives and may include case management, mental health treatment, and life skills counseling. Barstow allows permanent supportive housing as a residential use, provided supportive services are ancillary to the primary use and comprise no greater than 250 square feet. Supportive housing, including housing suitable for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, is also available to homeless people. Single‐Room Occupancy Single room occupancy (SRO) is defined as a facility where each unit has a floor area ranging from 150 to 220 square feet. SRO units may have kitchen or bathroom facilities and are offered on a monthly basis or longer. SROs will be addressed in the zoning ordinance amendment following the adoption of the 2015‐2020 General Plan. HE‐B‐12 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
3. D ev elo p m en t S ta n d a rd s Land use policies in the general plan are implemented primarily through the zoning code. The zoning code is designed to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of residents, which includes preserving the character and integrity of established residential neighborhoods. To that end, the City has established specific development standards that apply to residential construction in various districts. These include lot coverage, density, parking standards, and other applicable requirements. Development Standards Barstow’s zoning code allows for a range of housing types and densities. Within the RS districts, single‐family homes with private open space are allowed from 1 to 5 lots per acre. The RM‐1 district allows 15 units to the acre ratio, limited to single, duplex, or triplex by right (subject to the ratio), and a fourplex subject to a conditional use permit, again, subject to the ratio. The 2015‐2020 General Plan Update will increase this to a maximum of 7 units to acre density for single‐family, and up to 20 units to acre for multi‐family. Barstow’s zoning code will be updated upon completion of the general plan update to ensure consistency between the two documents. Table B‐5 summarizes the most pertinent development standards in Barstow. Table B‐5: Residential Development Standards Development Standards1 RS DL/DR RM MHS Minimum Lot Area and Minimum Lot Width Maximum Site Coverage Maximum Density Maximum Building or Structure Height Front, Rear, Side Yard Setbacks Minimum Unit Size 6,000 sq. ft.
60 feet 35%
1 per lot
1 acre
150 feet None
1 per lot
5,500 sq. ft. 55 feet 60% 1 per lot 25 feet 35 feet 25’ See Note 4 20’2, 5’, 15’3
None
25’, 25’, 10’
None
6,000 sq. ft.
60 feet None
15 per acre
RM‐1: 35’
RM‐2: 40’ 15’, 5’, 5’
None
Mixed Land Use 6,000 sq. ft.
See Note 4 50%
15 per acre
15’, 5’, 5’ None See Note 4
150%
Source: City of Barstow Zoning Code, 2014 Notes: 1
3
4
2
Development standards based on most strict zoning classification. Front yard setback to garage is 24’. Aggregate setback total, one side to be a minimum 10’. Development standards based upon development standards of the zoning district which the use replicates (i.e., RS, DL, DR, RM, MHS). It should be noted that the 2015‐2021 General Plan Update will increase the densities of the comparative land use designations, and the Mixed Land Use will be replaced with Diverse Use. A comprehensive zoning code update will immediately follow the General Plan update to ensure consistency between the two documents. HE‐B‐13 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
Parking Standards City parking standards are intended to progressively alleviate or prevent traffic congestion and shortages of curbside parking spaces, ensure that adequate off‐street parking and loading facilities are designed in a manner that will ensure efficiency, protect the public safety, and, where applicable, insulate surrounding land uses from adverse impacts. Shown in Table B‐6 are the parking requirements for residential and mixed‐use developments. Table B‐6: Parking Standards for Residential Uses Residential Development Single‐Family Multi‐Family Senior Citizen (Deed Restricted) Boardinghouses Mobile Home Parks Accessory Dwelling Group Care Facilities Parking Requirements
Regulatory Concession Basic Requirement
2 enclosed (garage) parking
2 per unit/50% enclosed plus 10% for visitors 0.75 per unit/50% covered plus 10% for visitors 1 per guestroom 2 covered per unit
1 covered 1 per 2 beds plus employees
None
Potential use of carports in lieu of garages Consideration of slight parking reduction. None
None
None
None
Source: City of Barstow Zoning Code, 2013 Barstow’s parking space requirements are generally two spaces per unit and match the vehicle ownership patterns and parking needs of residents. The guest parking requirement of one space per 10% of required parking units seem to generally meet or exceed the needs of the associated complexes. Parking space reductions are allowed for multi‐family units and senior housing (deed restricted properties, multi‐family units). Parking requirements are inclusive of handicap parking. In accordance with state density bonus law, the City will also consider an alternative parking ratio and other parking incentives. Reduction in parking requirements will be among the criteria considered within the Diverse Use zoning designation under the revised Zoning Ordinance that follows adoption of the 2015‐20 General Plan. Building Codes and Enforcement The City of Barstow has adopted Title 24 of the most current California Code of Regulations, which is substantially based on the new International Building Code (IBC). State law requires that all local jurisdictions adopt the new Code; however, local governments are permitted to make local amendments to the Code that are necessary to address unique local climate, geologic, and/or topographical conditions in their respective community. HE‐B‐14 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
Building Codes To address issues of local concern, the City has adopted the following local amendments to the California Code of Regulations to protect the public health and safety from hazards indigenous to the community.  Fire Hazards. Barstow’s location in the dry high desert creates additional concerns regarding fire hazards. To address these concerns, the code has restrictions on the use of wood as exterior wall and roof material in fire hazard areas, requirements for Class A assembly of other materials, and requirement for sprinklers in all new construction.  Seismic Hazards. Barstow’s location in a seismically active area necessitates greater structural modifications to protect from earthquake. More restrictive building standards for roof sheathing, diaphragms, footings and foundations, shear walls, and building separation reduce risk of injury and property damage in the event of an earthquake.  California Green Standards (CalGreen). Mixed‐use and multi‐family projects of four stories or more are required to comply with the CalGreen’s Tier I requirements. This requires applicable structures to submit a checklist as part of building plan check documenting attainment of at least the minimum points to achieve Tier I standards. Code Compliance The City of Barstow has adopted Chapter 6.28 (Public Nuisances) of the Barstow Municipal Code (BMC) addressing building and construction. Within this chapter, the BMC has several sections regulating the maintenance of properties and structures and remediation of blighted conditions. These local codes are enforced by building and code compliance staff. The Code Compliance division includes three members who patrol the City in beats. In addition, the City may receive complaints, which will initiate an investigation by the patrolling Code Compliance Officer. Code Compliance has been instrumental in eliminating much of the blight and nuisances across the City. Subdivision and Site Improvements After the passage of Proposition 13 and its limitation on local governments’ property tax revenues, cities have faced increased difficulty in providing and financing appropriate public services and facilities to serve residents. In order to ensure public health and safety, Barstow requires developers to provide on‐site and off‐site improvements necessary to serve proposed residential projects for projects that require a discretionary entitlement, or when improvements reach certain thresholds. HE‐B‐15 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
The City may require developers to fulfill obligations specified in the Subdivision Map Act. Such improvements may include water, sewer, and other utility lines and extensions; street construction to City standards; and traffic controls reasonably related to the project. Barstow regulates the design, installation, and maintenance of improvements needed for new housing. On/off‐site improvements include street right‐of‐way dedication, sidewalks, street lighting, pavement, curbs and gutters, water and sewer mains, and others. Typical standards requirements include:  Local streets must have 60’ of right of way (ROW) with 40’ of roadway. Collector streets must have 60’ of ROW and 44’ of roadway. Secondary arterials must have 80 feet of ROW and 64’ of roadway. Primary arterials must have at least 100’ of ROW and at least 84’ of roadway.  Street improvements‐including street trees on both sides of the street in accordance with the City’s Landscape Guidelines, pavement, curbs, gutters and sidewalk, street lights, signage, and other similar appurtenances.  Utility lines‐including but not limited to electric, communications, street lighting and cable television to serve the subdivision shall be required to be placed underground.  Water infrastructure‐including water mains, sub‐mains and services needed for the distribution of water to each lot or parcel, or parcel of land. Construction of all new water and drainage distribution systems related to projects are completed by the developer.  Parks and recreation‐including open space, park and recreational facilities for which dedication of land and/or payment of a fee is required in accordance with the General Plan and fee schedule. In the vast majority of cases, infrastructure is already in place and in surrounding projects. Sufficient capacity exists within the existing street network. In these cases, most of the City’s on‐ and off‐site improvements are provided simply through the payment of a pro‐rate share of fees, which have been accounted for under residential development fees mentioned earlier. These subdivision requirements are similar to jurisdictions across southern California and are not deemed to place a unique cost or actual constraints upon the development, improvement, and maintenance of housing. Energy Conservation The State of California has taken a progressive role in energy conservation for water resources, renewable energy sources, etc. The City has implemented these measures that the state has implemented. Furthermore, the City has employed the CalGreen Standards to further conserve resources. HE‐B‐16 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
California’s Energy Efficiency Standards require all new housing to meet minimum energy conservation standards. This requirement can be met in two ways, with either a prescriptive approach or a performance approach. With either option, mandatory components would be installed, such as minimum insulation, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and efficient heating equipment. In addition, all residential projects are subject to meeting the state building codes, which also include energy conservation standards. Originally, the City of Barstow adopted a Green Building Code to achieve the goals underpinning statewide legislation and the City of Barstow’s desire to promote energy efficiency and resource conservation goals. The Green Building Ordinance applied to new multi‐family, mixed‐
use projects and commercial buildings of four stories or more and alterations or construction over 25,000 square feet and municipal buildings of 5,000 square feet or more. Buildings meeting this threshold were required to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. In 2010, Barstow adopted the new California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen), replacing many provisions of the existing Green Building Code. CalGreen offers statewide uniformity to many established and emerging local green building ordinances. Barstow’s new code is designed to promote sustainable building design and construction that has a low impact on the environment, uses resources efficiently, is healthy for the occupants, and brings economic and social benefits to the community. The CalGreen Code applies to all projects, residential and non‐residential. The City meets or exceeds CalGreen Standards by including additions and alterations of all projects except where exempted in City codes. The City also adopted additional requirements, including: 1) all new and re‐roofs of low‐slope roofs be “Cool Roof” certified or otherwise appropriately insulated; 2) water‐resistant flushing must comply with industry standards or manufacturer’s instructions; 3) pre‐installation of conduits in all new buildings for future photovoltaic systems. Moreover, mixed use projects and multi‐family buildings four or more stories in height must comply with Tier I standards, which are comparable to LEED certification. Historic Preservation Although Barstow has several sites that have an undocumented “historic value,” most are considered local landmarks and are not on any registry. One that is on the state and federal registry is the Historic Harvey House on North First Avenue. Known as the ‘Casa Del Desierto,’ this historic building was commissioned by Fred Harvey and served rail passengers and crew via two restaurants and hotel rooms. As identified in the Housing Element Framework, the Harvey House was rebuilt in 1910‐1913 after a fire burned the original structure in 1908. However, this HE‐B‐17 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
is the extent of the historic structures in Barstow. There are no residential historic structures. As the Historic Harvey House is the only historically significant structure, and it is owned by the City, there are no further historic preservation plans in place other than the continued maintenance of the Historic Harvey House. Affordable Housing Incentives As the City of Barstow’s housing market and rental market is already one of the lowest priced in California, most of the housing is affordable to lower and moderate income housing. In addition, two TCAC housing projects have been built, with two more under consideration, along with more than 200 units available through the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, who also provides about 261 housing vouchers. The City does not have any plans at this time to provide any additional incentives other than what is required through state law. The City will track the RHNA numbers as well as the housing market to determine the need, should it arise, to implement certain incentives such as inclusionary housing. Density Bonus Although no ordinance has been adopted at this time, past‐experience has indicated that no density bonus is necessary. The availability and cost of land has not caused a need for a density bonus request. Barstow will continue to follow the standards identified in state law should a request for a density bonus be requested. Should multiple requests be made, or if directed by HCD, the City will further analyze the need of a density bonus ordinance. Standards for Urban Housing and Mixed‐Use Projects Barstow’s land use framework focuses housing in areas of the community that can best accommodate residential growth and reduce transportation demands. Urban housing and diverse use are a key strategy in Barstow to further its housing, economic, mobility, air quality, and neighborhood stabilization goals in the community. To achieve these ends, the City has adopted development standards for all housing projects. As the standards are new, and the housing market has not yet recovered, it is too early to realize the benefits. Only upon the recovery of the housing market will we see any benefits. In addition, the City will implement a comprehensive update of the zoning ordinance upon the completion of the 2015‐2020 General Plan. This zoning ordinance will be consistent with the General Plan, and include the housing density increases identified in the General Plan Land Use designations. In addition, the development standards will be improved in the zoning ordinance as part of that update. HE‐B‐18 City of Barstow Housing Element 

Constraint Analysis
Regulatory Concessions. The 2015‐2020 General Plan allows for densities up to 20 units per acre in the multi‐family land use designation. This is an increase from the 15 units per acre in the 1997 General Plan. A new classification will be replacing an outdated, underutilized land use classification. The Diverse Use land use will allow up to 16 residential units per acre, in addition to commercial and services. This will encourage shorter travel, possibly the development of live‐work situations, or walkable communities. Affordable Housing Incentives. The prospect of developing the Diverse Use district will create housing that can potentially be more affordable than apartment buildings for the mere fact that the property owner also has the income of commercial/service units. With the availability of land, developers can build four‐stories or more without the cost of underground garages. The City is willing to work with developers to achieve a proper mixture of housing types, from extremely low to above moderate‐income households. At the writing of this report, staff has been working with potential developers to construct several senior housing units, including the use of land write‐downs. Although provision of direct financial assistance is prohibitive at this time with the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, the City seeks ways of assisting developers to make projects feasible. 4. P er m ittin g P r o c es s Barstow has the responsibility to ensure that residential developments are of lasting quality, that housing opportunities are available, and that the public health and welfare are maintained. To that end, the Municipal Code establishes the following standard procedures for processing applications for the development, maintenance, and improvement of housing. Development Review The City of Barstow has recently combined Building, Engineering and Planning into a common office area, with a single permitting location. Through this permit area, all three departments are available to the public and each other, ensuring that all permits are available at a “one‐
stop” permit application center. Normal Development Review Multiple departments have a weekly meeting to discuss activities, project review, and any other pertinent reviews and issues. Any department that has an impact on development is typically a part of this weekly meeting. In addition to the individual staff reviews of projects, this meeting is intended to pull all review information together. Pre‐application Plan Review (PPR) HE‐B‐19 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
As part of the above meeting, the City has a PPR application for applicants that are considering constructing, remodeling, expanding, or changing a use. At the conclusion of a PRR meeting at the above staff level meetings, the City sets a meeting with the applicants to discuss development requirements. This ensures that the applicant has as much information regarding their project before they submit any construction or land use applications. Preliminary Plan Check The Planning Department will typically meet with applicants and provide a cursory review of their project before submittal. However, if a PPR is necessary, the preliminary plan check may occur at that time. Discretionary Permit Certain development projects may require a conditional use permit and/or a variance, subdivision, etc. Typically, multi‐family residences are allowed as a by‐right use. However, a diverse‐use project may require a conditional use permit to ensure compatibility. Commission Review Residential projects may require approvals by the Planning Commission, depending on the location, scale, and use proposed. The City staff may review development applications for compliance with City design guidelines. Design review is completed at the staff level unless directed by the BMC. Plan Check/Permit Issuance Once the residential or diverse‐use project is approved by staff or, as applicable, the Planning Commission, the project is moved through the plan check stage and permit issuance. This involves verification that the project complies with building, zoning, fire, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and health codes. The time frame required to complete plan check varies with the size, complexity, and location of the project. Generally, plan check requires roughly one month to complete, but corrections and second submittals are common and can increase the time required to complete plan check. Second submittals generally take one to two weeks to complete. For a single‐family residence on a legal lot, the process typically requires only plan check, without discretionary review. Plan check review requires about two weeks for the Building Department to either approve the drawings as submitted or to indicate what corrections are required. After changes are made by the applicant, the City’s recheck is usually accomplished in one to two weeks. The cumulative time frame is generally no more than six‐to‐eight weeks HE‐B‐20 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
from application submittal to permit issuance, unless the project requires more resubmittals, or there is a delay in the applicant resubmitting corrected plans. Multi‐family project approval depends on the environmental review process and mandated time frames, and the applicant’s qualifications. Typically, multi‐family projects can take two weeks for PRR and project plan review, up to eight weeks for plan check, resubmittals would take approximately two weeks (not including time to resubmit by the applicant). Permits can generally be issued in about eight to twelve weeks for multi‐family projects. If environmental review is required, additional time is necessary, dependent upon the type of environmental review (i.e., negative declaration or EIR), and if any biological, archaeological, or other studies are necessary with the environmental review. Variance A variance is a request for a deviation from the zoning code for a particular development standard because of unusual circumstances associated with a particular site, such as topography, shape, or other characteristic. Some examples of the types of variances requested are for building height and parking. No variances to the land use classifications of the zoning code are allowed. Variances require noticed public hearings with a review by the Planning Commission. A decision to approve or disapprove an application is based on the findings of fact in the zoning code. Following a public hearing, if required, the review authority may approve a variance application, with or without conditions, only after first finding that:  There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the subject site that do not apply generally to sites in the same zoning district.  Granting the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant and to prevent unreasonable property loss or unnecessary hardship.  Granting the application would not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity of the subject site, or to the public health, safety, or general welfare.  Granting the application is in conformance with the goals, policies, and objectives of the general plan, and the purpose and intent of any applicable specific plan and the purposes of the zoning code, and would not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with limitations.  Cost to the applicant of strict compliance with a regulation shall not be the primary reason for granting the variance. HE‐B‐21 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
Conditional Use Permit Conditional use permits (CUP) are required for uses typically having unusual site development features or operating characteristics requiring special consideration so that they may be designed, located, and operated to be compatible with the neighboring properties. The municipal code provides for the review of the configuration, design, location, and potential impacts of the proposed use in order to evaluate the compatibility of the proposed use with surrounding uses and the suitability of the use to the site. A CUP requires a public hearing and is reviewed by the Planning Commission. Public noticing of the hearing is required to notify all property owners within 300 feet of the project boundary, and is advertised in the local paper. Sometimes the site is also posted. Following a hearing, the Planning Commission may approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove an application for a CUP. The Planning Commission may approve a conditional use permit only after finding that:  The proposed use is allowed with a conditional use permit in the applicable zoning district and complies with zoning code provisions.  The location of the proposed use is necessary or desirable for the development of the community and is not detrimental to existing uses or uses specifically permitted in the district classification.  That the site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the use and that all of the yards, setbacks, walls, fencing, landscaping and other features required in order to adjust the use to existing uses or possible future uses on adjoining land in the neighborhood be compatible with one another.  That the use proposed will not affect the existing streets and highways provided conditions proposed are completed prior to the issuance of certificate of occupancy  That City sewer service shall not be provided to any parcel not meeting the requirements of Section 19.58 (Conditional Uses) of the BMC. The CUP process has not constrained the production of diverse‐use projects in Barstow. The Mixed Land Use zoning district requires a conditional use permit for any use proposed within this district (residential through commercial, industrial is not permitted). Up to this point, however, this designation has not been utilized as a residential/commercial development tool. Therefore, the City is removing this designation from the General Plan Land Use Designation, and implementing a Diverse Use designation that will help to encourage a true combination of compatible uses. Housing For People With Disabilities HE‐B‐22 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
In accordance with Section 65008 of the Government Code, this section analyzes potential and actual constraints to the development, improvement, and maintenance of housing serving people with disabilities in Barstow. Where actual constraints are found, this section describes specific programs that will be implemented as part of the 2014‐2021 Housing Element to remove government constraints to housing people with disabilities. Municipal Code Definitions Municipal codes can create fair housing concerns if the definitions could be used to limit housing opportunities or fair housing choice. Although cities rarely discriminate in this manner, the code definition in itself could discourage proposing a use that would otherwise be allowed. By example, fair housing law prohibits defining a family (and by extension living quarters) in terms of the relationship of members (e.g., marital status), number of occupants, (e.g., family size), or other characteristics. Other definitions should also be consistent with fair housing law. The Barstow Municipal Code defines family as two or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit. Permitted Land Use Upon revision of the Barstow Zoning Code, it will designate two types of community care facilities – Residential Care Limited (serving six or fewer people) and Residential Care General (serving seven or more people), as defined earlier. Residential Care Limited homes will be permitted by right, in all residential districts, and Residential Care General facilities will be permitted by right in the multi‐family residential districts. The revised zoning code will not subject Residential Care Limited facilities to a use permit, building standard, or regulation not otherwise required of homes in the same district, and imposes no spacing requirements between such facilities beyond state allowance. It will be determined at the time of the zoning code update whether Residential Care Limited will be permitted anywhere else other than the multi‐family residential districts. Building Codes, Development Standards, and Permitting Processes Barstow has adopted the latest edition of the California Building Code, including all provisions related to facilitating disabled access. Accessibility is required to all covered multi‐family dwellings. “Covered multi‐family dwellings” are all dwelling units in buildings consisting of three or more privately funded units if such buildings have one or more elevators; and all ground floor dwelling units in other buildings consisting of three or more dwelling units. In covered multi‐family dwellings in buildings with elevators, all units are required to be located on an accessible route. For such units, the units must be adaptable, so that the public and common use areas are readily accessible to and usable by a person with a disability, and all doors are designed sufficiently wide to allow passage into and within all remises by persons HE‐B‐23 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
who use wheelchairs, as required by the Building Code. The City’s building official enforces compliance with these requirements, among others. Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable accommodations means the process by which an operator may seek from the City an accommodation in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodation may be necessary to afford the disabled equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Summarized below in Table B‐7, the City has three procedures to implement state and federal fair housing law and to ensure housing opportunities for people with disabilities.  Building Codes. Barstow complies with the standards and processes contained and described in the current California Building Code with respect to housing for people with disabilities. Every three years, the California Building Codes are updated (including processes and codes affecting housing for people with disabilities), and the City adopts these codes to comply with state and federal disability requirements.  Land Use Classification. The Barstow Municipal Code has never differentiated between housing units for people with disabilities and housing for people without disabilities. Regardless, the City adopted a Reasonable Accommodations Ordinance in 2011 to ensure that no discrimination or differentiation between housing would occur. This ordinance does not eliminate the need for a discretionary permit requirement for a project if one would be required for housing for people without disabilities.  Zoning Standards. Modifications to zoning standards are granted in a manner identical to the application, notice, and hearing requirements for any public hearing. The hearing officer may approve a modification with consideration for only findings specific to a reasonable accommodation: 1) the request is by or on behalf of an individual; 2) the request is necessary by state or federal laws to avoid discrimination; 3) The request will not impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the City; 4) the request will not result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the City’s zoning program; and 5) the modification will not result in a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or cause substantial physical damage to the property of others. HE‐B‐24 City of Barstow Housing Element Constraint Analysis
Table B‐7: Reasonable Accommodation Process Building Standard Modificaiton Land Use Classification Zoning Standard Modification
Types of request Application of building code to new housing Appeal of determination of land use classification Process California Building Code Request for appeal of Zoning Code Interpretation All standards, except gross floor area, lot coverage, density Modification for people with disabilities Decision Maker Building Official Planning Commission Hearing Officer Public Hearing No public hearing; not publicly noticed Findings of approval California Building Code Appeal Authority California Building Code Publicly‐noticed meeting, depending on type of application, may be public hearing Findings as appropriate for type of application, letter of approval or determination City Council Publicly‐noticed hearing Findings related to the existence of a disability Planning Commission City of Barstow, 2011 Efforts to Overcome Constraints The preceding sections of this appendix have provided evidence of the City’s efforts to overcome governmental constraints to housing development in Barstow. As a result of these efforts, neither governmental nor environmental constraints pose significant limitations to the production, maintenance and improvement in housing. The primary remaining constraint is market‐based; housing developers need to be convinced that a viable potential market for new housing exists in Barstow. The City continues to make efforts to address this constraint, including increasing allowable densities, improving infrastructure to reduce the costs of housing development, making city‐owned land available to potential developers and encouraging mixed residential/commercial development through establishment of the Diverse Use land use designation. Although housing development in the community remains stagnant, there is optimism that these efforts, combined with an ongoing national and regional economic upturn, will have the effect of increasing the availability of housing in Barstow for all income groups. HE‐B‐25 City of Barstow Housing Element C. Housing Resources
Housing Re sources Appendix C contains an analysis and description of the land, financial, and administrative resources available to Barstow to address its existing and future housing needs, including its regional housing needs allocation (RHNA). Introduction State housing element law requires that all local governments facilitate and encourage the production of housing commensurate with their fair share of the RHNA. The City of Barstow’s RHNA is 843 units for the 2014‐2021 planning period. Barstow, like other communities, is tasked with the challenge of guiding residential development in a manner that benefits the community, respects its unique character and addresses the requirements of state law. The general plan land use element places a great priority on preserving the quality and character of its residential neighborhoods by attention to harmonizing growth. Harmonizing change and preserving the environment are of tremendous importance to Barstow residents, and both are directly linked to the integrity of neighborhood fabric. Harmonizing change requires that development respect the existing character and scale of neighborhoods. Change that does occur must enhance and blend with Barstow’s social fabric, natural features, and built environment. With this backdrop, this chapter focuses on the variety of resources available to achieve the City’s housing production and supportive service goals. To that end, this appendix addresses the following three issues: 


Housing Production. This section documents housing production credits towards the 2014‐
2021 RHNA for units built and occupied during the planning period. This refers to residential projects that are built after January 2014, the beginning of the planning period. Land Inventory. This section identifies and describes the sites that have adequate zoning in Barstow that can accommodate the development of a wide range of housing opportunities commensurate with the RHNA. A general assessment of infrastructure must also accompany the analysis. Financial Resources. This section identifies the financial and administrative resources available to the City to assist in implementing the housing programs in the housing element. This includes the major funding sources and organizational entities that implement programs. The following describes Barstow’s approach to addressing its 2014‐2021 RHNA as determined by the Southern California Association of Governments. HE‐C‐1 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
1. H o u s in g P r od u c tio n State law allows two ways of counting housing construction credits toward the RHNA: preservation of affordable units and new construction. The City is not proposing to count the preservation of publicly assisted affordable units at risk of conversion to market rates toward the 2014‐2021 RHNA. This is because preservation agreements would likely occur after the first two years of the planning period, and therefore would be ineligible for credit toward the RHNA per the alternative sites provision of the Government Code. As of the writing of this document, the City of Barstow is experiencing very little residential growth. The City is working with a firm to construct an additional 73 unit (including a manager’s unit) apartment building designated for affordable units with 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms, by a private developer and through the Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC). The City currently has 160 units that are subsidized by the TCAC. These projects are typically locked into the tax credit program for 55 years. Determining the affordability of proposed residential projects is based on several criteria. These include:  Density bonus or other controlling affordability mechanisms  Developer agreements or specific plan guidance  Tenure and size of proposed project and size  Market rents or sales prices of new housing Should it be determined necessary, the City may consider inclusionary housing plans or agreements. These agreements tend to be most effective in communities characterized by large discrepancies between rents and home values and incomes. At present, the economic conditions in Barstow do not warrant such measures as many of the rents and sales prices of housing are considered affordable at the current market rates to the vast majority of Barstow residents at all income levels. 2. In v en to r y O f S ites The Barstow General Plan provides the overarching framework for guiding the growth, improvement, and preservation of the community. The land use element targets growth in five specific plan areas: Lenwood, Spanish Trail, Rimrock Ranch, Sun Valley Business Park, and a specific plan proposed for the Historic Route 66 Downtown area. These specific plan areas include a component for future residential development, most notably the Rimrock Specific Plan that is exclusively residential with approximately 1,449 homes proposed, with an option for a small neighborhood residential component. HE‐C‐2 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
Unlike most cities in Southern California, the City of Barstow has an abundance of available land. The land use element in the 2015 General Plan identifies approximately 8,372 acres within the city limits that collectively could accommodate nearly 80,500 potential units within the current city limits. When analyzing the potential units available in the City and within ½ mile of infrastructure (properties likely to develop before remote location), there is a possibility of up to 54,092 units, on approximately 5,673 acres. Therefore, no study is warranted at this point for the underutilized lands. Although it can be anticipated that with growth some existing buildings will be demolished and rebuilt, converted, remodeled, or units added to existing sites due to location of infrastructure, for the purpose of meeting the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), the anticipated growth can be met with the vacant lands available. This space intentionally left blank HE‐C‐3 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
Table C‐1: Inventory of Housing Sites Acreage 0.11 Potential Dwelling Units 2
APN 018107329
GPLU DU
APN 018102127 GPLU DU 018102134 DU 0.11 2
018108107
DU
0.32 5
018103106 DU 0.38 6
018108403
DU
0.24 4
018105101 DU 0.16 3
018108407
DU
0.16 3
018105306 DU 0.07 1
018108408
DU
0.16 3
018106201 DU 0.13 2
018108413
DU
0.08 1
018106202 DU 0.15 2
018108604
DU
0.21 3
018106209 DU 0.29 5
018108605
DU
0.86 14
018106213 DU 0.16 3
018109405
DU
0.34 6
018106214 DU 0.36 6
018109409
DU
0.06 1
018106223 DU 0.09 1
018109411
DU
0.06 1
018106227 DU 0.08 1
018109417
DU
0.17 3
018106236 DU 0.07 1
018109418
DU
0.09 1
018106245 DU 0.46 7
018109419
DU
0.09 1
018106249 DU 0.25 4
018110205
DU
0.17 3
018106306 DU 0.04 1
018110219
DU
0.17 3
018106309 DU 0.55 9
018110221
DU
0.17 3
018106312 DU 0.06 1
018110224
DU
0.17 3
018106314 DU 0.12 2
018110230
DU
0.17 3
018106319 DU 0.13 2
018110240
DU
0.34 5
018106321 DU 0.13 2
018112211
DU
1.48 24
018106322 DU 0.13 2
018112217
DU
0.53 9
018106323 DU 0.13 2
018114312
DU
0.17 3
018106343 DU 3.79 61
018114313
DU
0.17 3
018107117 DU 0.26 4
018114314
DU
0.17 3
018107208 DU 0.11 2
018114315
DU
0.17 3
018107209 DU 0.11 2
018115105
DU
0.17 3
018107307 DU 0.09 1
018115106
DU
0.12 2
018107308 DU 0.25 4
018115119
DU
0.14 2
018107309 DU 0.09 1
018115136
DU
0.17 3
018107313 DU 0.46 7
018115145
DU
0.32 5
018107315 DU 0.11 2
018115151
DU
0.73 12
018107316 DU 0.09 1
018118118
DU
0.23 4
018107317 DU 0.20 3
018118126
DU
0.18 3
018107318 DU 0.16 3
018118128
DU
0.15 2
018107319 DU 0.14 2
018118129
DU
0.19 3
018107320 DU 0.16 3
018118131
DU
0.04 1
HE‐C‐4 Acreage 0.49 Potential Dwelling Units 8
City of Barstow Housing Element Acreage 0.14 Housing Resources
Potential Dwelling Units 2
APN 018221222
GPLU DU
APN 018118132 GPLU DU 018118154 DU 0.03 1
018221223
DU
0.86 14
018118168 DU 0.09 1
018221230
DU
0.49 8
018120111 DU 0.92 15
018221231
DU
0.75 12
018120128 DU 0.69 11
018221233
DU
1.24 20
018120129 DU 0.69 11
018221234
DU
0.79 13
018120130 DU 0.69 11
018221235
DU
0.35 6
018120408 DU 0.14 2
018221237
DU
1.23 20
018120410 DU 0.11 2
018221238
DU
0.25 4
018120410 DU 0.11 2
018221239
DU
0.25 4
018171206 DU 5.17 83
018221240
DU
0.39 6
018171207 DU 9.32 149
018221241
DU
1.24 20
018171208 DU 6.03 97
018221248
DU
1.24 20
018171209 DU 8.75 140
018221249
DU
1.24 20
018171210 DU 1.25 20
018221250
DU
0.12 2
018171211 DU 1.25 20
018221251
DU
0.32 5
018171212 DU 1.27 20
018221252
DU
0.32 5
018171213 DU 1.62 26
018221253
DU
0.36 6
018171214 DU 1.56 25
018221254
DU
0.69 11
018220105 DU 0.86 14
018221255
DU
1.23 20
018220106 DU 0.33 5
018221256
DU
0.62 10
018220107 DU 0.44 7
018221257
DU
0.20 3
018220108 DU 0.16 2
018221258
DU
0.20 3
018220131 DU 0.34 5
018221265
DU
1.24 20
018220134 DU 0.90 14
018221266
DU
1.23 20
018220139 DU 0.55 9
018221267
DU
0.23 4
018220140 DU 0.34 5
018221268
DU
0.26 4
018220142 DU 0.58 9
018221269
DU
0.21 3
018221200 DU 0.22 4
018221270
DU
0.21 3
018221200 DU 0.70 11
018221271
DU
0.21 3
018221203 DU 1.24 20
018221272
DU
0.64 10
018221204 DU 1.24 20
018221273
DU
0.91 15
018221213 DU 1.24 20
018221274
DU
0.55 9
018221214 DU 1.24 20
018221275
DU
0.50 8
018221217 DU 1.12 18
018221276
DU
0.42 7
018221218 DU 0.81 13
018221277
DU
0.43 7
018221219 DU 0.42 7
018221278
DU
0.26 4
018221220 DU 0.65 10
018222104
DU
18.30 293
018221221 DU 0.58 9
018223138
DU
14.90 238
APN 042118109
GPLU DU
APN 018223139 GPLU DU 018223140 DU 14.26 228
042118110
DU
5.83 93
018224100 DU 0.24 4
042118112
DU
2.54 41
018224101 DU 0.99 16
042118113
DU
2.28 36
018224102 DU 1.23 20
042118114
DU
3.51 56
018224112 DU 0.28 5
042215104
DU
6.36 102
018224113 DU 0.28 4
042215105
DU
6.44 103
018224114 DU 0.58 9
042215107
DU
58.80 941
018224115 DU 0.26 4
042215108
DU
4.62 74
018224116 DU 1.23 20
042215110
DU
9.03 144
018224129 DU 0.05 1
042216101
DU
0.18 3
018224130 DU 0.80 13
042216102
DU
0.23 4
018224140 DU 0.21 3
042216103
DU
0.23 4
018224141 DU 0.22 4
042216104
DU
0.23 4
042108203 DU 4.92 79
042216105
DU
0.23 4
042108211 DU 16.07 257
042216106
DU
0.23 4
042108219 DU 0.56 9
042216107
DU
0.22 4
042108224 DU 22.38 358
042216108
DU
0.16 3
042108235 DU 10.38 166
042216109
DU
0.08 1
042108243 DU 46.57 745
042216113
DU
0.14 2
042114117 DU 6.04 97
042216114
DU
0.49 8
042115102 DU 3.42 55
042216115
DU
1.13 18
042115102 DU 5.86 94
042216116
DU
1.16 19
042117104 DU 0.21 3
042216117
DU
1.16 18
042117110 DU 0.21 3
042216118
DU
1.02 16
042117129 DU 1.00 16
042216119
DU
0.95 15
042117134 DU 0.52 8
042216139
DU
0.58 9
042117135 DU 14.66 235
042216140
DU
0.83 13
042117141 DU 0.59 10
042216141
DU
1.02 16
042117142 DU 0.40 6
042216142
DU
10.01 160
042117149 DU 0.66 11
042216143
DU
15.36 246
042117151 DU 0.37 6
042216144
DU
0.99 16
042117201 DU 3.09 49
042216145
DU
0.58 9
042117204 DU 0.62 10
042216146
DU
0.58 9
042117205 DU 1.68 27
042216147
DU
0.58 9
042117208 DU 2.00 32
042216148
DU
0.58 9
042117209 DU 1.00 16
042216149
DU
0.58 9
042117212 DU 7.31 117
042216150
DU
0.58 9
042118106 DU 3.29 53
042216151
DU
0.58 9
APN 042217409
GPLU DU
APN 042216152 GPLU DU 042216153 DU 0.52 8
042217414
DU
2.37 38
042216154 DU 0.16 3
042217415
DU
1.60 26
042217107 DU 0.09 1
042217507
DU
0.16 3
042217108 DU 0.21 3
042217508
DU
0.24 4
042217109 DU 0.23 4
042217509
DU
0.24 4
042217110 DU 0.43 7
042217510
DU
0.24 4
042217111 DU 0.25 4
042217511
DU
0.24 4
042217201 DU 0.28 4
042217512
DU
0.28 4
042217202 DU 0.24 4
042217513
DU
0.56 9
042217203 DU 0.23 4
042217514
DU
0.57 9
042217204 DU 0.23 4
042217515
DU
0.29 5
042217205 DU 0.23 4
042217520
DU
1.01 16
042217206 DU 0.23 4
042217521
DU
1.15 18
042217207 DU 0.23 4
042217522
DU
0.70 11
042217208 DU 0.14 2
042217523
DU
0.08 1
042217213 DU 1.84 29
042217609
DU
0.24 4
042217301 DU 0.24 4
042217610
DU
0.24 4
042217302 DU 0.24 4
042217611
DU
0.24 4
042217303 DU 0.24 4
042217612
DU
0.20 3
042217304 DU 0.24 4
042217613
DU
0.25 4
042217305 DU 0.24 4
042217614
DU
0.76 12
042217306 DU 0.25 4
042217615
DU
0.80 13
042217307 DU 0.20 3
042217616
DU
1.16 19
042217308 DU 0.24 4
042217617
DU
1.16 19
042217309 DU 0.24 4
042217618
DU
1.16 18
042217310 DU 0.24 4
042217701
DU
0.24 4
042217316 DU 0.24 4
042217702
DU
0.24 4
042217317 DU 0.24 4
042217703
DU
0.24 4
042217318 DU 0.24 4
042217704
DU
0.24 4
042217319 DU 2.10 34
042217705
DU
0.24 4
042217320 DU 2.34 37
042217706
DU
0.24 4
042217402 DU 0.24 4
042217707
DU
0.24 4
042217403 DU 0.24 4
042217708
DU
0.24 4
042217404 DU 0.24 4
042217709
DU
0.24 4
042217405 DU 0.24 4
042217710
DU
0.24 4
042217406 DU 0.24 4
042217711
DU
0.24 4
042217407 DU 0.24 4
042217712
DU
0.24 4
042217408 DU 0.24 4
042217713
DU
0.33 5
APN 042603334
GPLU DU
APN 042217714 GPLU DU 042217715 DU 0.92 15
042604102
DU
0.14 2
042217716 DU 0.57 9
042604103
DU
0.17 3
042217717 DU 0.57 9
042604105
DU
0.17 3
042217718 DU 0.57 9
042604139
DU
9.11 146
042217719 DU 0.57 9
042604140
DU
4.52 72
042217720 DU 0.54 9
042604141
DU
0.69 11
042217721 DU 0.63 10
042606113
DU
0.68 11
042217722 DU 0.96 15
042606113
DU
0.18 3
042217723 DU 0.79 13
042606115
DU
0.43 7
042217724 DU 0.97 16
042606122
DU
0.26 4
042217725 DU 1.16 19
042606149
DU
1.17 19
042217726 DU 1.16 19
042606154
DU
0.39 6
042217727 DU 1.16 18
042606164
DU
16.40 262
042217728 DU 0.89 14
042606168
DU
0.67 11
042405114 DU 121.99 1952
042606169
DU
0.38 6
042405115 DU 327.26 5236
042606170
DU
24.83 397
042405151 DU 48.19 771
042606170
DU
1.35 22
042405151 DU 42.08 673
042606171
DU
0.08 1
042408166 DU 16.38 262
042606181
DU
0.34 5
042408166 DU 64.72 1035
042608201
DU
0.09 1
042408190 DU 19.90 318
042706239
DU
4.91 79
042410329 DU 0.59 9
042706240
DU
5.75 92
042410331 DU 0.95 15
042706241
DU
1.00 16
042410332 DU 0.92 15
042706242
DU
3.68 59
042411204 DU 0.85 14
042706243
DU
8.05 129
042411215 DU 1.01 16
042706244
DU
3.77 60
042411216 DU 1.01 16
042706245
DU
5.27 84
042411301 DU 0.23 4
042706301
DU
1.70 27
042411303 DU 0.17 3
042706309
DU
0.57 9
042411309 DU 0.17 3
042706314
DU
0.28 5
042411322 DU 3.59 57
042706315
DU
0.35 6
042411328 DU 0.97 15
042706322
DU
0.18 3
042411330 DU 1.76 28
042706326
DU
0.81 13
042413201 DU 9.18 147
042706401
DU
1.82 29
042419119 DU 1.20 19
042706402
DU
1.50 24
042419123 DU 4.25 68
042706406
DU
0.61 10
042517134 DU 0.26 4
042706408
DU
0.89 14
042603211 DU 0.50 8
042706409
DU
0.73 12
APN 018223134
GPLU LDSFR
Acreage 1.24 Potential Dwelling Units 1
APN 042706410 GPLU DU 042708102 DU 3.32 53
018223135
LDSFR
1.24 1
042708143 DU 0.43 7
018225101
LDSFR
2.48 2
042737100 DU 0.07 1
018225102
LDSFR
2.48 2
042737137 DU 8.60 138
018225103
LDSFR
1.78 2
042737147 DU 3.50 56
018225107
LDSFR
0.87 1
042737148 DU 7.93 127
018225108
LDSFR
2.45 2
042819101 DU 323.86 5182
018225109
LDSFR
2.48 2
1,621.99 25,952
018225111
LDSFR
2.23 2
018225117
LDSFR
1.08 1
018225119
LDSFR
0.71 1
018226102
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226103
LDSFR
2.48 2
Diverse Use Totals: APN 018223101 GPLU LDSFR Acreage 1.24 018226104
LDSFR
2.47 2
018223102 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226106
LDSFR
2.46 2
018223103 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226107
LDSFR
2.47 2
018223104 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226108
LDSFR
2.48 2
018223106 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226109
LDSFR
2.49 2
018223107 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226110
LDSFR
2.48 2
018223108 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226112
LDSFR
2.47 2
018223109 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226113
LDSFR
2.46 2
018223110 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226114
LDSFR
2.46 2
018223111 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226115
LDSFR
2.47 2
018223112 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226116
LDSFR
2.48 2
018223114 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226119
LDSFR
2.49 2
018223115 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226121
LDSFR
2.47 2
018223116 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226122
LDSFR
2.46 2
018223117 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226123
LDSFR
2.46 2
018223118 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226124
LDSFR
2.45 2
018223119 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226125
LDSFR
2.46 2
018223120 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226126
LDSFR
2.47 2
018223121 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226127
LDSFR
2.48 2
018223123 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226128
LDSFR
2.50 3
018223124 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226129
LDSFR
2.50 2
018223125 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226131
LDSFR
2.49 2
018223126 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226134
LDSFR
2.47 2
018223131 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226135
LDSFR
2.46 2
018223132 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226138
LDSFR
1.12 1
018223133 LDSFR 1.24 1
018226140
LDSFR
0.60 1
HE‐C‐9 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
APN 018226220
GPLU LDSFR
APN 018226141 GPLU LDSFR Acreage 38.00 018226142 LDSFR 2.45 2
018226221
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226143 LDSFR 2.45 2
018226222
LDSFR
2.50 3
018226144 LDSFR 2.48 2
018226223
LDSFR
2.51 3
018226145 LDSFR 2.47 2
018226224
LDSFR
2.53 3
018226146 LDSFR 2.50 3
018226225
LDSFR
2.22 2
018226147 LDSFR 2.50 2
018226226
LDSFR
2.51 3
018226148 LDSFR 2.48 2
018226227
LDSFR
2.50 3
018226149 LDSFR 2.48 2
018226228
LDSFR
2.50 2
018226150 LDSFR 2.49 2
018226229
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226151 LDSFR 2.49 2
018226230
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226152 LDSFR 2.48 2
018226231
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226153 LDSFR 2.49 2
018226232
LDSFR
2.48 2
018226154 LDSFR 2.49 2
018226234
LDSFR
2.50 2
018226155 LDSFR 2.48 2
018226236
LDSFR
2.34 2
018226156 LDSFR 2.47 2
018226240
LDSFR
2.50 3
018226157 LDSFR 2.47 2
018226241
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226158 LDSFR 2.46 2
018226243
LDSFR
2.50 3
018226159 LDSFR 2.46 2
018226244
LDSFR
2.51 3
018226160 LDSFR 2.51 3
018226246
LDSFR
2.48 2
018226161 LDSFR 2.51 3
018226251
LDSFR
2.50 3
018226201 LDSFR 2.47 2
018226253
LDSFR
3.59 4
018226203 LDSFR 2.48 2
018226254
LDSFR
3.83 4
018226204 LDSFR 2.48 2
018226255
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226205 LDSFR 2.49 2
018226256
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226206 LDSFR 2.49 2
018226257
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226207 LDSFR 2.50 2
018226258
LDSFR
2.50 2
018226208 LDSFR 2.51 3
018226259
LDSFR
2.50 2
018226209 LDSFR 2.52 3
018226260
LDSFR
2.51 3
018226210 LDSFR 2.50 3
018226261
LDSFR
2.50 2
018226211 LDSFR 2.50 2
018226262
LDSFR
2.50 3
018226212 LDSFR 2.49 2
018226263
LDSFR
2.50 2
018226213 LDSFR 2.49 2
018226264
LDSFR
2.49 2
018226214 LDSFR 2.48 2
018226265
LDSFR
2.50 3
018226215 LDSFR 2.48 2
018226266
LDSFR
2.50 2
018226216 LDSFR 2.47 2
018228204
LDSFR
2.54 3
018226217 LDSFR 2.48 2
018230107
LDSFR
2.54 3
018226218 LDSFR 2.48 2
018232102
LDSFR
2.53 3
018226219 LDSFR 2.49 2
018232103
LDSFR
2.53 3
APN 018107526
GPLU MDR
APN 018232104 GPLU LDSFR Acreage 2.53 018232113 LDSFR 2.53 3
018107527
MDR
0.32 6
018232114 LDSFR 2.53 3
018107529
MDR
0.32 6
018232115 LDSFR 2.53 3
018107530
MDR
0.35 7
018232116 LDSFR 2.53 3
018107531
MDR
0.13 3
018232118 LDSFR 2.53 3
018107533
MDR
0.15 3
018232119 LDSFR 2.53 3
018107540
MDR
0.13 3
018232120 LDSFR 2.53 3
018108107
MDR
0.32 6
018232129 LDSFR 2.53 3
018108202
MDR
0.16 3
018232130 LDSFR 2.53 3
018108216
MDR
0.08 2
018232131 LDSFR 2.53 3
018108219
MDR
0.08 2
018232132 LDSFR 2.53 3
018108403
MDR
0.24 5
018234102 LDSFR 2.53 3
018108407
MDR
0.16 3
018234103 LDSFR 2.53 3
018108408
MDR
0.16 3
018234104 LDSFR 2.53 3
018108413
MDR
0.08 2
018234105 LDSFR 2.53 3
018108604
MDR
0.21 4
042408110 LDSFR 40.54 41
018108605
MDR
0.86 17
042408129 LDSFR 11.44 11
018109127
MDR
0.16 3
042408143 LDSFR 10.10 10
018109207
MDR
0.17 3
042408179 LDSFR 67.68 68
018109209
MDR
0.17 3
042408193 LDSFR 16.16 16
018109221
MDR
0.17 3
Low Density Totals: 538.06 538
018109223
MDR
0.17 3
018109229
MDR
0.34 7
018109233
MDR
0.09 2
018112205
MDR
2.27 45
018114102
MDR
0.17 3
APN 018105204 GPLU MDR Acreage 0.10 018114140
MDR
0.17 3
018105306 MDR 0.07 1
018132502
MDR
3.92 78
018106210 MDR 0.26 5
018132502
MDR
7.33 147
018107403 MDR 0.07 1
018154132
MDR
0.41 8
018107411 MDR 0.16 3
018171216
MDR
2.56 51
018107502 MDR 0.06 1
018171217
MDR
3.12 62
018107503 MDR 0.06 1
018171218
MDR
1.94 39
018107504 MDR 0.19 4
018171219
MDR
2.19 44
018107505 MDR 0.11 2
018171220
MDR
0.99 20
018107506 MDR 0.09 2
018183127
MDR
3.96 79
018107507 MDR 0.02 0
018190101
MDR
4.18 84
018107522 MDR 0.09 2
018194165
MDR
3.70 74
018107525 MDR 0.33 7
018194165
MDR
3.70 74
APN 018344139
GPLU MDR
APN 018194165 GPLU MDR Acreage 3.70 018211314 MDR 0.17 3
018352120
MDR
3.09 62
018211316 MDR 0.16 3
018360104
MDR
0.91 18
018211318 MDR 0.02 0
018360104
MDR
0.91 18
018221205 MDR 1.24 25
018360104
MDR
0.91 18
018221212 MDR 1.24 25
018360105
MDR
1.06 21
018221224 MDR 1.24 25
018360105
MDR
1.06 21
018221229 MDR 1.24 25
018360105
MDR
1.06 21
018221242 MDR 1.24 25
042413240
MDR
22.72 454
018221247 MDR 1.24 25
042413270
MDR
5.45 109
018221259 MDR 1.24 25
042421729
MDR
7.75 155
018221264 MDR 1.24 25
042424105
MDR
4.67 93
018224127 MDR 1.23 25
042424106
MDR
0.15 3
018224128 MDR 0.69 14
042424114
MDR
0.99 20
018302103 MDR 0.34 7
042424115
MDR
0.81 16
018302110 MDR 0.23 5
042424116
MDR
0.81 16
018307101 MDR 1.01 20
042424117
MDR
0.81 16
018307107 MDR 0.04 1
042424118
MDR
0.81 16
018307109 MDR 0.13 3
042424119
MDR
0.81 16
018307112 MDR 0.16 3
042424120
MDR
0.99 20
018307116 MDR 0.40 8
042424133
MDR
5.84 117
018307125 MDR 1.26 25
042427101
MDR
0.34 7
018314101 MDR 8.08 162
042427113
MDR
0.11 2
018317122 MDR 0.93 19
042427118
MDR
0.10 2
018317123 MDR 0.81 16
042427119
MDR
0.10 2
018317127 MDR 1.24 25
042427128
MDR
0.11 2
018318142 MDR 0.62 12
042427132
MDR
0.11 2
018318143 MDR 0.62 12
042427151
MDR
0.12 2
018318144 MDR 1.24 25
042427161
MDR
0.11 2
018319130 MDR 0.24 5
042427162
MDR
0.12 2
018320111 MDR 0.23 5
042427223
MDR
0.78 16
018321105 MDR 12.47 249
042427223
MDR
2.82 56
018322101 MDR 3.49 70
042427223
MDR
3.61 72
018322102 MDR 4.60 92
042427224
MDR
3.62 72
018322122 MDR 1.52 30
042427224
MDR
3.52 70
018343115 MDR 0.22 4
042427224
MDR
10.77 215
018343116 MDR 0.19 4
042706320
MDR
14.37 287
018343120 MDR 0.51 10
042737124
MDR
1.17 23
018343126 MDR 11.17 223
042738101
MDR
0.17 3
City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
APN 018116412
GPLU SFR
APN 042812206 GPLU MDR Acreage 1.09 042812233 MDR 0.31 6
018116418
SFR
0.19 1
042812234 MDR 0.32 6
018116505
SFR
0.16 1
042812247 MDR 0.20 4
018116506
SFR
0.16 1
042812249 MDR 0.25 5
018117712
SFR
0.14 1
049731397 MDR 3.32 66
018124813
SFR
0.14 1
049731398 MDR 4.07 81
018137322
SFR
0.08 1
4,630
018139240
SFR
11.28 79
Med. Density Totals: 231.52 Acreage 5.91 Acreage 0.15 Potential Dwelling Units 1
018139241
SFR
3.33 23
018148228
SFR
0.19 1
018156104
SFR
0.19 1
018156111
SFR
0.21 1
APN 018106219 GPLU SFR 018156112
SFR
0.19 1
018106238 SFR 0.50 3
018156120
SFR
0.21 1
018106241 SFR 0.12 1
018156121
SFR
0.19 1
018111213 SFR 0.16 1
018156122
SFR
0.21 1
018111224 SFR 0.08 1
018156123
SFR
0.18 1
018111402 SFR 0.15 1
018157101
SFR
0.18 1
018111403 SFR 0.15 1
018157102
SFR
0.17 1
018111404 SFR 0.15 1
018157103
SFR
0.17 1
018116106 SFR 0.11 1
018157104
SFR
0.17 1
018116110 SFR 0.37 3
018157105
SFR
0.17 1
018116111 SFR 0.31 2
018157106
SFR
0.17 1
018116142 SFR 0.11 1
018157107
SFR
0.18 1
018116151 SFR 0.25 2
018157108
SFR
0.17 1
018116160 SFR 0.14 1
018157109
SFR
0.17 1
018116161 SFR 0.11 1
018157202
SFR
0.26 2
018116168 SFR 0.46 3
018157203
SFR
0.26 2
018116201 SFR 0.17 1
018157204
SFR
0.26 2
018116202 SFR 0.17 1
018157205
SFR
0.24 2
018116203 SFR 0.17 1
018157206
SFR
0.22 2
018116204 SFR 0.16 1
018157207
SFR
0.21 1
018116205 SFR 0.16 1
018157208
SFR
0.19 1
018116206 SFR 0.17 1
018157209
SFR
0.18 1
018116209 SFR 0.16 1
018157210
SFR
0.19 1
018116210 SFR 0.08 1
018157310
SFR
0.17 1
018116302 SFR 0.15 1
018157311
SFR
0.17 1
018116305 SFR 0.15 1
018157314
SFR
0.19 1
018116307 SFR 0.15 1
018158114
SFR
0.29 2
HE‐C‐13 City of Barstow Housing Element Acreage 0.29 Housing Resources
APN 018190117
GPLU SFR
APN 018158116 GPLU SFR 018158117 SFR 0.28 2
018190127
SFR
0.14 1
018158219 SFR 0.21 1
018190129
SFR
0.16 1
018159201 SFR 0.49 3
018198101
SFR
0.16 1
018159214 SFR 0.67 5
018198104
SFR
0.15 1
018160103 SFR 0.27 2
018198128
SFR
0.13 1
018160106 SFR 0.69 5
018198129
SFR
0.15 1
018160107 SFR 0.13 1
018198130
SFR
0.14 1
018160110 SFR 3.38 24
018198131
SFR
0.14 1
018160202 SFR 0.22 2
018198132
SFR
0.15 1
018160204 SFR 0.13 1
018198133
SFR
0.16 1
018160208 SFR 0.23 2
018198134
SFR
0.15 1
018160214 SFR 0.20 1
018198135
SFR
0.15 1
018160215 SFR 0.15 1
018198137
SFR
0.15 1
018160216 SFR 0.47 3
018198138
SFR
0.22 2
018160303 SFR 0.18 1
018198139
SFR
0.25 2
018160304 SFR 0.23 2
018198141
SFR
0.20 1
018160310 SFR 0.34 2
018198142
SFR
0.15 1
018160313 SFR 0.16 1
018198144
SFR
0.17 1
018160314 SFR 0.17 1
018198145
SFR
0.16 1
018168123 SFR 0.31 2
018198146
SFR
0.17 1
018171202 SFR 24.81 174
018198147
SFR
0.16 1
018171203 SFR 35.28 247
018198148
SFR
0.16 1
018171203 SFR 1.41 10
018198149
SFR
0.16 1
018171204 SFR 17.83 125
018198150
SFR
0.30 2
018171205 SFR 327.73 2294
018198151
SFR
0.25 2
018171215 SFR 0.52 4
018198152
SFR
0.18 1
018171221 SFR 10.69 75
018198153
SFR
0.18 1
018171222 SFR 23.83 167
018198154
SFR
0.18 1
018171223 SFR 71.34 499
018198155
SFR
0.18 1
018171224 SFR 18.17 127
018198156
SFR
0.18 1
018171225 SFR 38.93 273
018198157
SFR
0.18 1
018171226 SFR 38.94 273
018198158
SFR
0.18 1
018171229 SFR 56.63 396
018198159
SFR
0.18 1
018171236 SFR 0.96 7
018198160
SFR
0.16 1
018182231 SFR 1.01 7
018198161
SFR
0.15 1
018183126 SFR 12.16 85
018198162
SFR
0.15 1
018183128 SFR 16.58 116
018198163
SFR
0.19 1
018187113 SFR 0.24 2
018198164
SFR
0.18 1
APN 018218112
GPLU SFR
APN 018198165 GPLU SFR 018198166 SFR 0.13 1
018218113
SFR
0.63 4
018198167 SFR 0.14 1
018218115
SFR
0.63 4
018198168 SFR 0.14 1
018218116
SFR
0.63 4
018198169 SFR 0.17 1
018218117
SFR
0.62 4
018198170 SFR 0.15 1
018218118
SFR
0.62 4
018198171 SFR 0.13 1
018218120
SFR
0.63 4
018198172 SFR 0.13 1
018218122
SFR
0.63 4
018198173 SFR 0.13 1
018218124
SFR
0.63 4
018198174 SFR 0.14 1
018218125
SFR
0.31 2
018198175 SFR 0.16 1
018218126
SFR
0.32 2
018198176 SFR 0.17 1
018218129
SFR
0.63 4
018198177 SFR 0.18 1
018218134
SFR
0.63 4
018198178 SFR 0.22 2
018218135
SFR
0.63 4
018198179 SFR 0.14 1
018218136
SFR
0.63 4
018198180 SFR 0.15 1
018218137
SFR
0.63 4
018198181 SFR 0.16 1
018218138
SFR
0.63 4
018198182 SFR 0.15 1
018218139
SFR
0.63 4
018198183 SFR 0.15 1
018218140
SFR
0.62 4
018202124 SFR 25.68 180
018218148
SFR
0.63 4
018202125 SFR 10.53 74
018218149
SFR
0.63 4
018203110 SFR 9.75 68
018218150
SFR
0.63 4
018203111 SFR 7.26 51
018218151
SFR
43.60 305
018203112 SFR 0.15 1
018218153
SFR
4.98 35
018203113 SFR 16.77 117
018219102
SFR
2.00 14
018206125 SFR 0.34 2
018221206
SFR
0.96 7
018213327 SFR 0.58 4
018221208
SFR
0.75 5
018214231 SFR 0.20 1
018221211
SFR
0.95 7
018214307 SFR 0.17 1
018221225
SFR
1.15 8
018214308 SFR 0.17 1
018221228
SFR
1.24 9
018216314 SFR 0.07 1
018221243
SFR
1.24 9
018216410 SFR 0.26 2
018221246
SFR
0.49 3
018218103 SFR 0.63 4
018221260
SFR
1.24 9
018218105 SFR 0.63 4
018221263
SFR
0.62 4
018218106 SFR 0.63 4
018224104
SFR
1.23 9
018218107 SFR 0.63 4
018224109
SFR
1.23 9
018218109 SFR 0.63 4
018224126
SFR
0.83 6
018218110 SFR 0.63 4
018232105
SFR
2.53 18
018218111 SFR 0.63 4
018232106
SFR
1.47 10
APN 018309150
GPLU SFR
APN 018302113 GPLU SFR 018303110 SFR 0.36 2
018309151
SFR
0.25 2
018303113 SFR 1.45 10
018309152
SFR
0.25 2
018303131 SFR 0.42 3
018309153
SFR
0.25 2
018304110 SFR 0.34 2
018309157
SFR
0.25 2
018304122 SFR 0.20 1
018310101
SFR
1.25 9
018304123 SFR 0.29 2
018310105
SFR
0.31 2
018304124 SFR 0.19 1
018310110
SFR
0.62 4
018304125 SFR 0.22 2
018310116
SFR
1.24 9
018304142 SFR 0.37 3
018310129
SFR
0.23 2
018304143 SFR 0.41 3
018310130
SFR
0.38 3
018304144 SFR 0.22 2
018310134
SFR
0.25 2
018304145 SFR 0.16 1
018310140
SFR
0.25 2
018304146 SFR 0.16 1
018310142
SFR
0.25 2
018306169 SFR 0.18 1
018310147
SFR
0.80 6
018308103 SFR 0.94 7
018310151
SFR
0.22 2
018308110 SFR 0.31 2
018310153
SFR
0.20 1
018308120 SFR 0.13 1
018311101
SFR
2.49 17
018308121 SFR 0.61 4
018311102
SFR
2.49 17
018308124 SFR 0.20 1
018311104
SFR
0.74 5
018308125 SFR 0.54 4
018311112
SFR
2.48 17
018308126 SFR 1.26 9
018311116
SFR
0.22 2
018308138 SFR 0.14 1
018311117
SFR
0.55 4
018308141 SFR 0.18 1
018311129
SFR
0.22 2
018308142 SFR 0.20 1
018311134
SFR
0.18 1
018308143 SFR 0.20 1
018311135
SFR
0.18 1
018309103 SFR 0.62 4
018311136
SFR
0.18 1
018309104 SFR 1.25 9
018311137
SFR
0.18 1
018309122 SFR 1.25 9
018311138
SFR
0.17 1
018309123 SFR 1.25 9
018311139
SFR
0.17 1
018309124 SFR 1.24 9
018311140
SFR
0.18 1
018309130 SFR 0.62 4
018311145
SFR
0.24 2
018309132 SFR 0.25 2
018312101
SFR
2.11 15
018309137 SFR 0.17 1
018312103
SFR
2.49 17
018309142 SFR 0.20 1
018312104
SFR
1.05 7
018309144 SFR 0.25 2
018312105
SFR
1.05 7
018309145 SFR 0.25 2
018312113
SFR
0.43 3
018309148 SFR 0.21 1
018312140
SFR
0.18 1
018309149 SFR 0.17 1
018312141
SFR
0.18 1
APN 018321104
GPLU SFR
APN 018312142 GPLU SFR 018312145 SFR 0.22 2
018323101
SFR
1.25 9
018312146 SFR 0.19 1
018323102
SFR
1.25 9
018316102 SFR 0.24 2
018323110
SFR
0.40 3
018316103 SFR 0.25 2
018323113
SFR
0.62 4
018316109 SFR 0.25 2
018323117
SFR
0.14 1
018316110 SFR 0.24 2
018323118
SFR
0.31 2
018316112 SFR 0.10 1
018323119
SFR
0.31 2
018316118 SFR 1.25 9
018323120
SFR
1.05 7
018316122 SFR 0.15 1
018323128
SFR
0.21 1
018316134 SFR 0.26 2
018324101
SFR
0.54 4
018316135 SFR 0.22 2
018324102
SFR
0.31 2
018316137 SFR 0.11 1
018324103
SFR
0.94 7
018317109 SFR 0.23 2
018324110
SFR
0.27 2
018317111 SFR 0.96 7
018324112
SFR
0.31 2
018317117 SFR 0.23 2
018324114
SFR
0.31 2
018317118 SFR 0.44 3
018324120
SFR
0.54 4
018317134 SFR 0.29 2
018324121
SFR
1.25 9
018318109 SFR 0.48 3
018324142
SFR
0.20 1
018318111 SFR 0.31 2
018324149
SFR
0.16 1
018318112 SFR 0.19 1
018324150
SFR
0.18 1
018318122 SFR 0.24 2
018324154
SFR
0.20 1
018318157 SFR 0.24 2
018324155
SFR
0.18 1
018319122 SFR 1.33 9
018324160
SFR
0.24 2
018319140 SFR 0.11 1
018324162
SFR
0.25 2
018319147 SFR 0.11 1
018324164
SFR
0.31 2
018319150 SFR 0.22 2
018325103
SFR
0.24 2
018319151 SFR 0.22 2
018325116
SFR
0.31 2
018320128 SFR 0.21 1
018325123
SFR
0.65 5
018320137 SFR 0.33 2
018325128
SFR
0.80 6
018320146 SFR 0.20 1
018325134
SFR
0.36 3
018320147 SFR 0.22 2
018325135
SFR
0.24 2
018320148 SFR 0.24 2
018325137
SFR
0.22 2
018320149 SFR 0.24 2
018325148
SFR
0.25 2
018320150 SFR 0.33 2
018325155
SFR
0.18 1
018320151 SFR 0.24 2
018325156
SFR
0.22 2
018321101 SFR 1.10 8
018325160
SFR
0.17 1
018321102 SFR 3.22 23
018326112
SFR
0.46 3
018321103 SFR 0.17 1
018326118
SFR
0.25 2
APN 042112264
GPLU SFR
APN 018326121 GPLU SFR 018326130 SFR 1.24 9
042112265
SFR
2.64 19
018326146 SFR 0.25 2
042112266
SFR
2.65 19
018326149 SFR 0.25 2
042112267
SFR
2.65 19
018326153 SFR 0.25 2
042113306
SFR
10.30 72
018326154 SFR 0.25 2
042113307
SFR
10.17 71
018326156 SFR 0.25 2
042113308
SFR
10.18 71
018326157 SFR 0.25 2
042113318
SFR
4.07 28
018326158 SFR 0.25 2
042113319
SFR
0.93 7
018327144 SFR 0.20 1
042113320
SFR
0.95 7
018327152 SFR 0.48 3
042113321
SFR
0.93 7
018327156 SFR 0.38 3
042113322
SFR
0.93 7
018327157 SFR 0.37 3
042113327
SFR
23.67 166
018328149 SFR 0.19 1
042113333
SFR
1.84 13
018331112 SFR 0.18 1
042113334
SFR
6.53 46
018331143 SFR 0.14 1
042114114
SFR
7.63 53
018335138 SFR 0.17 1
042114118
SFR
1.02 7
018341102 SFR 0.09 1
042120104
SFR
2.38 17
018343101 SFR 0.21 1
042121102
SFR
2.42 17
018343102 SFR 1.97 14
042121104
SFR
2.41 17
042108221 SFR 2.25 16
042126102
SFR
160.84 1126
042108223 SFR 1.40 10
042127106
SFR
80.19 561
042108228 SFR 18.65 131
042127107
SFR
19.98 140
042108231 SFR 13.65 96
042127109
SFR
10.02 70
042108232 SFR 10.66 75
042127110
SFR
13.80 97
042108234 SFR 9.58 67
042127111
SFR
5.01 35
042108237 SFR 4.00 28
042127112
SFR
10.02 70
042108239 SFR 36.89 258
042127113
SFR
20.01 140
042112202 SFR 40.44 283
042128103
SFR
32.32 226
042112203 SFR 19.49 136
042128106
SFR
16.92 118
042112204 SFR 19.52 137
042128107
SFR
4.99 35
042112205 SFR 8.14 57
042128108
SFR
4.99 35
042112206 SFR 8.96 63
042128111
SFR
2.50 17
042112207 SFR 9.28 65
042128115
SFR
9.99 70
042112208 SFR 8.41 59
042128117
SFR
2.50 17
042112209 SFR 78.56 550
042128119
SFR
4.97 35
042112210 SFR 80.53 564
042128121
SFR
14.98 105
042112211 SFR 80.26 562
042128122
SFR
4.99 35
042112263 SFR 0.94 7
042128125
SFR
28.58 200
APN 042413234
GPLU SFR
APN 042128132 GPLU SFR 042128133 SFR 14.98 105
042413237
SFR
11.69 82
042128134 SFR 7.18 50
042413238
SFR
0.52 4
042128135 SFR 6.56 46
042413241
SFR
10.06 70
042128136 SFR 11.36 80
042413243
SFR
10.00 70
042128137 SFR 117.38 822
042413245
SFR
18.97 133
042129111 SFR 0.25 2
042413246
SFR
27.91 195
042129114 SFR 0.36 3
042413247
SFR
10.07 71
042129116 SFR 0.28 2
042413255
SFR
9.97 70
042129117 SFR 0.28 2
042413259
SFR
80.57 564
042129121 SFR 0.25 2
042413261
SFR
20.25 142
042129122 SFR 0.22 2
042413263
SFR
22.52 158
042129124 SFR 0.22 2
042413264
SFR
10.59 74
042129126 SFR 0.22 2
042413271
SFR
11.52 81
042129203 SFR 0.23 2
042423102
SFR
1.15 8
042129301 SFR 0.23 2
042423103
SFR
0.20 1
042129302 SFR 0.23 2
042423104
SFR
0.14 1
042130102 SFR 0.22 2
042423105
SFR
0.08 1
042130302 SFR 0.22 2
042510221
SFR
1.56 11
042130303 SFR 0.22 2
042510222
SFR
0.19 1
042130308 SFR 0.27 2
042510223
SFR
27.66 194
042130309 SFR 0.32 2
042510227
SFR
0.55 4
042130314 SFR 0.22 2
042510228
SFR
0.55 4
042408119 SFR 8.00 56
042510229
SFR
0.20 1
042408146 SFR 0.08 1
042510236
SFR
0.55 4
042408149 SFR 2.97 21
042510237
SFR
1.68 12
042408150 SFR 21.32 149
042604145
SFR
0.35 2
042408151 SFR 0.13 1
042605102
SFR
0.34 2
042408152 SFR 0.38 3
042605105
SFR
0.35 2
042409102 SFR 0.23 2
042703114
SFR
0.18 1
042409103 SFR 0.17 1
042802117
SFR
100.12 701
042409104 SFR 0.28 2
042802118
SFR
97.01 679
042409106 SFR 1.14 8
042802119
SFR
130.02 910
042413202 SFR 10.10 71
042802120
SFR
93.36 654
042413203 SFR 10.43 73
042802121
SFR
115.09 806
042413204 SFR 2.00 14
042812201
SFR
1.25 9
042413210 SFR 15.17 106
042812202
SFR
1.25 9
042413211 SFR 11.25 79
042812203
SFR
1.26 9
042413226 SFR 11.61 81
042812204
SFR
1.26 9
APN 042813130
GPLU SFR
APN 042812205 GPLU SFR 042812217 SFR 1.26 9
042813131
SFR
1.25 9
042812218 SFR 1.26 9
042813132
SFR
1.25 9
042812219 SFR 1.08 8
042813133
SFR
1.25 9
042812220 SFR 0.17 1
042813134
SFR
1.25 9
042812221 SFR 1.25 9
042813135
SFR
1.26 9
042812222 SFR 1.25 9
042813136
SFR
1.26 9
042812223 SFR 1.25 9
042830154
SFR
0.08 1
042812224 SFR 1.25 9
042830155
SFR
0.32 2
042812226 SFR 1.25 9
042830157
SFR
0.29 2
042812227 SFR 1.26 9
042836101
SFR
0.19 1
042812235 SFR 0.57 4
042836102
SFR
0.19 1
042812238 SFR 1.25 9
042836103
SFR
0.19 1
042812261 SFR 2.25 16
042836104
SFR
0.19 1
042813102 SFR 1.25 9
042836105
SFR
0.19 1
042813103 SFR 1.26 9
042836106
SFR
0.19 1
042813104 SFR 1.25 9
042836107
SFR
0.19 1
042813105 SFR 0.69 5
042836108
SFR
0.18 1
042813106 SFR 1.26 9
042836109
SFR
0.18 1
042813107 SFR 1.26 9
042836110
SFR
0.19 1
042813108 SFR 1.26 9
042836111
SFR
0.27 2
042813109 SFR 1.26 9
042836112
SFR
0.23 2
042813110 SFR 1.26 9
042836113
SFR
0.18 1
042813114 SFR 1.26 9
042836114
SFR
0.17 1
042813115 SFR 1.26 9
042836115
SFR
0.17 1
042813116 SFR 1.26 9
042836116
SFR
0.17 1
042813117 SFR 1.26 9
042836117
SFR
0.17 1
042813118 SFR 1.25 9
042836118
SFR
0.17 1
042813119 SFR 1.25 9
042836119
SFR
0.19 1
042813120 SFR 1.25 9
042836120
SFR
0.19 1
042813121 SFR 1.25 9
042836121
SFR
0.17 1
042813122 SFR 1.25 9
042836122
SFR
0.17 1
042813123 SFR 1.25 9
042836123
SFR
0.17 1
042813124 SFR 1.26 9
042836124
SFR
0.17 1
042813125 SFR 1.26 9
042836125
SFR
0.18 1
042813126 SFR 1.26 9
042836126
SFR
0.19 1
042813127 SFR 1.26 9
042836127
SFR
0.20 1
042813128 SFR 1.25 9
042836128
SFR
0.42 3
042813129 SFR 1.25 9
042836129
SFR
0.17 1
APN 042836164
GPLU SFR
APN 042836130 GPLU SFR 042836131 SFR 0.17 1
042836165
SFR
0.24 2
042836132 SFR 0.17 1
042836166
SFR
0.58 4
042836133 SFR 0.17 1
042836167
SFR
0.19 1
042836134 SFR 0.17 1
042836168
SFR
0.17 1
042836135 SFR 0.17 1
042836169
SFR
0.18 1
042836136 SFR 0.17 1
042836170
SFR
0.20 1
042836137 SFR 0.17 1
042836171
SFR
0.19 1
042836138 SFR 0.17 1
042836172
SFR
0.18 1
042836139 SFR 0.17 1
042836173
SFR
0.17 1
042836140 SFR 0.17 1
042836174
SFR
0.17 1
042836141 SFR 0.33 2
042836175
SFR
0.17 1
042836142 SFR 0.17 1
042836176
SFR
0.17 1
042836143 SFR 0.16 1
042836177
SFR
0.17 1
042836144 SFR 0.16 1
042836178
SFR
0.17 1
042836145 SFR 0.16 1
042836179
SFR
0.17 1
042836146 SFR 0.16 1
042836180
SFR
0.17 1
042836147 SFR 0.16 1
042836181
SFR
0.19 1
042836148 SFR 0.16 1
049714302
SFR
10.03 70
042836149 SFR 0.16 1
049714303
SFR
6.49 45
042836150 SFR 0.16 1
049714307
SFR
9.75 68
042836151 SFR 0.49 3
049714308
SFR
15.26 107
042836152 SFR 0.91 6
049714309
SFR
4.93 35
042836153 SFR 0.48 3
049714310
SFR
4.93 35
042836154 SFR 0.53 4
049714311
SFR
4.77 33
042836155 SFR 0.43 3
049728102
SFR
44.23 310
042836156 SFR 0.37 3
049728103
SFR
2.41 17
042836157 SFR 0.36 3
042836158 SFR 0.38 3
042836159 SFR 0.18 1
042836160 SFR 0.18 1
042836161 SFR 0.32 2
042836162 SFR 0.53 4
042836163 SFR 0.68 5
Single‐Family Totals:
3,281.74 22,972
5,673.30 54,092
All Residential Totals:
Source: City of Barstow, 2014 using San Bernardino County base map and ArcMap from ESRI. The data source was reduced by using only those parcels within the city limits and those that are estimated to be within ½ mile of existing infrastructure. Additionally, parcels that had no parcel lines or too small to achieve a single unit were eliminated. HE‐C‐21 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
Spanish Trail Specific Plan The City recently approved the Spanish Trail Specific Plan for approximately 110 acres located north of I‐15 along Avenue “L” and West Main Street. This plan, though primarily commercial, includes medium density residential uses along the eastern periphery. This designation is also identified within the specific plan as multi‐family and senior housing. Medium Density is 20 units per acre. This area is more than 11.5 acres in area, with a potential build‐out of nearly 240 units. Although the housing component of this plan is not an active part of this project, it is anticipated that the residential component will begin prior to the end of this Housing Element cycle (2021). Spanish Trail Proposed Site Plan This specific plan received Council approval on 12/15/2013. No plans have been submitted as of the writing of this element, but construction on the commercial/retail component is estimated to begin around 2017. This project will not only provide for active senior housing, it HE‐C‐23 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
will be designed in a manner that allows these residents to walk or bike to the center, creating a walkable neighborhood. Sites For Housing Homeless People State law requires communities to more proactively address the unmet housing needs of their resident homeless people. This has presented unique challenges as many surrounding jurisdictions in the Inland Empire cannot adequately house their resident homeless population. This has resulted in an influx of homeless people into Barstow. In addition, Barstow also has on occasion experienced stranded motorists traveling down the Interstate 15, Interstate 40, and Highway 58. The City has one homeless shelter, Desert Manna, capable of temporarily housing 32 people at any given time. On April 24, 2014, Desert Manna indicated their daily average was 16.4 persons, but always more occupied at the end of the month because many clients need help managing their money. They also indicated that emergency shelters are moving towards “rapid re‐housing.” They attempt to move individuals from the emergency shelter to transitional or permanent housing within 30 days. This makes room for new individuals needing their service. According to Desert Manna, the transitional housing provided by New Hope Village is operating at capacity. Global One Development (housing at‐risk youth ages 18‐
25) offers permanent supportive housing. In providing for homeless needs, there are two primary ways to count the need for emergency shelter space in communities as described below.  Housing Element Law. Barstow has 19 unsheltered homeless people (San Bernardino County 2013 Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey: Final Report, May 2013). This number represents the number of people who are not residing in an emergency shelter, transitional housing, or permanent supportive housing. However, at any given time, some homeless people may choose not to reside in the emergency shelter. Indeed, of the 32 beds available at Desert Manna, 100% are utilized in peak season, leaving no beds available for use. Under state law, the City has an unmet housing need for 19 beds for people who are homeless and not living in a shelter of any kind. The unmet need would be addressed by identifying and zoning sites to accommodate the construction of additional emergency shelters. It should be noted that this determination does not reflect best practices nor is it consistent with the City’s plan to reduce homelessness. Indeed, recent years have seen a paradigm shift to a Housing First Approach, which suggests a different solution to housing homeless people. HE‐C‐24 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources

Housing First Approach. Best practices research has shown that the Housing First Model can be more effective in addressing the needs of certain subgroups of homeless people. Under Housing First Model, homeless people (particularly the chronically hard‐to‐serve homeless people) are moved directly into permanent supportive housing, where services can be immediately provided to stabilize their living situation. In response, New Hope Village has recently acquired an apartment complex with ten units for use as permanent supportive housing for people who are homeless. Their current location, leased from Desert Manna as a transitional housing site, will continue to be operated by Desert Manna as transitional housing. Following this model, San Bernardino County estimates that approximately 9 chronically homeless individuals (including families) live in the city (San Bernardino County 2013 Homeless Count and Subpopulation Survey: Final Report, May 2013). If chronically homeless people were placed in transitional or permanent supportive housing, the unmet need is only 10 additional emergency shelter beds. This demand will be met as New Hope Village will move to a larger facility, with 10 units (for individuals and families) while their existing 6 unit site will remain, operated by Desert Manna (a net gain of 10 residential units). This study from the San Bernardino County indicates that Barstow’s homeless population (sheltered and unsheltered) is 61. This indicates a decline in the homeless population from the 99 homeless persons from the 2010 Census. Under the Housing First Model, the unmet need for shelter would be addressed through transitional or permanent supportive housing rather than emergency shelter beds. Emergency Shelter Sites State law requires that cities with an unmet need (defined largely by housing element law) are required to identify a zone where emergency shelters are allowed as a permitted use without a conditional use permit or other discretionary permit. The identified zone must have sufficient capacity for at least one year‐round emergency shelter. Permit processing and development and management standards must be objective, must be the same as other allowable uses within the zone where the emergency shelter is permitted, and facilitate the development and conversion of uses to emergency shelters. The City has not amended the ordinance as this need has historically been met with the existing emergency shelter. This shelter, described below, has been in operation for several years and can house 32 people. Typical capacity is not generally met until the end of the month. The shelter operators has recently indicated a need for additional shelter space as the capacity is typically full around the end of each month. It was indicated that some of the clientele need help with managing their money, running out before the end of the month. HE‐C‐25 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources

North First Avenue. Currently, Desert Manna is the only emergency shelter that the City has for homeless persons. Previously, Desert Manna was considering a new facility in the vicinity of Crooks and Pierce Streets. However, the funding mechanism did not materialize. The City was ready to provide assistance in the land acquisition (the City and then Redevelopment Agency had multiple parcels in this area). However, the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agencies by the state prevented the City from participating financially due to the limited funding source. Other sources that Desert Manna was looking to acquire also did not materialize. Although this new facility is still under consideration, it may be several years before a funding source is available. The City of Barstow will amend the zoning code within one year of adoption of the 2014‐2021 Housing Element to designate at least one zone in which emergency shelters are unconditionally allowed. 3. En v ir o n m en ta l Co n c er n s Environmental and infrastructure constraints cover a broad range of issues affecting the feasibility of residential development. Environmental issues range from the suitability of land for development to the provision of adequate infrastructure, services, and facilities to facilitate housing development commensurate with the 2014‐2021 RHNA. This section discusses environmental factors in Barstow. Environmental Factors Certain portions of Barstow are not suitable for development due to flooding, geologic conditions, or the presence of biological resources. The following information is derived from the initial study prepared for the general plan land use element and hazards element updates, which are slated for adoption in 2015.  Flooding. There are multiple 100‐year flood zone areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Barstow. The Mojave River has a drainage area of 1,290 square miles at the City of Barstow, and has the potential of carrying large discharges due to major storms, yet is a dry sand wash most of the time, making it a particularly dangerous flooding source. As it is a sandy channel, it is highly permeable over much of its length, and large quantities of water are lost from the channel bed. From 1931 to 1972, only 28 percent of the flow that entered the channel at the Mojave River Forks Reservoir (south of Hesperia) reached the City of Barstow. Even so, the City experiences shallow sheet flow during thunderstorms. HE‐C‐26 City of Barstow Housing Element 

Housing Resources
Geology. Two active faults and several fault traces are located in the city and the surrounding area. The majority of the faults run in a diagonal direction, from the northwest to the southeast. The two primary faults include the Lenwood Fault and the Mt. General Fault. Both are identified as Alquist‐Priolo Fault Zones. Of the two, only the Lenwood Fault is in the City limits, but the Mt. General Fault is less than a mile from the City, with an inferred fault trace from this fault extending into the City. Other fault traces exist within the City as well, such as the Lockhart Fault, and Harper Lake Fault. Other nearby fault traces includes Camp Rock, Calico, Manix and Coyote. Biology. Barstow has a large amount of vacant land. Open space and other vacant land are present throughout the City with the primary development located centrally, along Main Street, and at Lenwood Road and Interstate 15. Because of the amount of available land, it is designed for development, with the more critical habitat areas listed as open space. This will ensure the availability of habitat for threatened and endangered plants and animals, while allowing for the future growth of the City. Future housing sites identified to address the City’s regional housing needs allocation are identified throughout the City, but focused mainly on the periphery of existing development, with some rural lands extending further out. It is anticipated, however, that development will commence where infrastructure is located in the core of the City, and near the Lenwood Road/Interstate 15 area. Although these areas are not free from potential hazards (such as flooding and seismic activity), there are construction techniques that can mitigate the hazards (i.e., elevate building pads in flood‐prone areas, additional shear panels and other construction methods to reduce impacts from seismic events), and no residences can be built within an Alquist‐Priolo Fault Zone. In addition, much of the City is not prime biological habitat area. Measures can be taken to mitigate potential impacts that may include the purchase of off‐set land for mitigation banking. Sewer Capacity The City encompasses approximately 41 square miles and owns and operates the wastewater collection and treatment system that serves the local residential, commercial and industrial communities. The City’s wastewater system includes 113 miles of sewer pipelines ranging from 4” to 33” in diameter, and approximately 2,170 manholes. City facilities also serve some locations within the County, such as the Lenwood area. Several factors in this regard are relevant to the housing element. Barstow is an older city, and its sewer system contains some older lines. Approximately 5% is over 70 years old. Though many of the lines are in good working condition and still have useful life (the pipes are designed to last 90‐110 years), other improvements are needed. A small number of sewer lines are HE‐C‐27 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
composed of what is known as “Orangeburg pipe,” with a life expectancy of 50 years. In addition, many sewer lines have been damaged by tree roots, compression fractures, and other utilities boring through the pipes. The City prepares a capital improvement and financing plan to upgrade or replace any sewer lines or appurtenances. In 2009, the City of Barstow updated its Sewer Master Plan as the basis for the development of a plan for accommodating anticipated growth through 2030. Within the updated Sewer Master Plan and the population estimate for 2020 used to assess the facility capacity exceeds the growth forecast to accommodate the RHNA. The 2008 Sewer Master Plan accepts the allowed growth under the 1997 General Plan of 2 percent growth per year (total population of 37,000 by the year 2020), and determined that this level of residential growth could be accommodated with the adoption of a Sewer Facility Charge. In 2009, the City of Barstow adopted the Sewer Facility Charge to pay for the construction and upgrade of sewer infrastructure to meet the City’s needs. Revenue generated by the Sewer Facility Charge can be used for sewer capacity enhancements and other upgrades. This fee is set at about $31.00 per unit. Since 2009, only 72 residential units have been constructed citywide, thus leaving adequate remaining capacity within the original cap. Therefore, the sewer system has sufficient capacity to accommodate the entire 843 housing units assigned to the City of Barstow in Cycle 5 (2014‐2021) of the RHNA allocation. Over the past two years the City has completed numerous improvements to its sewer system, including the following: Rimrock Road Sewer Improvements  Construct 12” sewer line. Qty.: 1,610 lineal feet  Install new 6” sewer laterals. Qty.: 2 laterals  Existing sewer line repairs (sags & point repairs). Qty.: 100 lineal feet  Construct 3 manholes for new lines  Install 4 new manholes to existing sewer lines Other projects:  Installation of 8” CIPP (Cast In Place Pipe) liner. Qty.: 8,375 lineal feet  Installation of 10” CIPP liner. Qty.: 990 lineal feet  Installation of 12” CIPP liner. Qty.: 960 lineal feet  8” CIPP Patch Repair/2’ section. Qty.: 90 sections  8” CIPP Patch Repair/4’ section. Qty.: 15 sections  10” CIPP Patch Repair/2’ section. Qty.: 6 sections  10” CIPP Patch Repair/4’ section. Qty.: 4 sections  12” CIPP Patch Repair/2’ section. Qty.: 11 sections  12” CIPP Patch Repair/4’ section. Qty.: 5 sections  Remove and Replace 8” VCP Pipe. Qty.: 224 lineal feet HE‐C‐28 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
The City of Barstow is responsible for the management, planning, construction and operation of the sewage treatment facility. Based on the City’s location and its associated sewerage conveyance and treatment needs, the City has developed fees to pay for the infrastructure needed to accommodate the City’s long‐term growth. Developers proposing projects in Barstow are required to pay a connection fee of $1,500.00 per residential unit. Water Capacity The City of Barstow, like most cities, has a franchised water purveyor. Barstow’s water purveyor is the Golden State Water Company and supplies the majority of the residents and businesses. Another much smaller water company, the Bar‐Len Water Company serves a small segment of houses towards the west end of the city, the Sun‐N‐Sky area. Some locations are outside of either water company’s district, and are on private wells. Barstow’s water supply is drawn from a combination of wells from the groundwater from the Mojave River Basin, Centro Sub‐Basin and Baja Subareas. In 1990, the City of Barstow and Southern California Water Company (now Golden State) filed a lawsuit for the overdraft of water upstream, contending that upstream users had severely impacted water supplies for Barstow and the surrounding communities. The final court decision was in January 1996. The Mojave Water Agency (MWA) was tasked with the methods of alleviating this decades‐long overdraft. As part of MWA’s actions, a ground‐water recharging system was constructed (an aqueduct and recharge basins) and now serves to recharge the ground water in Barstow and other downstream communities. According to expert testimony at a November 13, 2015 workshop sponsored by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, ground water recharge has been minimal over the past two decades; the City of Barstow draws much of its water from the Mojave River and relies upon periodic storm events in the vicinity of the Cajon Pass for the bulk of its water supply. 4. F ea s ib ility o f S ites The proposed housing sites identified in the housing inventory were carefully selected as the most feasible for housing development. Although many sites are underutilized, Barstow, unlike most cities, has an abundance of vacant land. Therefore, underutilized site analysis was not considered for this element. The following analysis is intended to further demonstrate the feasibility of housing in Barstow. Market Activity During the early 2000s, Barstow experienced more housing development than it had seen in many years. However, it did not compare to housing development in the nearby cities of Apple HE‐C‐29 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
Valley, Hesperia and Victorville. Historically speaking, development in Barstow tends to lag the other high desert cities because of its greater distance from the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. During the early to mid‐2000’s, Barstow saw an unprecedented amount of housing projects proposed, totaling approximately 6,000 housing units, in addition to a “sub‐
city,” referred to as Waterman Junction, that included approximately 25,000 homes, a project that was to be constructed over 25 to 30 years. Because of the lag that Barstow experiences from the other high desert cities, when the market collapsed, Barstow did not have an overabundance of vacant, or partially built, new homes. All were eventually sold with the exception of eight model homes that were vandalized, with no interest from any party to take them over. Since the housing market crash, Barstow has seen the first phase of one subdivision completed, and another tract map fully developed, building between six and twelve units at a time, until all were sold. Adequacy of Zoning The adequacy of zoning for affordable housing is determined by the allowable density of residential development. Housing element law provides guidance on how to establish the number of units that can accommodate the local governments’ share of the regional housing need for lower income households. Section 65583.2(c) of the Government Code states that if a local government has adopted density bonus standards consistent with default densities, HCD is obligated to accept sites with those density standards as appropriate for accommodating a city’s share of regional housing need for lower income households. The default density for cities in San Bernardino County is between 20‐30 units. All the proposed sites designated for medium density residential and diverse use in the land inventory will be located in the RM and MU zones upon the comprehensive Zone Ordinance Amendment that will follow the adoption of the 2015‐2020 General Plan. These districts allow for multi‐family residential and/or mixed uses at a density of 16 or more units per acre, without the need for a density bonus request. Moreover, as discussed later, the City’s development history shows that the projects built in these zones more often do not achieve maximum densities because of the availability of land, and by the choice of the developer. Two of the last three multi‐family projects built were geared for lower income households, while the third is geared for market‐rate. However, the City’s market rate units are typically within the affordability range of lower to moderate‐income households. Development Capacity and Recycling The development capacity of sites identified as potential candidates to address the RHNA is determined by multiplying site acreage by the density normally achieved on similar sites. A HE‐C‐30 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
survey of 3 projects built since 2000 found that of the projects built, none of the projects achieved maximum density allowed under the General Plan. Regardless of the whether density achieved met the maximum allowed under the General Plan, the City is increasing the density allowable in most residential districts. As illustrated in Table C‐2, residential development projects built since 2000 show several commonalities. However, it should be noted that these projects were built on vacant land. The City has not seen any land recycled to residential uses, but a market‐rate apartment complex in disrepair was renovated for affordable housing. This can be accounted by the fact that there is an abundance of vacant land available. This also reflects that the availability of land does not necessitate development at the maximum density. Table C‐2: Recent Projects Built in Barstow Project Name Type Zone and Maximum Density1 Lot Size Existing Use Suncrest Apartments Large‐family, affordable apartments RM‐2 151 units 10.10 acres Apartment complex Riverview Apartments Large‐family, affordable apartments RM‐2 90 units 6.04 acres Apartment complex Lanternwoods Apartments2 Affordable Apartment RM‐2 14 units 0.90 acre (two adjacent parcels) (No project name) Market rate apartments RM‐2
19 units 1.25 acres Project Size 80 units affordable 1 managers unit 80 units affordable 1 managers unit Incentives TCAC TCAC Apartment complex 28 units affordable 1 managers unit Multiple nonprofit and foundations, financial institutions and federal funds Apartment complex 16 market rate units None Source: City of Barstow, 2014 1
2
The above maximum density reflects the density ratios of the 1997 General Plan at 15 units to the acre. The 2015 General Plan will reflect a density of 20 units to the acre. Originally built in 1954 with the eastern half originally a motor lodge, the Lanternwoods Apartment complex renovated an existing apartment complex that exceeds the density standards of both the 1997 General Plan and the 2015 General Plan. Summary of Credits HE‐C‐31 City of Barstow Housing Element Housing Resources
As shown below in Table C‐3, the City will accommodate its 2014‐2021 RHNA through a combination of housing production and its land inventory. Residential projects are credited to different income levels based on the methodology detailed earlier in this chapter. Sites are credited towards different affordability levels based on the default density thresholds set forth in housing element law, the City’s experience with recent housing projects built in different zones, and expected density of development. The City of Barstow has more than sufficient housing sites available for residential development to exceed its 2014‐2021 RHNA for the housing element. Only 0.9% of the 54,092 housing units that could be accommodated by housing sites in the land inventory would need to be affordable to very low, low, and moderate income households in order to fully meet the housing planning goals for the 2014‐2021 RHNA. Table C‐3: Comparison of RHNA and Site Availability RHNA Credits RHNA Targets Planned Housing Projects Remander: Housing Sites Subtotal Remainder Very Low 188 Affordability Rances
Above Low Moderate Moderate 138
154
363
Total 843
Source: City of Barstow, 2014 5. Im p lem en ta tio n Reso u r ces The City of Barstow relies on a combination of financial resources and nonprofit/for‐profit organizations to assist in funding, building, preserving, and managing affordable housing and support programs. The following financial and administrative resources are being utilized. Program #13 of the housing element includes provisions to see expansion of these resources. Financial Resources With the demise of redevelopment and cutback of many federal and state housing programs, securing permanent sources of financing for the production, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing is critical. Financial resources used by the City to fund its programs are as follows.  Housing Vouchers. This federal housing program provides rent subsidies to very low income households with a housing cost burden or who are at risk of becoming homeless or HE‐C‐32 City of Barstow Housing Element 


Housing Resources
displaced. The federal government provides approximately $1.31 million annually to the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino to administer its housing voucher program in Barstow. However, monies are provided to each county, and the amount of money allocated is per unit ($677.48), depending on where the family wishes to live. Barstow currently has 161 housing vouchers plus 100 single‐family units set aside for project‐based vouchers. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Because of Barstow’s small population base, Barstow is not an entitlement city to collect CDBG funds directly. Barstow is a participating city with the San Bernardino County. The federal government provides CDGB funds for community development and housing activities that benefit low and moderate income persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or meet other urgent needs. Eligible activities include property acquisition, rehabilitation, affordable housing preservation, economic development, code enforcement, public facilities, and services. With spending limits that are established, the City is limited as to what can be accomplished with the available funds. Barstow’s allocation is typically between $175,000 and $250,000 annually. The funds are typically used for public improvements in eligible areas, and 15% is used for public service agencies, such as Desert Sanctuary and New Hope Village. In 2014, the City spent the majority of its CDBG allocation acquiring a 10‐unit apartment building for New Hope Village to renovate and manage as transitional housing. Homeless Services. The City does not receive any funds from the federal government for many of its activities to reduce and ameliorate homelessness in the community. However, these services are provided by public agencies, such as Desert Manna and New Hope Village. These agencies receive more than $110,000 annually to support emergency shelter programs, and $82,200 for transitional and permanent supportive housing with services through a combination of sources (primarily from HUD, United Way, CDBG, fundraising, and private donations). The City provides support in the form of the use of city‐owned buildings for these services. Tax Credit Allocation Committee. The Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) is an important source of funding for the production of affordable housing. Additionally, the State of California sets aside a dedicated pool of tax credit funds for self‐designated “at‐
risk” projects, though there are no “at‐risk” projects at this time. Barstow developers have used TCAC to build a wide range of affordable housing projects. HE‐C‐33 City of Barstow Housing Element D. Program Evaluation
Program Evaluat ion Appendix D contains an analysis of the effectiveness of the existing housing element; the appropriateness of goals, objectives, and policies; and the progress in implementing programs for the previous planning period. 1. Ac c o m p lis h m e n ts The 2006‐2014 Housing Element goals were drafted to implement the required statutes in California housing element law and followed priorities expressed by the Barstow community, including input received from the City Council, Planning Commission, and City staff. To that end, the housing element contained 4 primary goals, along with 32 supporting policies and twenty implementation programs. The four goals were:  Goal 1. Provide a Range of Housing to Meet the Growth of the City. Promote an adequate supply and diversity of quality rental and ownership housing opportunities suited to residents of varying lifestyle needs and income levels.  Goal 2. Conserve and Improve the Conditions of the City’s Existing Housing Stock. Expand and protect opportunities for households to find housing in Barstow and afford a greater choice of rental and homeownership opportunities.  Goal 3. Preserve and Enhance the Quality of Neighborhoods/Ensure New Housing is Sensitive to the Existing Natural and Built Environment. Promote and maintain sustainable neighborhoods of quality housing, parks and community services, infrastructure, and other services that maintain and enhance neighborhood character and the health of residents.  Goal 4. Promote Equal Opportunity for All Residents in the Housing of Their Choice. Provide adequate housing opportunities and support services for Barstow seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and people in need of emergency, transitional, or supportive housing. Following the adoption of the Housing Element in 2010, Barstow was tasked with following through on its implementation programs. This task has been curtailed by the most severe recession since the Great Depression and significant loss in tax revenues. Meanwhile, in an effort to bail out California’s budget deficit, the Legislature and Governor re‐appropriated billions of dollars in local redevelopment dollars, eventually leading to the dissolution of redevelopment altogether. In 2013, the Governor then vetoed AB 1229, which would have allowed cities to continue inclusionary housing state law. HE‐D‐1 City of Barstow Housing Element Program Evaluation
Although a recovering economy may eventually produce a California budget surplus in the foreseeable future, local governments are left with a permanent and structural deficit in long‐
term funding for housing. Goal 1: Provide a Range of Housing by Location, Type and Price to Meet the Growth Needs of the City The prior Housing Element identified 15 policies to encourage the development of a variety of housing to meet the needs of the City. Most of these goals were focused on either “encouragement” or “promoting” such activities. However, they were only as successful as the willingness of the developers to participate. During the height of the residential development in the mid‐2000s, the focus was on introductory housing, even though the City encouraged move‐up and higher‐end housing. Similarly, developers were not interested in building low‐
income or affordable housing except for TCAC funded projects. Although two TCAC funded projects were constructed, two more were proposed, but have yet to obtain approval for the funding. One may see construction within this Housing Element Cycle. One item mentioned in the prior Housing Element was to allow the development of second units in single‐family zones. This was previously permitted in single‐family zones, but with a conditional use permit. On July 20, 2009, the City adopted an amendment to the ordinance to allow second units to be approved administratively, and inclusive of multiple‐residential units, consistent with State law. This established an administrative process instead of discretionary. Since its adoption, no second units have been built. Goal 2: Conserve and Improve the Condition of the City’s Existing Housing Stock The City’s prior Housing Element identified five policies to move towards the conservation and improvement of the existing housing stock within the City. One of the primary tools used for this has been Code Enforcement. Some of the struggles with this include the prevalence of out‐
of‐area land (absentee) owners that have purchased the property for a tax write‐off with little interest in the condition of the property, property owners who have lost the house due to the economy (where the banks evict them, yet do not transfer the property into the banks name), or non‐compliant property owners. All non‐compliant property owners (whether absentee or not) may be directed by the courts if other enforcement actions are not successful. At the start of the prior Housing Element, the City had worked with County agencies to make available to the public funds for citizens to improve their project, through programs such as “Project Facelift.” However, most of the funds are no longer available. Whenever funds are HE‐D‐2 City of Barstow Housing Element Program Evaluation
available, the City ensures that the public is aware of them, and assists in the processing of the necessary paperwork. Goal 3: Preserve and Enhance the Quality of Residential Neighborhoods in Barstow and Ensure that New Housing is Sensitive to the Existing Natural and Built Environment There are nine policies associated with this goal. Of these goals, some were enforced simply because they are state requirements (prohibit residential development in hazard areas, energy conservation devices). Others were simply not addressed for the lack of any type of development (i.e., low and moderate‐income housing cannot be concentrated in any single area). Still, others were not addressed simply because standards may have already been in place, or there was such a low‐potential of occurrence, or other code amendment addressed it, that there was no further action taken. Still others simply do not justify any action at this time (higher density residential development to be located in close proximity to public transportation, services and recreation). As the City has no transit center, there is no impetus to direct such development when transit stops are located throughout the City. Given the recession, the policies within this goal became, for the most part, ineffective. If development had occurred as was proposed (we would have more than doubled the number of residential units), more of these policies would have been implemented. GOAL 4: PROMOTE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS TO RESIDE IN THE HOUSING OF THEIR CHOICE This goal includes only three policies geared toward ensuring that residents have an opportunity to live in the housing of their choosing. The City has never taken a position of indicating where an individual or family should locate. In addition, in 2011, the City adopted the “Reasonable Accommodations” ordinance. This provides a method of permitting accessibility of an individual to the house of their choosing. This was never an issue in the past, but State law requires an ordinance indicating such. As a tracking measure, the City will review for approval, by means of a free application, the proposed reasonable access plan (i.e., ramps, lifts, widening of doorways, etc.). To date, no applications have been received. The following Table D‐1 contains a summary of the progress for each program and suitability for inclusion in the 2014‐2021 Housing Element. HE‐D‐3 City of Barstow Housing Element Program Evaluation
Table D‐1: Program Evaluation, 2006‐2014 Housing Element Programs Program 1a: CDBG Single‐Family Homeowner Rehabilitation Program 1b: CDBG Senior Repair Program 1c: FACELIFT Program 2: Code Compliance Program 3: Neighborhood Enhancement Participation Program 4: HOME Rental Property Acquisition and/or Rehabilitation Implementation Actions and Progress Timeframe
Progress and Evaluation
Evaluation:
Continue monitoring of No longer CDBG Monies have become more restrictive funds for applicability. available as to what they can apply towards. As Barstow joined as a participant to the San Continue monitoring of No longer Bernardino County for CDBG funds, later funds for applicability. available limitations were placed on them, and the County has reallocated much of the funds for other projects. Continue monitoring of No longer Status: funds for applicability. available Pending a return of these funds to pre‐
recession levels, it is not likely to continue. Should funding become available, these projects will resume. Evaluation:
Program considered effective; Code Compliance typically have between 300 and Continue monitoring 400 cases at any given time. There may be a and enforcement of need to further educate people regarding Ongoing building codes and property maintenance requirements. property maintenance codes. Status: Program will continue for 2014‐2021 planning period. Evaluation:
The City never fully implemented this program, though have performed “neighborhood cleanup” activities throughout the City. As available funding is Utilize limited (for rehabilitation programs), some of interdepartmental the components of this program became approach to achieve No longer unavailable. In addition, due to the comprehensive available recession, planning and building staffing is improvements to not at prior levels (33% reduction in FTE), deteriorated also impacting the effectiveness of this neighborhoods. program. Status: Program stalled until funding sources are available. Evaluation:
Utilize County HOME Staff is only aware of one project, funds for loans so that Lanternwoods Apartments that received for‐profit and non‐profit Ongoing, HOME and Neighborhood Stabilization funds developers can acquire as funding for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the and/or rehabilitate is available project. existing rental units for lower income Status: households. Project completed. This is a program offered Action
HE‐D‐4 City of Barstow Housing Element Program Evaluation
through the County. Implementation Actions and Progress Timeframe
Evaluation:
As with Program 4 above, staff is only aware Allows for the County of of the Lanternwoods Apartments. Monies San Bernardino the discretion of using from HOME and the Neighborhood Ongoing, Stabilization Program for the acquisition and HOME Program funds to Program 5: as funding rehabilitation of an apartment complex built refinance existing debt, HOME Rental Property is available in 1954. Rehabilitation/Refinance so long as the primary affordable housing activity to be funded is Status: rehabilitated. Project completed. This is a program offered through the County. Evaluation:
In the past, this program was used to provide up to $20,000 towards the down payment, with the maximum purchase amount of $180,000 (varied by year). The goal was to MAP was designed to assist approximately 30‐40 first‐time buyers assist residents Program 6: No longer purchasing their first annually. The dissolution of the Mortgage Assistance available home, using set‐aside Redevelopment Agency also removed this (MAP) funds. funding mechanism. Status: No longer available with the dissolution of the RDA. HUD introduced the $1 homes to facilitate the sale of HUD‐listed homes that have not Evaluation: sold on the open market The homes were purchased, and ultimately Program 7: within six months. The No longer disposed of through 3 different programs. HUD $1 Homes to Local RDA entered into available This proved effective while available. Governments contracts to purchase 14 Status: homes and offered them This program is no longer offered by HUD. to low and moderate‐
income households through3 programs. This program offered by the California Cities Home Ownership Evaluation: Not implemented in Barstow. Authority, provides a 30‐
year fixed rate loan at a No longer Program 8: reduced interest rate. available Lease‐Purchase Down payment and Status: closing costs are gifted, This program is no longer available. other than a 1% down, plus the first month lease payment. Programs Action
Implementation Actions and Progress Timeframe
Evaluation:
In 2003 and 2006, two apartment complexes utilized the TCAC monies for the development of 160 units set aside for lower income households. Two additional projects are pending, with one likely to be Bonds issued to support constructed during this housing element the development of planning period (Calico Apartments on multi‐family housing for Montara Road). low, very low, and extremely low income Program 9: households. These Mortgage Revenue Bonds (MRBs) have not Mortgage Revenue Bond bonds are used to been used at this point. Financing and Tax Credit Ongoing finance construction and Allocation Committee mortgage loans and Status: (TCAC) capital improvements Two projects completed, two others pending for multi‐family housing, TCAC approval. The City has supported all of and must meet state these projects. and federal criteria for Although MRBs have not been used recently, tenants. it is within the City’s ability to do so, dependent upon a project proposal. The City may consider this type of program to address a specific type of housing, such as affordable senior or affordable family housing. Evaluation:
Land write‐downs are The City has proposed this method for both among the mechanisms housing and jobs creation. Currently, the that the City can use to City is working with two separate developers assist in the provision of who are considering separate active senior affordable housing. The housing projects. As long as the City owns intent of this mechanism Program 10: unutilized land, this can be an effective is to reduce the land Ongoing Land Assembly Write‐
mechanism. costs to the point that it Down becomes economically Status: feasible for a private, Considered for a variety of developments usually non‐profit developer, to build and will continue to be used while the City has unutilized lands. affordable units Evaluation:
The Housing Authority of the County of San Section 8 rental Bernardino (HA) issues federal vouchers to assistance extends approximately 161 Housing Choice Vouchers rental subsidies to low Program 11: (Section 8). In addition, the HA issues 100 income families and the Ongoing Project Based Vouchers (two apartment Section 8 Rental elderly, which spend complexes are participating, 50 vouchers Assistance more than 30% of their each). income on the actual rent. Status: Continued through the HA through the 2014‐
Programs Action
2021 planning period. Implementation Actions and Progress Action
Timeframe
Provides funds for the Evaluation: required security This program is implemented through the deposits on rental Program 12: County with little to no involvement by the HOME Program Tenant‐ housing units and No longer Based Assistance (HOME tenant‐paid utilities to City. available persons who can afford TBA)/Security Deposit monthly rent, but not Assistance Status: the security and utility This program is no longer available. deposits. Designed to provide Evaluation: small scale public This program is implemented through the housing throughout the Count via the HA. The HA increased the total County, these are public number by 14 units over the prior Housing Program 13: housing units intended Ongoing Element. Scattered Sites/Public to blend in with existing Housing neighborhoods to Status: provide lower income The program is expected to continue through housing. The County has the 2014‐2021 planning period. 219 such units. Evaluation:
Only one request for a density bonus has been filed with the City in the last 30 years. The City does not This request was later deemed not necessary currently have a density bonus ordinance. as the project was within the limits of the However, the City, upon General Plan allowable density. Program 14: Ongoing request, will allow Density Bonus density bonuses and Status: incentives consistent The City will consider adopting an ordinance with State requirements. to identify the types of incentives. Until then, the City will follow state guidelines on the density bonus and incentives. Evaluation:
At nearly 9%, these units represent a significant portion of the City’s housing stock. Mobile homes provide Regardless, the City allows mobile homes on an affordable residential any residential zoning, subject to standards. Program 15: ownership opportunity This is a state requirement. Ongoing Mobile Home Park for many households Assistance that could not otherwise Status: afford homeownership. The program will continue through the 2014‐
2021 planning period. However, few, if any have been placed since this requirement. Programs HE‐D‐7 City of Barstow Housing Element Programs Program 16: Homeless Shelter/Transitional Housing Program 17: Fair Housing Counseling Program 18: Second Unit Ordinance Program 19: Reasonable Accommodations Procedure Program Evaluation
Evaluation:
The City has one homeless shelter (Desert Manna) providing 32 beds, and has New Hope Village with 6 Transitional Units. New Hope Village will relocate to a 10 unit site for Numerous churches in Rapid Rehousing, and the existing 6 unit the Barstow area facility will be operated by Desert Manna. collaborated to provide New Hope Village Too offers long‐term or emergency services to Ongoing permanent housing with two units. In the homeless and addition, the Haley House provides housing sponsored the for women and their children of domestic development of Desert violence. All of these help to serve the Manna. homeless community in Barstow. Status: The programs will continue through the 2014‐2021 planning period. Evaluation:
Member cities utilize the The City provides brochures available to the Inland Fair Housing and public, and refers fair housing issues to the Mediation Board to Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board. address landlord/tenant Ongoing issues. The program is headquartered in Status: Victorville, but has an The program will continue through the 2014‐
office in Barstow. 2021 planning period. Evaluation:
As required as part of the prior Housing Element, the City amended its ordinance to The City amended its allow second units through administrative Zoning Ordinance in review instead of discretionary review. Ongoing 2009 to comply with California Government Status: Code Section 65852.2. The program will continue through the 2014‐
2021 planning period. The City adopted an ordinance in 2011 Evaluation: adding for the provisions As of 2014, no applications have been of Reasonable submitted for approval. Accommodations with a Ongoing no‐fee application to Status: place on record the The program will continue through the 2014‐
approval of 2021 planning period. improvements for these accommodations. Action
HE‐D‐8 City of Barstow Housing Element Programs Program 20: Alternative Energy Sources Program Evaluation
Evaluation:
This is a new ordinance. Due to military activity, wind generators must be approved by the adjacent/nearby military installations. Solar energy systems, in most cases, are The City recently (2014) adopted an ordinance permitted by right. specifically allowing alternative energy. This Status: Ongoing includes incentives to The program will continue through the 2014‐
provide charging 2021 planning period. In addition, the Home stations for electric Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) vehicles. Program is in place to help finance the installation of solar energy systems, and other energy efficiency upgrades. This program is lowering utility bills, reducing carbon emissions, and creating jobs. Action
2. P u b lic O u tr ea c h California law requires that local governments include public participation as part of the housing element. Specifically, Government Code section 35583(c)(7) states “that the local government shall make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments of the community in the development of the housing element, and the program shall describe this effort.” State law does not specify the means and methods for participation; however, it is generally recognized that the participation must be inclusive. The City of Barstow continues to engage the community in defining City housing needs and discussing creative ways to address them within the unique constraints facing the City. During the preparation for this housing element, the City’s outreach program included the following venues:  Land Use Workshops. During the preparation of the land use element, the City of Barstow held two workshops that included housing and the land use plan. Held during 2013 and 2014, these workshops discussed residential growth, types of housing products desired, which does not necessarily meet with state guidelines.  Stakeholder Interviews: The City has discussed housing needs with stakeholders (via telephone and email) as well as at the workshops and commission hearings. This included those that provide emergency and transitional housing, and rapid‐rehousing.  Commission Hearings. Barstow has an active planning commission that is designed to obtain public input. The meetings are televised and available to view on the web, live, and afterwards. The City solicited input on the entire general plan, including the housing element, from the public. HE‐D‐9 City of Barstow Housing Element Program Evaluation
This is a draft version of the 2014‐2021 Housing Element. Additional public review of this document will result in changes and an update of this section. Public Comments: Housing Supply and Diversity Participants raised issues about providing the appropriate mix and affordability of units. This includes not only traditional forms of housing, but also alternative models that might provide more opportunities for affordable housing for seniors. Key ongoing themes heard include:  Affordable Housing. Participants of the General Plan Workshop conclusively indicated that Barstow did not warrant additional affordable housing (58%). A similar question posed later indicated 84% were opposed to additional affordable housing. This is primarily because, although the RHNA identifies additional need, this need is an anticipated increase in those income groups, not necessarily additional households. The City has an abundance of housing that is affordable, and the participants expressed the viewpoint that other housing types were necessary. The City cannot deny affordable housing projects. This is an indication though that the public believes the City needs to focus on other types of housing.  Moderate Income Units. The participants of the General Plan Workshop indicated by a vote of 82% that moderate income housing should be a focus. This confirms staff’s belief that this is an underserved market, and aligns with the RHNA, identifying a higher number of moderate income housing units than low, very low, and extremely low housing units.  Executive Housing Options. Similar to above, 71% of the participants voted that new executive housing is important. As with the moderate income units, this confirms staff’s belief as well. Likewise, the RHNA numbers were comprised of 43% for this above moderate income households needed, making up the largest segment of needed housing.  Condominiums and Townhomes. When the participants of the General Plan Workshop were queried on condominiums and townhomes, 74% of the participants indicated the City should pursue seeking this type of development. Previously, this segment has not worked in the Barstow area, with one project built (The Barstonian), later turning into apartments, and another proposed, but later built as apartments. However, that was more than 20 years ago. The input from participants is one indication that this may be a viable housing option.  Affordable Senior Housing. The General Plan Workshop inquired about two types of senior housing, assisted living, and active seniors. Although the City used an electronic voting device, verbal comments from the audience indicated that the senior housing should be HE‐D‐10 City of Barstow Housing Element 
Program Evaluation
affordable. The votes were 97% and 85%, respectively. This gives a clear direction of where some of the focus should be. Small Lot Ordinance. Although not specifically discussed at the workshop, one mechanism to create affordable housing is to reduce the lot size, essentially increasing the number of lots for subdivisions. This also makes some projects more marketable as a larger project can be more feasible. HE‐D‐11 City of Barstow Housing Element E. Community Initiatives
Commu nit y Init iatives Appendix E is a summary of community initiatives highlighted during forums by the Planning Commission during workshops and public hearings for the 2015 General Plan Amendment. Introduction Barstow is unlike most other cities that have other city jurisdictions adjacent to them. Barstow is surrounded by unincorporated county territory. During the comprehensive General Plan Amendment (2015‐2020), which includes the 2014‐2021 Housing Element, citizen participation is critical. The City’s vision recognizes the importance of the visitors, but also the importance of living‐wage jobs for the future workforce as the children grow into young adults. This vision is reflected in the general plan as a guiding principle in that informed community participation is a permanent part of achieving a greater City. Such a procress is also important for the housing element update. Since the general plan is a snapshot of community values at a given point in time, it is essential that there is a process for continuously involving the public in planning, monitoring, implementation, and updating the general plan. Informed discourse occurs when there is an exchange of clear and understandable information, and opportunities for citizen input are available. The need for public discussion is critical in the subject of housing, where Barstow has wrestled with an increasingly uncertain context. The City held various forums in conjunction with the general plan to explore timely issues affecting housing policy and programs. Some of the efforts undertaken include:  Second Unit Public Hearings (2009)  Reasonable Accommodations Public Hearings (2011)  Planning Commission Study Sessions/Hearings o 8/26/13 – Goals and Policy Review o 9/9/13 – Goals and Policy Review o 9/23/13 – Goals and Policy Review o 8/25/14 – Public Workshop In addition to the above public participation, the City contacted several agencies that provide assistance to those in need to solicit their information and input into the Housing Element. Through these forums, initiatives were raised by the community, and the merits and drawbacks were discussed. As the economy improves and housing market changes, relevant issues may be revisited during the period covered by the 2014‐2021 Housing Element. HE‐E‐1 City of Barstow Housing Element Community Initiatives
1. H o u s in g P r od u c tio n Barstow’s need for affordable housing has been the result of many factors. The demand for housing has been fueled by historical underproduction of housing, demographic change locally and regionally, and the current economy, which has had an adverse impact on businesses and employment. This potentially brings an increase in demand for affordable housing. However, Barstow’s current housing prices are affordable to most of the lower income and moderate income groups. The General Plan Workshop on August 25, 2014 identified the following concerns pertaining to housing. This workshop utilized an electronic voting mechanism wirelessly connected to a computer to compile the votes associated with specific on‐screen questions and multi‐choice answers.  Greater Need for Affordable Units. Although the current economy lends itself to a higher demand for affordable housing, the workshop on August 25, 2014 indicated that 58% of the people indicated that the City should not seek funding for additional affordable housing, while 82% indicated that the City should move towards new housing for middle‐income residents. Similarly, this pole also indicated 71% of the participants believed that new executive‐level housing should also be pursued. 74% of the participants also indicated that townhomes and/or condominiums should also be built. More towards the affordable spectrum, the public also responded with 97% indicating a need for assisted living for seniors, and 85% for active seniors (both with verbal input that they be affordable). As with the funding for affordable housing question above, a later question was asked regards housing for low‐income residents. This netted a response of 84% against additional affordable housing. The City must allow for the affordable housing figures identified in RHNA. However, it is clear that not just the RHNA figures suggest that additional moderate‐
income housing and above moderate‐income housing are needed, the participants of the workshop desire these homes to be built. This could be because of the large absentee land owners.  City Build‐out. The City is not close to build‐out. The latest estimate is that at the availability of land, and not including underdeveloped properties, there is a potential for more than 80,000 units. In the short‐term development is limited to sites that are closest to existing infrastructure. Regardless, there is adequate available land to meet both the shorter term (i.e., RHNA) and the long term housing needs.  Development Standards. The City recently adopted design guidelines. These are the first city‐wide standards that have been adopted, having previously been limited to specific plans and the Redevelopment Area (which has been eliminated with the dissolution of the HE‐E‐2 City of Barstow Housing Element 
Community Initiatives
Redevelopment Agency). In addition, the City has development standards that, upon the completion of the General Plan update, the entire zoning ordinance will be re‐written. This will help to establish a consistent standard applicable to all developments. Currently, our multi‐family district has a certain amount of recreational/open space requirements as part of the project. This will be analyzed for consistency with state law. Housing Prices. Housing prices peaked between 2006 and 2008, then upon the collapse of the housing market, prices drastically dropped to pre‐2000 prices. Although prices have stabilized, they have not fully recovered at this time. However, there is renewed interest in Barstow for commercial and industrial development, and with that the City expects to see a demand in housing. Upon the collapse of the market, one builder essentially scaled back production to houses that became committed for sale. Using this practice, the developer was able to build anywhere from 6 to twelve houses at a time until the subdivision was completed. Another problem with the housing market is that loans are more difficult to obtain. Should this change, it would spur the development of additional housing. At the time of this writing (3rd quarter, 2014), there are no housing projects that have been submitted thus far in 2014. However, as discussed in Appendix A of this document, the City is working with some potential developers to provide active senior housing on two sites near the new hospital. One project is proposed at 60 units, while the other is proposed with 30 units. 2. H o u s in g D iv er s ity State housing law requires each community to facilitate and encourage a diverse range in types and prices of housing, affordable to all economic and social segments. The August 25, 2014 General Plan Workshop indicated that more moderate and above moderate income housing is needed. This is, as discussed earlier, likely due to the fact that housing prices are at pre‐2000 levels, making much of the available housing is affordable to lower income renters and buyers. In addition to the Housing Element update, the entire general plan is being updated. The update for the general plan is proposing an increase in density above what the 1997 General Plan has identified. For instance, the multiple‐family designation in the 1997 plan allows for a maximum density of 15 units to the acre. The 2015 General Plan will allow up to 20 units to the acre. In addition, many of the smaller lot single‐family residential districts will allow for a slight increase in density as well. The City is introducing a Diverse Use land use designation that will allow for a variety of uses, including residential at 16 units to the acre. These are some of the changes moving forward with the new general plan. In addition, the diverse use designation will allow a mix of work/live units and creating walkable communities. Table E‐1 lists programs recommended, assess the applicability, and indicates progress made to date in implementing them. HE‐E‐3 City of Barstow Housing Element Community Initiatives
Table E‐1: Housing Initiatives to Increase Housing Choice Suggested Programs Small Lot Homes Adopt ordinance to facilitate small‐lot, single‐
family subdivisions in the City as a means to providing affordable homeownership opportunities Assessment Communities that are not built out often have areas where small lot development is feasible. This type of product is also advantageous in cities with deep lots that are underutilized in terms of residential density, contain dilapidated structures that can be demolished, or where lots are adjacent to one another and can be merged into larger parcels. Barstow has a variety of land available zoned RS that would be suitable for small lot subdivisions. Much of the land that is currently developed is on lots that do not meet the current zoning standard of sixty feet wide and one hundred feet deep. This current zoning requirement has caused numerous lots in the City, especially the older portions, to be legal non‐conforming in nature. In other areas, the lots cannot be subdivided to the minimum lot standard due to the configuration of the lot. Upon the completion of the comprehensive general plan amendment effectively increasing the density, staff will begin a comprehensive zoning ordinance amendment to address this issue, and to create the allowance for smaller‐lot subdivisions. Work/Live, Developments The City has had a zoning designation, Mixed Land Use, and general plan designation, Mixed Use, that allows residential through commercial. This Facilitate work/live developments by reducing designation allows such uses subject to a conditional use permit. Historically, this designation has resulted in an “either‐or” development, not a true mixed‐use code restrictions and providing flexible design project. As a result, the City will be replacing this designation with the Diverse Use standards. designation. The City will look at additional development standards to provide incentives to develop the projects truly as intended, to create a work/live community, or at least a walkable community. Work/live housing satisfies a relatively minor portion of the overall demand for housing in that the housing units are typically small, suitable for only one or maybe two people, are generally expensive, and located in commercial areas. These uses rarely contribute much to the achievement of affordable housing goals. Revisit Second‐Unit Codes Recent changes to the California Government Code require cities to enact ministerial approval process for approving second units (unless very specific findings are made). Second units can provide housing for seniors, college State law also mandates the use of very permissive statewide development students, extended family standards if development standards are not adopted by a local government. members, and others. However, the deed Barstow adopted development standards to protect the character and integrity of restrictions may be a neighborhoods. However, even if the City adopted more lenient standards, the constraint to development. number of units gained would be relatively few due to the availability and affordability of land and housing. This is evident when within the last 20 years only two applications have been made for second units, and none since the adoption of the accessory dwelling/second unit ordinance in 2009. HE‐E‐4 City of Barstow Housing Element Suggested Programs Mixed‐Use Housing This has been discussed at public workshops with little or no response from the community. However, its benefits are as above, creating a work/live situation or a walkable community where people can walk to services from their residence. Rental vs. Ownership Housing According to Census figures, approximately ½ of all properties are rented. This can pose a problem when absentee land owners do not re‐invest in their properties. Encourage Accessible Developments The City should actively pursue the development and implementation of universal design standards to accommodate people with disabilities. Community Initiatives
Assessment As indicated above, mixed use developments have not occurred. What the City experienced with the Mixed Land Use designation is either commercial, or residential; not a true mix. The City is proposing to re‐designate this land use to Diverse Use, significantly increase the amount of lands so designated and further incentivize the development of a true mix of residential and commercial uses. This can net up to 16 units per acre under the 2015 general plan revision. Much of this is already discussed in the above Work/Live discussion above. Over the years, the City has seen an increase in single‐family housing being sold to individuals that do not live in the community and rent the housing out. As a result, the City is experiencing about a 50% rental rate, and difficulty in gaining compliance from the owners, who are in some cases either out of the state or out of the country. Code compliance typically has between 300 and 400 cases at any given time. According to the Code Compliance Supervisor, the largest problem is educating the owners. A rental registration ordinance was proposed several years ago, but has stalled. The City may need to consider alternative processes to educate the property owners. The City has adopted a Reasonable Accessibility Ordinance in 2011. This ensures an individual’s opportunity to alter a residence to suit their particular disability. There is a no‐cost application to allow the desired alterations. Future considerations may include the following:  Establish minimum hallway widths and other design features to ensure that modifications could be made to allow alterations without major renovations (i.e., allowance for 36” wide doors, lower thresholds, chair‐height or ADA height water closets, etc.).  Require a percentage of homes in a subdivision development to build ADA accessible homes including roll‐in showers, grab‐bars, etc. The City will be initiating a comprehensive zoning code amendment upon the completion of the comprehensive general plan amendment. These options, and others, will be considered to be implemented within the ordinance amendment. Recommendation Barstow has had limited success in facilitating and encouraging a broad range of housing types – single‐family homes, condominiums, apartments, mixed‐use, special needs housing, and housing accessible to people with disabilities. This is not due to any activity or inactivity of the City, but rather the current market. The crashing of the market and the inability of many people to qualify for loans has limited residential development to near non‐existence. As indicated elsewhere, nearby cities are beginning to experience growth, indicating that in the next few years, the City could begin to see an increase in development. HE‐E‐5 City of Barstow Housing Element Community Initiatives
3. En titl em en t P r o c es s The City of Barstow is known for its affordable housing. While the entitlement process has been successful in facilitating development in some communities, the economic downturn caused nearly all residential development in Barstow to cease. The City prides itself on being able to process plan reviews in a timely manner, whether for building permits or discretionary approval. The City also implemented a pre‐application review process that has identified project requirements before official plan application submittal. Although this adds minimally to the time frame, it has proven beneficial to both the City and the project applicants.  Entitlement Process. The City’s pre‐application submittal has assisted in identifying criteria and requirements prior to official submittal of the development plans, whether for building permit or discretionary review. The City also meets with staff to discuss the process of discretionary permit approval, and the pre‐application meetings identify procedures and what the applicant can expect in the plan‐review stage.  Development Fees. The City’s development fees are lower than most cities. In addition, when the fees were implemented, they were to be phased in over a three‐year period. To this day, single‐family residential is still at the first tier of 33%. While the Fire Department fees are at 100% the cost is still minimal. The school district recently adopted development impact fees. Previously, the school had no such fees. This may cause a financial constraint on the housing development in the future.  Review of Projects. The City reviews and approves most plans at the staff level. However, discretionary projects would require approval by the Planning Commission, and in some cases, the City Council (such as specific plan adoption, general plan or zone changes, and approval of tract maps). This allows a more timely process in the review of the projects.  Processing Time. A key factor affecting the feasibility of housing production and in particular affordable housing financing is time. The City processes the applications in a timely manner. Time delays are typically from subsequent submittals to address corrections. In some cases the plans had to be reviewed four or five times as corrections were not completely addressed, or there was an extensive time between submittals. The initial plan‐check is typically two weeks (outside discretionary reviews), and resubmittals are typically processed in two additional weeks. This is a reasonable time frame for such reviews. Housing developers face significant challenges in constructing new housing. For the private sector, for‐profit developers must be creative and spot opportunities that provide an acceptable rate of return on investment. The nonprofit developer has a mission to provide housing and must combine market savvy with the hunt for subsidies to produce homes at HE‐E‐6 City of Barstow Housing Element Community Initiatives
below‐market rates. At the same time, developers must navigate an uncertain housing market and secure and leverage multiple financing sources. Recommendation Although the City has timely approval processes, it is clear that any additional expediting options must meet several City objectives. Such expedited processes must: 1) preserve neighborhood involvement and public review as applicable, 2) ensure housing of lasting quality and design, and 3) appropriately mitigate environmental impacts. The City Planning and Economic Development Department could consider an expedited review process within the City, enhanced funding for City staff to review and expedite projects, and improved capacity through the development of a relationship with a Nonprofit Housing Development Corporation. 4. S o c ia l D iv er s ity The City of Barstow is committed to maintaining a socially and economically diverse population and affirming the contributions that each resident makes. As such, the City’s commitment to diversity is reflected in the City’s mission, its General Plan, Housing Vision, and the Policy on Children, Youth, and Families. This statement identifies six key areas to be pursued to improve the health and well‐being of children, youth, and families in Barstow – good health, safety and survival, economic well‐being, social and emotional well‐being, education, and information and access to services. As discussed in earlier chapters, Barstow has made considerable progress in facilitating the production of a range of housing – senior, housing for people with disabilities, mixed‐used products, and many more. However, because of the economy and supply of suitable housing, many lower, moderate and above moderate income family households may locate in communities with move‐up and executive housing. Some of the challenges to providing all housing opportunities are as follows:  Changing Demographics. Barstow has seen a significant increase in housing costs during the housing market boom, followed by a drop in prices to below 2000 levels. However, rents peaked around 2007 (2005‐2009 ACS), and stabilized with a gradual increase per the 2006‐2010 and 2008‐2012 ACS surveys. Based on this, apartments were less impacted than single‐family housing from the market crash.  Publicly Assisted Housing. The City of Barstow does not have any apartments at‐risk of converting to market rate for many years. Currently, Barstow only has two apartments that are specifically established for affordable, large‐family households. They were approved in 2003 and 2006, with conversion dates of 2058 and 2061, respectively. All other complexes HE‐E‐7 City of Barstow Housing Element 
have converted in prior years. One complex converted in 2001, yet participates in the County Voucher program. Housing Prices. As identified above, housing prices experienced a dramatic increase in the mid‐2000s due to speculation in the housing market. During this time, historically low interest rates were offered, there were lax lending practices, and overvalued land prices. The collapse of the market resulted in some cities having over 1,000 new homes sitting vacant or incomplete. Fortunately, Barstow had fewer than 100 homes, and they were all completed and eventually sold. Since the prior housing element, the City knew that there were a few missing markets regarding housing. This included senior housing and executive housing. However, during the peak of the housing market, the primary focus of the developers was on first‐time homebuyers, with some classified as “move‐up” housing. With the dissolution of the Redevelopment Agency, the City is limited on what it can achieve financially in providing assistance and incentives to build specific types of housing. However, the City is working with at least two potential developers to provide housing for active seniors, and working with other developers for industry that could help increase demand for housing through future employment growth. Recommendation Barstow’s housing sales prices are lower than they have been for more than 10 years, while rent has stabilized with minor increases consistent with inflation costs. Should the economy improve, there will be an increase in housing costs, potentially displacing those of lower incomes. To combat this, the City is increasing the density for apartments from 15 units to the acre, to 20 units to the acre. The City will also re‐write the zoning code to allow for smaller lot subdivisions consistent with the 2015 General Plan density increases. The City has a need for senior and executive housing, and will continue to convey this to potential developers. This is consistent with the outcome of the public input during the General Plan workshop that the City held on August 25, 2014. 5. H o u s in g Reso u r ces All communities face the challenge of securing financial resources to produce affordable housing, whether through intergovernmental transfer of funds, private resources, or through the philanthropic community. Unlike most cities, Barstow has an abundance of available land at lower prices. However, the City also faces the challenge of developers traveling to this location to build housing. HE‐E‐8 City of Barstow Housing Element 
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Low Land Costs. As Barstow is not fully built‐out like some cities, land is available, and at a reasonable price compared to other communities. Barstow has a wide city boundary with a low population. Additionally, some sites may not be within a reasonable distance of infrastructure, and utilities, road networks, etc. would need to be extended to the site. Financing Limitations. Financing affordable housing is an expensive proposition, usually requiring multiple private, public, and nonprofit partners. Barstow has been fortunate to have parties interested providing affordable housing for the community, with the conversion of a run‐down, market rate apartment complex renovated and converted to an affordable housing complex by Clifford Beers in association with San Bernardino County, the development of two large‐family affordable apartment complexes that benefit from TCAC, and public housing provided by the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. In addition, two additional TCAC funded apartment complexes are proposed, with at least one likely to be built during this housing cycle. Need for Expanded Partnerships. Public‐private partnerships are the key to addressing the need for affordable housing, including the provision of supporting community services. Partnerships need to be cultivated to not only leverage and maximize limited financial resources, but also to provide additional administrative resources to implement housing programs. As the City is less than 50,000 in population, the City of Barstow is not directly entitled to CDBG through HUD as although incorporated as a city, Barstow is considered rural. The City has joined as a participating city with San Bernardino County in order to be eligible for some CDBG funding, but it is limited in amount, and for what it can be used. Therefore, it is important to partner with other agencies. Recommendation As mentioned above, financing and funding is limited. As a small city, funds are not available, and, it is clear from the August 25, 2014 General Plan Workshop, that the indication is that no additional affordable housing is desired. It is very important that private entities, such as those that utilize TCAC funds as Lanternwoods Apartments has done (Table C‐2, Appendix C) to gain additional financial mechanisms for affordable housing. The City may be able to offer incentives such as reduced prices for city‐owned land or density bonuses, but is otherwise limited. HE‐E‐9 NOISE ELEMENT PURPOSE Noise represents a potential hazard to the City’s residents, business people and visitors. This Element is designed to consider the land use patterns of the Land Use Element in the context of the noise it will generate, and the ambient (prevailing) noise levels in the community. The proper attenuation of noise is particularly critical to assure that the noise environment is controlled as the city grows. The Noise Element describes the current and future noise environment, identifies those areas where noise levels are expected to be unacceptable, and establishes policies and programs designed to reduce these noise levels in the long term. BACKGROUND California law governs the scope and content of Noise Elements. Government Code Section 65032(f) identifies the requirements for the evaluation of the noise environment in a community, while the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) allows jurisdictions to establish standards to determine whether noise levels will have an effect on the environment. In addition, the California Building Code establishes standards for acceptable noise levels inside new buildings. The City of Barstow implements these standards through its Building Department. The Land Use and Circulation Elements have the most direct impact on the Noise Element. The distribution of land uses, and their relationship to noise sources, is critical to the quality of life ofBarstow. Similarly, the number of vehicle trips generated on the City’s roadways, particularly the two interstate highways that traverse the community, along with train traffic along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway, will continue to comprise the primary sources of noise in the community for the foreseeable future. Development in general, and urbanization in particular, typically lead to increased levels of noise in the environment. Excessive noise levels have the potential to contribute to temporary and permanent physical impairments including hearing loss, fatigue, stress, annoyance, and anxiety. In order to prevent noise levels from becoming excessive, standards have been adopted and implemented through this Element to establish maximum acceptable levels of noise for all land uses. Barstow is a generally quiet community that does not have a large portion of its land uses adversely affected by high noise levels. Exceptions to this tendency include lands located in close proximity to Interstates 15 and 40 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway and its classification yard. Although the community does not currently have a significant number of noise‐generating industrial land uses, efforts to attract industrial development may lead to the establishment of new industries that could generate potentially harmful noise levels. To address this concern, lands designated for industrial use have been located as far as practicable from existing residential land uses. In the event that industrial uses are proposed in the vicinity of residences noise analysis accompanied by appropriate mitigation measures shall be required of project applicants. NE‐1 Many communities have noise ordinances designed to regulate excessive noise levels caused by sources such as gas‐powered leaf blowers, motorcycles and off‐road vehicles. These ordinances tend to place limits on the level and duration of noise that are permitted to be generated by such sources. Barstow does not currently have a local noise ordinance; consequently, state statute is relied upon to enforce noise‐related issues. COMMUNITY NOISE ASSESSMENT Noise Rating Terminology Noise levels are calculated on a logarithmic scale in decibels (dB), which is the unit of measurement that describes the amplitude, or strength, of sound. The measurements are weighted and added over a specified time period to reflect not only the magnitude of the sound, but also its duration, frequency and time of occurrence. An increase of 10 decibels indicates a sound energy that is ten times greater, which would be perceived by the human ear as being twice as loud. The most common unit for measuring noise levels is the A‐weighted decibel (dBA) scale, which gives less weight to the very low and high frequency components of sound, as does the human ear, resulting in an accurate correlation to the subjective reactions to noise. The most common sounds measure between 40 dBA (very quiet) and 100 dBA (very loud). A rural night‐time environment typically measures about 25 dBA, while a jet engine measures 105 dBA. Due to the logarithmic nature of the decibel scale, doubling the sound energy of a noise source only increases the decibel rating by 3dBA. Therefore, if the noise generated by one car is 72 dB, another car next to it will only increase the noise level by 3 dB, to 75 dB. A sound must be nearly 10 dBA higher than another sound before the human ear perceives it as being twice as loud. An increase of 3 dB is barely perceptible to most people, and in many cases, an increase of 5 dB must occur for the listener to consider it readily perceptible. Noise control measures should reduce noise by 5 to 10 dBA in most circumstances to effectively lower the perceived sound. Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) Section 46026 of the California Health and Safety Code established a model noise ordinance that can be used by local communities to establish standards for appropriate levels of noise for all types of land uses. The model uses the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), which averages noise levels on a 24 hour basis; the CNEL uses a weighted scale that acknowledges the more sensitive evening and nighttime periods. Because of the decrease in ambient noise levels during the evening and nighttime, sounds appear to be louder, and may be more noticeable as a result. NE‐2 Types of Noise Noise sources can be classified as either “line sources” (such as a busy street) or “point sources” (a commercial air compressor). A number of factors affect noise as it travels through the air, including temperature, wind speed and direction, hard and soft ground surfaces, and intervening vegetation and walls. “Soft site” conditions are those that occur over natural surfaces, such as earth and vegetation, while “hard site” conditions are represented by hard ground surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, and stone. A noise reduction rate of 4.5 dBA per doubling of distance is typically observed in soft site conditions, while a reduction of 3.0 dBA typically occurs in hard site conditions. Generally speaking, increasing the distance between noise‐generating land uses such as roadways and industries and sensitive noise receptors such as schools and residences is one of the most effective means of mitigating adverse noise impacts. From this perspective, it makes sense for planners to designate land uses and primary transportation corridors with the objective of maintaining safe distances between noise generators and sensitive noise receptors. EXISTING NOISE ENVIRONMENT Barstow’s primary noise sources include highways (Interstates 15 and 40 and State Route 58) and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway. Average daily traffic along Interstate 15 ranges from 45,500 to 65,000 vehicles per day, depending upon the roadway segment. Interstate 40 averages 18,000 daily vehicle trips east of highway 15 and State Route 58 carries approximately 12,000 vehicles per day west of Interstate 15. With regard to rail traffic, approximately 90 trains come through Barstow, on average, each day. To assess the existing noise environment and the likely noise impacts associated with development anticipated by the 2020 horizon year of the General Plan the City contracted with Vista Environmental to conduct a detailed community noise analysis. The full report of Vista Environmental is included as an appendix to the General Plan Master Environmental Impact Report. Among the tasks of the noise consultants was to conduct short‐term and 24‐hour field measurements of existing noise levels at various locations throughout the community. Additionally, the noise consultants were charged with mapping noise contours along the city’s main noise generating sources, primarily the highways, principal arterial roadways and railroad. Exhibit N‐1 illustrates these noise contours, indicating the range of properties that lie within areas exposed to potentially harmful levels of noise. As the exhibit illustrates, very few noise‐
sensitive land uses are located within the existing 65 dBA noise contours. Moreover, as indicated by the Land Use Element, it is not anticipated that significant new development will occur within these contours during the duration of the General Plan time horizon. It appears, therefore, as though exposure to hazardous noise levels is and is expected to be minimal throughout the Barstow general plan area. The City’s noise analysts have estimated that adverse impacts from operations‐related noise (i.e. highways, railroads and arterial roadways) are currently minimal and are expected to NE‐3 City Limit
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Exhibit N-1
Existing Noise Contours
remain so throughout the duration of the planning period, as illustrated by Exhibit N‐2, which provides an estimate of noise contours under the growth parameters assumed by the General Plan. Development that is anticipated under the General Plan could, however, result in construction noise that, while temporary in duration, could generate adverse impacts if not properly mitigated. Construction activity can result in varying degrees of ground vibration, depending on the equipment used on the site. Operation of construction equipment causes ground vibrations that spread through the ground and diminish in strength with distance. Buildings in the vicinity of the construction site respond to these vibrations with varying results ranging from no perceptible effects at the low levels to slight damage at the highest levels. Implementation of the General Plan would result in the development of industrial, casino, commercial, and residential uses. This additional development would generate noise during construction activities at locations in close proximity to planned development; this impact would be short‐term and would cease upon completion of construction. The Noise Element includes policies and action strategies designed to mitigate adverse noise impacts associated with the construction of new residential, commercial and industrial land uses. The State of California has established interior and exterior noise standards for various land uses as illustrated in Table N‐1. The goals, policies and strategies contained in the General Plan Noise Element are intended to ensure that these standards are adhered to in considering proposals for new residential, commercial and industrial development under the General Plan. Techniques for mitigating noise impacts encompass project features such as building design, siting of noise‐sensitive uses a safe distance from high noise generators and incorporation of sound walls, landscape berms and other design attributes into proposed development projects. Table N‐1: State of California Interior and Exterior Noise Standards Categories
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Institutional
Open Space
Uses
Single-family, Duplex , Multi-family
Mobile Homes
Hotel, Motel, Transient Lodge
Commercial Retail, Bank, Restaurants
Office Building, R & D, Professional & Government Offices
Amphitheater, Concert Hall, Auditorium, Meeting Hall
Gymnasium (Multipurpose)
Sports Club
Manufacturing, Warehousing, Wholesale, Utilities
Movie Theaters
Hospitals, Schools, Classrooms
Church, Library
Parks and Outdoor Active and Passive Recreation Facilities
NE‐5 CNEL (dBA)
Interior1
Exterior2
3
45
65
-654
45
655
55
-50
-45
-50
-55
-65
-45
-45
65
45
--65
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Exhibit N-2
Year 2020 Noise Contours
Notes:
Indoor environment excluding: bathrooms, toilets, closets, and corridors.
2
Outdoor environment limited to:
Private yard of single-family residence.
Multi-family private patio or balcony which is served by a means of exit from inside.
Mobile home park.
Hospital patio.
Park’s picnic area.
School’s playground.
Hotel and motel recreation area.
3
Noise level requirements with closed windows. Mechanical ventilation or other means of natural ventilation shall be provided
as per Chapter 12, Section 1205 of the Uniform Building Code.
4
Exterior noise level should be such that interior noise level will not exceed 45 dBA CNEL.
5
Except those areas affected by aircraft noise.
Source: California Department of Health, 1976
1
NOISE GOALS, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES GOAL 1: Provide an environment free of potentially hazardous sounds and noise. POLICY 1.A: The City shall adhere to the State of California interior and exterior standards for desirable sound levels in various land use categories as shown in Table N‐1. STRATEGY 1.A.1: For projects that are expected to generate potentially harmful noise levels, conduct noise analyses and prepare projections and incorporate mitigation measures to ensure that exterior noise levels at property lines of sensitive noise receptors (eg. residential, institutional and open space) do not exceed 65 dBA. Responsible Parties: Project applicants in consultation with City planning staff STRATEGY 1.A.2: Endeavor to locate noise‐sensitive land uses outside of the 60‐65 dBA noise contours illustrated on Exhibit N‐1. Responsible Parties: Planning staff, Planning Commission POLICY 1.B: Minimize the exposure of residents and visitors to temporary noise levels that are potentially harmful. STRATEGY 1.B.1: Consider noise impacts and require noise mitigation mechanisms in approving public events that are likely to generate high levels of noise. Responsible Parties: City Council, City Manager or designee STRATEGY 1.B.2: Limit the hours of operation of activities that are likely to generate high noise levels. Responsible Parties: City Council, City Manager or designee NE‐7 GOAL 2: Minimize adverse noise impacts of development anticipated under the General Plan. POLICY 2.A: Proposals for development as well as changes proposed to the Land Use Map shall include consideration of the potential noise impacts associated with such activities. STRATEGY 2.A.1: Residential projects proposed adjacent to any street where the build out noise level at 50 feet from centerline is expected to exceed 65 dBA, as well as commercial and industrial projects proposed adjacent to sensitive receptors, or lands designated for sensitive receptors, including residential, school or hospital sites, shall be required to submit a noise analysis in conjunction with entitlement applications. Responsible Parties: Project applicants
STRATEGY 2.A.2 Minimum requirements for noise analyses for proposed development projects shall be developed and distributed to applicants early in the development review process. Responsible Parties: City planning and building staff POLICY 2.B: Minimize noise and ground vibration associated with project construction. STRATEGY 2.B.1: Exempt construction activities from the operational noise standards set forth in Table N‐1 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and enforce the standards outside of these hours. Responsible Parties: City building and code compliance staff STRATEGY 2.B.2: Pursuant to San Bernardino County Ordinance 87.0910 vibration levels shall be limited to 0.2 inches per second at the property line (or nearest sensitive receptor). Responsible Parties: City building and public works staff NE‐8 RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Introduction Thoughtful planning and resource management will enable the City of Barstow to preserve and enhance the community while assuring that its growth occurs in balance with preservation of open space and natural resources. The Conservation and Open Space Element is intended to provide for the inclusive long‐term preservation and conservation of valuable natural resources and open space located within the General Plan study area. The Element identifies the location of important natural resources including water, minerals, scenic vistas and recreational opportunities and sets forth guidelines for the protection and conservation of such resources. Background Conservation and open space have been integrated into one comprehensive element of the General Plan. The Conservation and Open Space Element meets the State requirements for Conservation and Open Space Elements as defined in Sections 65301(e),65302(d), 65302(e), 65303, 65560, 65561, 65562, 65563, 65564, 65566, and 65567 of the Government Code. 
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According to these requirements, the Conservation Element must contain goals and policies to protect and maintain natural resources such as water, soils, wildlife, and minerals, and prevent wasteful resource exploitation, degradation, and destruction. The Conservation Element must also address the protection of cultural resources, including archaeological resources, historic resources and Native American cultural resources. According to these requirements, the Open Space Element must contain goals and policies to manage open space areas, including undeveloped lands and outdoor recreation areas. Specifically, the Open Space Element must address several open space categories such as those used for the preservation of natural resources and managed production of resources. RC‐1 PURPOSE The purpose of the Conservation and Open Space Element is to provide the public, decision makers and staff members with guidelines and policies for identifying resources that should be preserved, thereby establishing a foundation for preservation of these resources using a variety of tools that will promote conservation and environmental sustainability throughout the Barstow planning area. The Conservation and Open Space Element sets forth policies that focus on the protection and enhancement of open space and natural resources to ensure a high quality living environment in the City of Barstow. With this in mind, the Conservation and Open Space Element is developed to: • Recognize and identify the various natural resources that the City of Barstow possesses. • Acknowledge the value and importance of the natural environment. • Develop policies that promote the conservation of energy, air, water, and natural resources and in doing so enhance the overall quality of life in Barstow. • Promote actions and activities that will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment by adopting sustainable practices and effective waste management. • Ensure long‐term economic, social and environmental vitality by protecting our resources and adopting sustainable practices. • Recognize and highlight the interconnectedness and relationship between the health of our open spaces, wildlife, native vegetation, and ecosystems, and the health of our human environment with regard to air, water, energy consumption and waste management. This Element is divided into the following sections: Water and Air Resources Biological Resources Cultural Resources Mineral and Soil Resources Energy and Sustainable Practices Open Space Goals, Policies and Implementation Strategies WATER AND AIR RESOURCES This section of the Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan addresses water sources, availability, current and future demand, conservation, and water quality as well as the future of the water resources serving the community. A discussion of regional and local water supplies, consumptive demand within the City and Sphere‐of‐Influence, groundwater conservation and protection is also included. RC‐2 The City of Barstow is located within the Mojave River Basin. This water basin is an adjudicated system with the Mojave Water Agency acting as the court appointed Water Master. Mojave Water Agency (MWA) is also the state water contractor for this area. The City is located within the centro sub‐basin of the Mojave River. Mojave Water Agency adopted its Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) in 2014. The IRWMP is a collaborative effort to manage the water resources in the high desert region. The management policies include quality as well as quantity of water available to the citizens of the area. Most of the Planning Area currently receives water from the Golden State Water (GSW) Company. The Golden State Water Company updated its Urban Water Master Plan for the Barstow System in July of 2011. The local water distribution system is in significant need of improvements due to aging and deteriorating lines in the older parts of the planning area, in addition to lines throughout the area that are undersized for meeting current fire flow demands. The undeveloped portions of the City are currently unserved by the system. GSW has indicated, however, that extension of existing water mains will provide future development with access to water resources. Population and household growth between the present and the General Plan horizon year of 2020 will result in marginal increases in water demand. If such growth occurs at the two percent annual rate forecast under the plan the City’s population will increase approximately 10 percent by 2020. Assuming that this growth occurs within homes and developments that are designed for reduced water use (i.e. low‐flow toilets, showers and appliances, xeriscape, etc.) the actual increase in water use likely to occur in association with this new development should be on the order of seven to eight percent. Water distribution is an intricate system that requires maintenance and upgrading as growth occurs. Currently, improvements made to the existing system and the construction of facilities added to the system is financed through water rates charged to customers, augmented by contributions paid by developers. The City requires that:  Water design requirements for new development are subject to the provisions of site plan review by the City of Barstow and approval by Golden State Water.  Water distribution system improvements be constructed prior to or concurrent with future development as required.  All City ordinances or other actions regulating the use of water approved by the City Council are implemented by all new development.  Water conservation measures recommended by the California Department of Water Resources are incorporated in all new or substantially rehabilitated projects as appropriate, including: - Low flush toilets of no greater than 1.6 gallons per flush. - Low flow shower heads. RC‐3 -
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Insulation of hot water lines to provide hot water faster with less water waste and to keep hot pipes from heating cold water pipes. Water pressures greater than 65 pounds per square inch are reduced to less than 65 pounds per square inch by means of a pressure reducing valve. Landscaping with low water consuming or water efficient plants in all projects. Landscaped areas should also be mulched to the maximum extent to reduce evaporation and maintain soil moisture. Installation of efficient irrigation systems that minimize runoff and evaporation, and maximize the water that will reach the plant roots. Drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors and automatic irrigation systems are a few methods to consider in increasing irrigation efficiency, as per existing City policy. Wastewater Treatment, Reclaimed Water and Groundwater Recharge Wastewater typically undergoes two levels of treatment before it is released to percolation ponds and reintroduced into the groundwater table. The treatment and use of reclaimed and recycled water has the potential for reducing the impacts of development on groundwater resources. No reclaimed water or tertiary treated wastewater is currently available to Barstow or the planning area at this time and it is not anticipated that it will become available by the 2020 General Plan horizon year. The existing wastewater collection system consists primarily of vitrified clay pipe and concrete pipe but includes truss, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and cast iron pipe. The oldest portions of the collection system were apparently constructed around 1939. Barstow wastewater treatment facilities have a combined secondary treatment capacity of 4.5 million gallons per day (MGD). The existing treatment facilities include aeration basins and secondary clarifiers. A major renovation and expansion of the existing plant facilities was begun in 2014 and is expected to be completed in 2015. This project will improve the wastewater treatment facilities at the plant, increasing its capacity and thereby enabling the plan to accommodate future planned development. The City is currently (2014) in the process of a comprehensive update to its Capital Improvement Program. This update will identify system‐wide current and future needs and define methods to address those needs. The City requires that:  All new development in its jurisdiction must obtain approval from the City of Barstow prior to occupancy. Evidence of the Barstow Wastewater treatment facility's ability to serve the project site shall be submitted prior to the issuance of building permits.  Implementation of the water conservation measures presented in this document also will reduce per unit sewage flows. STORM WATER The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit (amended from the Clean Water Act, in 1972), established that discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States RC‐4 from any point source is unlawful unless the discharge is in compliance. In 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) provided regulations for storm water discharges associated with construction and land disturbance activities. In addition, the agency incorporated a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Permitting Program, commonly known as MS4‐Phase I for larger cities. By 1999, federal and state permits decreased the construction/land disturbance requirement from five acres to one acre. In 2003, as part of the next phase for the MS4 permit, Phase II provided coverage for smaller municipalities and included non‐traditional Small MS4s (military bases, public campuses, prisons and hospitals). In 2014, the City of Barstow applied for the MS4‐Phase II permit and at present is integrating these requirements into the local storm water management plan. The City of Barstow enforces new projects to adhere to the most current Construction General Permit (CGP). Concurrently, the City of Barstow is establishing Low Impact Development (LID) Standards and Municipal Codes and Enforcement Measures to meet all the water quality requirements of the Phase II MS4. Individual Permits, Industrial Stormwater Management and Non‐Traditional Small MS4 Permits are project specific and are managed by project owners/management and regulated by the assigning jurisdiction(s). Under the CGP: The developer will be required to comply with the latest edition of the California Construction General Permit (CGP). This permit includes the preparation of an Erosion Control Plan and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), submittal of a Notice of Intent (NOI) application, and payment of required fees submitted on the Storm Water Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) online tool. Upon receipt of a Waste Discharge Identification (WDID) Number by the State Water Board, and approval of plans by the requisite City departments, developers may obtain grading or other permits to begin land disturbance activities. Under the MS4 Permit: The City of Barstow will require the developer to comply with City of Barstow Development Standards that incorporate site design with approved Low Impact Development (LID) Standards. The developer shall prepare as part of plan submittal a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) for the proposed project. Upon approval of the WQMP, the project’s Legally Responsible Owner (Land Owner/Development Owner) must sign and record the necessary documents attached to the WQMP. The City of Barstow will require the developer to provide an Erosion Control Plan for all new projects of any size. Plans must include construction waste disposal and recycling measures. New projects that are subject to the Construction General Permit must provide an Erosion Control Plan, prepared in accordance to the CGP as part of plan submittal and review. Erosion Control Plans shall include construction waste disposal and recycling measures. The city reviewer may request a copy of the SWPPP for clarification. Review intensions are for best management practices (BMP) suitability only, and it will remain the responsibility of the signing RC‐5 Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) and Legally Responsible Person (LRP)/Owner for adequacy and compliance. The developer will be required to provide a WDID number issued by the State Water Board to obtain final city approval and issuance of grading and building permits, or other forms of notices to proceed. The developer must agree to provide access to the city appointed Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) or Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) to the project site and its surrounding areas during normal construction hours and activities. The city appointed QSD or QSP will conduct a city designed Best Management Practices (BMPs) Inspection, without notice or scheduled arrival. Non‐compliance issues will be handled according to severity, and per the CGP/MS4 requirements, Lahontan Regional Water Control Board, state and federal regulations. Flooding Barstow is situated on alluvial deposits dissected by numerous small intermittent streams. The primary hydrologic feature within the planning area is the Mojave River which originates in the San Bernardino Mountains. The River flows in a northeasterly direction finally emptying into Soda Lake. The flow of the Mojave River is seasonal though it carries discharges from Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake, and Mojave Forks Reservoir. Local hydrology consists of small intermittent streams draining the hills located to the north and south of the City and emptying into the Mojave River. Water reaching the Mojave River is carried eastward out of the City limits. The highest elevation within the corporate limits is 2,720 feet, located near Barstow College. The lowest point of the City is 2,069 feet in the flowline of the Mojave River to the northeast. Elevations for most of the developed area of the City range from 2,100 to 2,400 feet. The Mojave River is typical of major Southern California drainage courses. The drainage area is 1,290 square miles and has the potential of carrying large discharges, generated from major storms, although it is a dry sand wash most of the time. This apparent lack of water has resulted in a dangerous condition with development occurring in the flood plain without the realization of the flood potential. Recent major floods occurred in 1969, 1982 and 1993, all of which caused flooding of the residential area along Crooks Avenue adjacent to the Mojave River. The Flood Insurance Study performed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in August of 2008 and updated in September of 2014, identified the principal flooding problems affecting the City. The Study indicated that flood water from the Mojave River had the greatest potential for causing flood‐related damage to the City. The Study also stated a similar situation exists for several channels that direct flows from the adjacent hillsides into the Mojave River. The City of Barstow contains flood plain areas, identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), indicating that several areas of the City subject to 100‐year floods including: the Mojave River Channel, the Lenwood area, and the southeastern section of South Barstow. The National Flood Insurance Program has identified and mapped those areas of the RC‐6 City that are at risk due to periodic flooding. The Flood Insurance Rating Map (FIRM), Exhibit RC‐1, shows areas designated for flood insurance and flood plain management applications. Flood zone designations indicated on the map refer to specific areas which may be subject to flooding, based on engineering and hydrologic studies. The map identifies 100‐year (1% annual chance or base flood) and 500‐year (0.2% annual chance) flood plains, floodways, location of selected cross‐sections used in the hydrologic studies, and the anticipated flood‐water depths. The following flood zone designations are found on the Flood Insurance Rate Map produced for the City of Barstow: Zone A: Areas subject to flooding in the event of a 100‐year flood though Base Flood Elevations and flood hazard factors have not been determined. Zone AE: Areas subject to flooding in the event of a 100‐year flood, Base Flood Elevations determined Zone AO: Areas subject to shallow flooding (one to three feet) in the event of a 100‐
year storm. Zone X (shaded): Areas subject to flooding in the event of a 500‐year (0.2% annual chance) flood; areas subject to a 100‐year flood (1% annual chance) with average flood‐water depths anticipated to be less than one foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile; or areas protected from the base flood by levees. Zone X (unshaded): Areas determined to be outside the 500‐year (0.2% annual chance) floodplain. Storm Drains The City’s storm drainage system is shown on Exhibit RC‐2.The Barstow Master Plan of Drainage, addresses drainage problems in the City, and recommends a master drainage system to resolve these problems. The plan shows new drainage facilities in areas that are subject to damage due to the flood waters of a 100‐year flood. These facilities will not entirely resolve flooding issues, because other problems exist in areas that carry much less than the amount of flood water that necessitate localized facilities. A development program that includes small, localized facilities along with curbed streets will help solve these localized flooding problems that are not addressed by the City's Master Plan. Flood control measures have recently been completed and are currently being addressed in the City’s comprehensive Capital Improvement Program update. Additional development within the planning area will increase runoff which in turn may impact the carrying capacity of existing storm drain facilities. These facilities could be significantly affected, due to the construction of additional impervious surface improvements. Future projects will be required to address the increase in runoff flows due to their development. RC‐7 Match Line
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Flood Insurance Rating Map (FIRM)
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100 Year Flood Zones
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Storm Drainage Facilities
Source: San Bernardino County GIMS - Public Works 2014
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The City requires that: 
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Development design shall include measures to ensure adequate drainage, including construction of open or closed conveyance structures. Development projects of more than 1 acre must obtain an NPDES General Construction Stormwater Permit by submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the State Water Resources Control Board before beginning construction. New development or significant rehabilitation is required to pay impact fees in accordance with the City's drainage impact fee program. New development is required to submit a preliminary hydrology/drainage study encompassing both off‐site and on‐site drainage at the time of initial submittal of plans to the city for review. The study shall be performed in accordance with the latest version of the San Bernardino County Hydrology Manual and any addenda. Rainfall data shall be obtained from the latest version of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service Atlas. Hydrological soil properties shall be mapped and obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Web Soil Survey. The study shall be provided to the Engineering Department of the City of Barstow for review and comments that may affect site development. Site development shall incorporate Low Impact Development practices and shall comply with all hydrological conditions required by the Engineering and Planning Departments of the City. AIR QUALITY The City’s location within the Mojave Desert has allowed its residents to enjoy clear skies and favorable weather conditions due to the elevation, prevailing winds and distance to more densely developed cities. Smog, contaminants and other Impacts to healthy air quality are not as prevalent in the City as they are in cities below the Cajon Pass. Strategies including incorporation of design features into new development, businesses and minimizing fugitive dust generation will help reduce air quality impacts and enhance the desired livability of the City. The City is located within the Mojave Desert Air Basin, an assemblage of mountain ranges and valleys with a geographic area that incorporates most of San Bernardino County, and parts of Los Angeles County, Kern County and Riverside County. The San Gabriel Mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains separate the Mojave Desert Air Basin from the San Bernardino Valley and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The Mojave Desert Air Basin is a “non‐attainment” area for federal and state air quality standards for ozone and state standards for particulate matter less than 10 microns and 2.5 microns in diameter (PM10 & PM2.5) excluding some areas in the western portions of the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District. Additionally, because Barstow exceeded state and/or federal standards for ozone and nitrogen dioxide for several days in 2012 the City is defined by law as a nonattainment area for these pollutants as well. RC‐10 The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD), regulates air quality improvement programs within the basin, and works to improve regional air quality to achieve federal and state standards. The District comments on all air quality and related matters within its jurisdiction, and provide comments regarding air quality impacts from projects. The City has continued to work with the MDAQMD and in accordance with the applicable Air Quality Management Plan to improve regional air quality. The City’s air quality is largely impacted by significant concentrations of ozone and particulate matter. Local air quality is determined by the type and amount of contaminants emitted into the atmosphere, the size and topography of the air basin and weather conditions particularly, wind speed and direction. Ozone and particulate matter monitors located in the City reveal both contaminants exceeding federal and state ambient air quality standards, although ozone concentrations have decreased over the years. However, it has been recognized by the California Air Resources Board that these ozone concentrations are largely influenced by prevailing winds transporting ozone from other downwind regional sources and affecting local readings. Photochemical ozone modeling conducted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and California Air Resources Board indicates that the basin would be in compliance of standards without the influence of the transported air pollution from other upwind regions. Particulate matter concentrations have fluctuated historically but the annual average concentrations are generally over the state standards. The City is impacted significantly by fugitive dust primarily from unpaved roads, construction activities, and local disturbed areas. These particulates can have an adverse impact on sensitive receptors in the population including children, the elderly, persons with respiratory or cardiovascular illness, and people exercising outdoors. Primary sources of air pollution within the City include, but are not limited to: 
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Vehicles idling in heavy traffic congestion, such as those crawling along the freeways during peak hours of the day, which contribute to excessive exhaust Common sources of fine particulate matter, PM10 & PM 2.5, including road dust, construction activity, grading, and fireplaces Other sources of air pollution such as auto repair businesses, dry cleaners, and businesses that regularly use chemical solvents. The City contains several logistics and warehousing uses that have heavy trucking operations. However, the local air quality conditions result largely from sources outside the immediate area, as prevailing winds carry air pollution from the valleys south of the Cajon Pass and west of the Tehachapi Mountains. The City has recently adopted a local alternative energy ordinance that will encourage and facilitate production of clean energy for local homes and businesses. The implementation of these renewable energy sources in residential, commercial, and industrial developments will lessen the City’s energy consumption, thereby decreasing the amount of air pollutants generated. In addition, the utilization of recycling programs in the City will further reduce air pollutant emissions because new products will not have to be produced. RC‐11 A Climate Action Plan is proposed for adoption by the City sometime after the adoption of the General Plan Update which will further address reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. Additional information concerning local air quality and greenhouse gases can be found in the technical reports that are included as attachments to the General Plan Master Environmental Impact Report. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES A map of biologically sensitive areas is presented as Exhibit RC‐3 and a table describing the process for assessing biological resources in relation to development is presented as Table RC‐
1. Conservation of unique and valuable habitat is increasingly important due to the number of federally listed species in the region. West Mojave Habitat Conservation Plan The West Mojave Conservation Plan was developed by the Bureau of Land Management and is the largest habitat conservation plan ever developed in the United States, encompassing 9.3 million acres of land within San Bernardino (including Apple Valley), Kern, Los Angeles, and Inyo counties. This plan provides a comprehensive strategy to conserve and protect state and federally listed species, as well as other special status species and their habitats. Conservation of lands for specifically covered species, like the Desert Tortoise, Mohave Ground Squirrel, Le Conte’s Thrasher, Burrowing Owl, etc., is mandated in the framework of this plan. The approved West Mojave HCP is currently only applicable to federal lands. The private lands HCP will have a significantly reduced scope when compared to the federally adopted West Mojave HCP. Habitat Protection Habitat protection, along with land conservation and ecosystem management, provides for maximum biological diversity, ensuring the long‐term protection of all species. Over the last few years, advances in the field of conservation biology have given rise to a new discipline of restoration ecology, which seeks to repair or reconstruct ecosystems that have been damaged by human or natural forces. Restoration of degraded natural communities is an important factor in reversing habitat loss and improving wildlife diversity and ecosystem functions. However, the preservation of intact environmental systems, natural communities, and habitats before they are degraded provides greater surety that these values do not have to be eventually recreated at a greater cost to the City. An important element in habitat preservation and restoration is the connectivity of that habitat with the greater ecological system. Habitat fragmentation is a severe threat to species survival. Fragmentation of natural communities results in an overall decrease in habitat and creates isolated pockets of natural land surrounded by human impacted areas. Habitat fragmentation leads to smaller populations with less genetic diversity, and reduced biodiversity. Ecosystems become unstable when fragmented and may result in negative changes, including increased predators, competitors and parasites. Due to urbanization and human population growth, habitat fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to species and the ecosystems upon which they rely. RC‐12 TABLE RC‐1 –BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE PROCESS FLOW CHART RC‐13 0
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Biology Sensitivity
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Habitat Connectivity Providing an interconnected network with established corridors is crucial in minimizing biodiversity losses due to fragmentation. The City of Barstow and the Sphere of Influence contain areas of valuable habitat that support special status species. Wildlife corridors and designated special habitat areas should be preserved as open space, require species specific surveys for other land uses, and/or provide mitigation, if impacted. The City will apply standards set forth in the CEQA Guidelines for projects within or adjacent to wildlife corridors and special habitat areas. The Mojave River corridor is an important linkage area within the central portion of the City and Sphere of Influence in that it links a number of natural communities within the planning area. Washes also can serve as important corridors for movement. CULTURAL RESOURCES The Barstow Planning Area has a rich heritage stretching back to prehistoric times. An important component of the General Plan is the enhancement and preservation of this heritage. Exhibit RC‐5 defines areas that have been the subject of cultural evaluations, as well as areas requiring additional study should they be significantly impacted by future development. RC‐15 TABLE RC‐2 – CULTURAL RESOURCE PROCESS FLOW CHART RC‐16 0
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Cultural Resource Sensitivity
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Area has been surveyed and is not considered culturally sensitive. No further work necessary.
MINERAL AND SOIL RESOURCES To protect community infrastructure and agricultural uses, conservation of specific soil types is necessary. The identification of soil types can assist in developing programs to conserve soils and protect prime agricultural lands. Although no significant agricultural lands occur within the City limits, preservation of these resources occurring in the Sphere of Influence will assure that agricultural productivity does not decline and the rural character of the City and vicinity are preserved. Mineral resources are naturally occurring deposits that are considered useful in the production of materials. The only mineral resources actively exploited today are limestone and aggregate deposits, although there was extensive mining activity conducted between 1870 and 1900, and again in the 1930's. The region surrounding the planning area contains several notable mineral deposits. These notable mineral deposits are located north of Barstow in the Waterman Hills, northeast in the Calico Mountains, and southeast in the Newberry Mountains. Many of these mineral deposits, except for rock hounding, are presently uneconomical to develop and extract. The only mineral resource identified by the State Department of Mines and Geology and actively being utilized within the Barstow Planning Area is aggregate for the manufacture of concrete. The study area is covered by the Department of Conservation’s 2006 Geological Survey, “Aggregate Availability in California,” under the heading of Barstow Victorville P‐C Region which contains 133 million tons of permitted aggregate resources as of January 1st, 2006. In Barstow, the Mineral Resource Zones (MRZ) where significant mineral resources have been determined or inferred to be present are located primarily along the Mojave River and south of U.S. I‐40. Most of the City, as well as the annexation areas, have been mapped within MRZs containing known mineral deposits of undetermined significance. ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES Conservation of natural energy resources is a priority, both nationally and locally. Measures which result in the conservation of energy can be divided into three major categories: (1) incorporation of energy conserving features in new construction, (2) installation of energy conserving features into existing structures, and (3) residents practicing energy conserving measures. Most of the features which can be incorporated into new construction can also be installed in existing units. Electricity for the City is provided by Southern California Edison (SCE). Currently sixteen percent of the total energy produced by the company comes from renewable resources. The remaining sources include natural gas, and fossil fuels. Natural gas is provided for the City by Southwest Gas Corporation (SGC). SGC purchases its natural gas from a variety of sources and distributes and sells it throughout California, Nevada and Arizona. Both SCE and SGC have established numerous programs and incentives to encourage and assist their customers in the efficient use of energy resources to help preserve and conserve the natural resources each uses in the production of their product. RC‐18 While local, state and federal agencies work with energy producers to regulate the consumption of natural resources, it is the responsibility of the City to encourage its residents to conserve these resources by managing energy consumption. Implementing conservation methods, including the use of “green” building principles provides the City with opportunities to create well developed and designed structures that conserve resources, and are consistent with the state laws regulating greenhouse gas emissions. GREEN BUILDING AND DESIGN The City promotes energy efficiency by encouraging conservation measures. Another opportunity to reduce energy consumption within the City is through green building and design. Buildings utilize a large amount of energy and resources. Transforming the way buildings are designed, built, and operated can contribute to reductions in air pollution, water pollution, solid waste, and energy, as well as preserve natural resources and habitats. Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource‐efficient throughout a building's life‐cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. Green buildings provide optimal building performance and efficiency that reduces long‐term operation costs, while providing healthier environments for users. The U.S. Green Building Council promotes a whole‐building approach to sustainability through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program. LEED recognizes performance in the following areas:  Sustainable Sites. Development of sustainable sites discourages development on previously undeveloped land; minimizes a building's impact on ecosystems and waterways; encourages regionally appropriate landscaping; rewards smart transportation choices; controls stormwater runoff; and reduces erosion, light pollution, heat island effect and construction‐related pollution.  Water Efficiency. Encourages smarter use of water, inside and out. Water reduction is typically achieved through more efficient appliances, fixtures and fittings inside and water‐wise landscaping outside.  Energy and Atmosphere. Encourages a wide variety of energy strategies: commissioning; energy use monitoring; efficient design and construction; efficient appliances, systems and lighting; the use of renewable and clean sources of energy, generated on‐site or offsite; and other innovative strategies.  Materials and Resources. Encourages the selection of sustainably grown, harvested, produced and transported products and materials. It promotes the reduction of waste as well as reuse and recycling, and it takes into account the reduction of waste at a product’s source.  Indoor Environmental Quality. Promotes strategies that can improve indoor air as well as providing access to natural daylight and views and improving acoustics.  Locations and Linkages. Encourages homes being built away from environmentally sensitive places and instead being built in infill, previously developed and other preferable sites. Homes should be built near already‐existing infrastructure, community RC‐19 
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resources, and transit. It encourages access to open space for walking, physical activity, and time spent outdoors. Awareness and Education. Encourages home builders and real estate professionals to provide homeowners, tenants and building managers with the education and tools they need to understand what makes their home green and how to make the most of those features. Innovation in Design. Encourages the use of new and innovative technologies and strategies to improve a building’s performance well beyond what is required in green building considerations. Although LEED certification of buildings is neither required nor formally encouraged by the City of Barstow, the principles enunciated in the certification guidelines provide a valuable resource for local planners and builders seeking to design and construct projects in an environmentally sensitive manner. SOLID WASTE The City of Barstow maintains a contract for solid waste and recycling services with Burrtec Waste Industries. Burrtec collects solid waste, including nonhazardous industrial waste, from Barstow and transports it approximately 5 miles to the Barstow landfill located to the South of the City. The landfill is part of the San Bernardino County landfill system. In 2013, the City generated 5,302.48 tons of residential waste, 3,480.57 tons of multi‐family unit waste, and 6,113.60 tons of commercial waste. The County’s landfill located within the City’s sphere of influence is where the material is hauled under a Waste Disposal Agreement with the county for all of the controllable waste in our City limits. This agreement will expire June 30, 2016. The county landfill system is comprised of 6 landfills, 8 transfer stations, 4 limited volume community collection centers and 32 inactive/closed sites. The County landfill system is experiencing an unprecedented loss in revenue within the system. Although the Barstow Landfill has capacity until 2071, the current rate structure is not designed for sustainability. With the State requiring more material to be removed from the waste stream through AB 32, AB 341 and now AB 1826; there is going to be a shortfall in future revenues as well. At some point there will be a need for a rate increase to cover this revenue shortfall in order for it to remain cost‐effective to operate the local landfill and avoid the possibility that there will not be an open landfill within a 40 mile radius. Hauling the material will be costly and these costs will be borne by our ratepayers. The City has an aggressive recycling/composting program which is used to cover the costs of diversion. When the markets are good, the dollar value is increased. As the mandatory composting of all organic material is implemented in the coming years, it will be imperative for the City to find alternatives for hauling the waste material 40 plus miles for disposal. The need for viable, practical and compliant programs is needed now more than ever. RC‐20 The City’s Solid Waste Department coordinates and facilitates household hazardous waste disposal. Under the authority of the County Fire Department’s Household Hazardous Waste program, the City operates a collection center located at the City’s Public Works Yard at 900 Avenue H. Materials accepted for disposal at this location include pesticides, wood preservatives and solvents, automobile batteries, and small electronic items such as television sets and computer monitors, as well as other materials. The center is open the first and third Saturdays of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Approved County contractors categorize, sort, pack and haul wastes to approved facilities. Wastes are processed and packaged for off‐
site recycling or incineration, as applicable. Oil filters, oil, latex paint, antifreeze and batteries are among those items that are further recycled. Small‐scale generators of industrial hazardous wastes qualify for the County’s "Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators" (CESQGs) program. To qualify for the program, a business must generate less than 27 gallons or 220 pounds of hazardous waste, or 2.2 pounds of extremely hazardous waste, on a monthly basis. The San Bernardino County Fire Department will collect hazardous waste, or businesses can deliver waste to the County’s collection facility, if such delivery can be accomplished safely and in compliance with all regulatory requirements. Wastes are then transported to a state‐permitted processing facility located in San Bernardino and further recycled or incinerated. Hazardous waste from businesses that generate more than the threshold amounts is collected by private contractors for disposal by County‐approved hazardous waste disposal firms in accordance with state and federal regulations for such waste. Municipalities in California are required, in accordance with the California Waste Management Act (AB 939), to reduce the amount of waste that is transported to landfills by 50 percent, as of year 2000. The City’s recycling programs are responsive to AB 939. Individuals also have the option of participating through private recycling operators. OPEN SPACE Open space land is generally defined as any parcel or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved, vacant, or devoted to an open space use. Such lands are designated for the preservation of natural resources, including plant and animal species; for passive recreational uses (i.e. low‐intensity such as walking trails); or for the production of resources, including agricultural production and mineral extraction. There are two categories of Open Space Land Use listed in the Land Use Element. The first is Resource Conservation Open Space (ROS). ROS is for the most part government land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This property is unlikely to be developed due to habitat designation or public use concerns. The second open space land use designation is Interim Open Space/Resource Conservation (IOS). IOS categorized land is both privately held and government land which is unlikely to develop within the period of the General Plan due to the lack of infrastructure and/or market demand. Open Space is also represented by Public Facilities (PF) where parks or fields are managed by the City or the school district. RC‐21 The City of Barstow currently has 76,656 acres designated as open space within the City and Sphere of Influence. These facilities include washes, bluffs, the Mojave River, parks, OHV trails, and nearby regional recreation opportunities. These facilities provide for four significant open space purposes:  Preservation Of Natural Resources  Resource Management  Recreation  Public Health and Safety. Some open space or park facilities are shown under the Public Facilities land use designation. This property is mostly government owned (typically local & state owned), set aside for recreation. Recreation and outdoor activity of all sorts is very important to the health and wellbeing of the population. Many of the recreational resources within the City are not under the City’s direct control (i.e. shared facilities associated with the schools, BLM and Flood Control). The shared facilities are maintained by the associated agencies. The City of Barstow has a system of parks which range from neighborhood to City wide park facilities. Exhibit RC‐6 (Recreation Plan Map) shows the existing parks and areas with various levels of recreational opportunities. The City of Barstow’s Park and Recreation Department is responsible for park and facilities planning, development, and maintenance within the general plan planning area. The existing park facilities were found to adequately serve community needs, based on commonly used National Recreational and Parks Association standards. In addition, the Parks Department provides an extensive recreation program. Future planned residential development in areas currently undeveloped may include additional park facilities and an expansion of recreational programs, if present levels of service and standards are to be maintained. RC‐22 Match Line
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Exhibit RC-5
Open Space
Legend
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Sphere of Influence
INTERIM OPEN SPACE/
(IOS/ROS)
MOJAVE RIVER AND FLOOD CONTROL
OPEN SPACE (MFOS)
OPEN SPACE (ROS)
PIPELINE OPEN SPACE (POS)
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Recreation Plan Map
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Sphere of Influence
Schools and Parks
Off Road Vehicle (OHV) Area
GOALS AND POLICIES GOAL 1: Ensure protection of water quality and quantity for the community by working in cooperation with all water purveyors in the area to preserve, augment, capture and purify all waters in the Mojave River system. POLICY 1 A: Ensure a water supply system capable of meeting normal and emergency demand through cooperation between the City and water purveyors. STRATEGY 1.A.1 Encourage Golden State to continually to monitor water quality within the Planning Area and to notify the City on an on‐going basis of its findings. STRATEGY 1.A.2 With input from the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, Mojave Water Agency and the local water purveyor(s), annually evaluate all aspects of the potable water supply, ensure that it is adequate, and alert the legislative body of any abnormalities immediately. POLICY 1 B: Ensure protection of water quality and quantity for the community by working in cooperation with all water purveyors in the area to preserve, augment, capture and purify all waters in the Mojave River system. STRATEGY 1.B.1 Crops which utilize large quantities of water (e.g. alfalfa, barley, etc.) shall be discouraged, unless reclaimed water can be utilized as the water source. STRATEGY 1.B.2 Encourage upgrading of all sewer treatment plants (municipal or otherwise) located along the Mojave River drainage system to provide tertiary treatment to all waters entering the system. POLICY 1 C: Strive to ensure that adequate water remains available to the community in order to maintain continued growth. STRATEGY 1.C.1 Cooperate with the Mojave Water Agency, San Bernardino County Flood Control District and any other resource agency to consider long term improvements (including long‐term maintenance) within the Mojave River corridor (dry areas only) which would capture storm run‐off, allowing percolation into the aquifer rather than running across the top layer and into the Caves Basin. STRATEGY 1.C.2 Support other agencies in eliminating all sources of pollution which may contaminate water quality in the Mojave River system. STRATEGY 1.C.3 Encourage the use of xeriscape landscaping and plantings throughout the City and as an integral part of all landscape related guidelines, policies, RC‐25 procedures, plans and programs within the City’s control. This shall include development reviews and encouragement to local businesses, especially nurseries. STRATEGY 1.C.4 POLICY 1 D: New development located outside areas served by existing infrastructure shall be required to provide all services (e.g. sewer, roads, etc.) without creating a burden on the existing system. Coordinate efforts with other agencies to ensure that all property owners within Barstow’s Sphere of Influence have adequate sewer and water facilities. STRATEGY 1.D.1 Utilize and oversee compliance with the Sewer Master Plan. STRATEGY 1.D.2 Encourage the use of “gray‐water” to the greatest extent possible and for the widest potential range of uses. POLICY 1 E: Maintain a storm drainage system adequate to protect the lives and property of Barstow residents. STRATEGY 1.E.1 Periodically evaluate the size and condition of the storm drainage system to ensure its ability to handle expected storm runoff. STRATEGY 1.E.2 Evaluate the impact of all new development and expansion of existing facilities on storm runoff and ensure that the cost of upgrading existing drainage facilities to handle the additional runoff, and maintenance thereof, is paid for by the development which generates it. STRATEGY 1.E.3 All designs for new development are required to comply with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit and Waste Discharge Requirements for Lahontan Region and San Bernardino County. The Developer will be required to prepare and submit for approval of a construction activities erosion control plan to include waste disposal and construction recycling methods. In addition, the developer shall obtain any necessary General Permits for storm water discharge associated with construction and land disturbance activities from the State Water Resources Control Board. A Water Discharge Identification Number (WDID #) from the State Water Resources Control Board shall be provided to the City prior to issuance of a grading or other city issued building permits. RC‐26 GOAL 2: Policy 2 A: Ensure protection of air quality by reducing air pollution and emissions of pollutants. Work with the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District, San Bernardino Association of Governments, San Bernardino County and neighboring jurisdictions to implement the federal ozone and PM10 & PM 2.5 non‐
attainment plans and meet federal state air quality standards and reduce overall emissions from mobile and stationary sources. STRATEGY 2.A.1 STRATEGY 2.A.2 STRATEGY 2.A.3: STRATEGY 2.A.4: STRATEGY 2.A.5: STRATEGY 2.A.6: STRATEGY 2.A.7 Implement measures to reduce fugitive dust from unpaved areas, parking lots, and construction sites. Implement measures to reduce exhaust emissions from construction equipment. Limit new sensitive receptor land uses in proximity to significant sources of air pollution. Review discretionary land use applications for residential uses for potential objectionable odor impacts in proximity to potential significant sources of odors. Require an air quality impact analysis using the methods promulgated by the District for all projects that are subject to CEQA review and which meet or exceed District emissions thresholds. Ensure that air quality impacts identified during CEQA review are consistently and fairly mitigated. Encourage developers to propose innovative measures to reduce air quality impacts, such as bike path and trail systems to facilitate non‐
vehicular transportation. Implement air quality mitigation measures 3.3.1 ‐ 3.3.15 of the 2015‐
2020 General Plan Master EIR and monitor these measures on an annual basis. POLICY 2 B: Public Facilities and Operations ‐ Local government should take a leadership role in reducing the emissions from its own vehicle fleet as a model for the private sector. STRATEGY 2.B.1: Replace or convert City conventional fuel vehicles with clean fuel vehicles as feasible. RC‐27 STRATEGY 2.B.2: Enact local ordinances to promote clean technologies. GOAL 3: Seek to preserve biological resources within the Planning Area. POLICY 3 A: Conserve suitable habitat for threatened and endangered species found in the region and facilitate mitigation of impacts where unavoidable. STRATEGY 3.A.1: Perform site‐specific studies prior to development activities to determine the precise mitigation necessary to preserve and enhance biological resources, with particular attention given to the preservation of areas identified as having a high biological significance and sensitivity. STRATEGY 3.A.2: Establish corridors for the movement of wildlife between the established Desert Wildlife Management Areas (USFWS 1994a) and Desert Tortoise Critical Habitat (USFWS 1994b). STRATEGY 3.A.3: Strive to maintain native riparian and associated natural habitats along the Mojave River. When applicable, require a US Army Corps of Engineers 404 Permit. STRATEGY 3.A.4: Maintain the Mojave River as a travel and watershed corridor, retaining the link between natural areas to the north and south of Barstow. GOAL 4: Strive to preserve and protect important features and sites (historic, archaeological and paleontological), as defined under this Element’s Cultural Resources Management Plan, from degradation or destruction. POLICY 4 A: The City shall encourage efforts to collect and preserve available local historical resources. STRATEGY 4.A.1: The City shall help coordinate the efforts of interested groups and organizations concerning areas of historical importance in Barstow. STRATEGY 4.A.2: The City shall make every effort to preserve all historical landmarks as identified by the State of California, Federal Government and/or the County of San Bernardino. STRATEGY 4.A.3: The City shall preserve and protect, to the greatest extent possible, archaeological and paleontological sites and features. STRATEGY 4.A.4 For development in areas of identified archaeological sensitivity, a certified archaeologist and a culturally affiliated Native American with knowledge of cultural resources shall monitor all ground‐disturbing activities. RC‐28 GOAL 5: POLICY 5 A: Adhere to the environmental assessment process required under CEQA to communicate with other agencies and the public on the air quality impacts of development within the community. Communication of the impact of development on environmental quality with the impacted state and federal agencies as well as the general public in a clear and concise manner. STRATEGY 5.A.1: STRATEGY 5.A.2: Goal: 6: Policy 6.A Geographic information systems (GIS) can allow planners and decision makers to more easily visualize and understand the complex interactions created when land uses and circulation are changed. The City will, therefore support investment in cost‐effective modeling and geographic information system (GIS) technology. Continue to support and work collaboratively with programs that educate the public on environmental quality issues.. Provide programs and incentives to encourage residents, businesses and developers to reduce consumption and efficiently use energy resources. Educate the development community with regard to green building principles and other strategies for conserving natural resources. STRATEGY 6.A.1 STRATEGY 6.A.2 STRATEGY 6.A.3 STRATEGY 6.A.4 STRATEGY 6.A.5 STRATEGY 6.A.6 Informally encourage the use of green building standards and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or similar programs in both private and public projects. Educate the public about energy conservation techniques. Reduce energy consumption in both existing and future developments by coordinating with the local energy provider to develop policies and procedures for energy conservation. Encourage residents and businesses to utilize the incentives provided by local energy providers to retrofit their buildings and businesses for energy efficiency and conservation. Continue the existing recycling program and utilization of the material recovery facility program while exploring additional methods of reducing waste. Incentivize businesses that provide solutions for recycling and re‐use of specific waste streams such as food waste and cooking oils.. RC‐29 Strategy 6.A.7. GOAL 7: POLICY 7 A: Work with all interested parties, as appropriate, to implement a community‐wide food scrap collection and composting program. Recognize the Planning Areas’ unique desert environment through the integration of various natural features and open space areas with development. Enhance existing circulation corridors that tie outlying development to the community while establishing new linkages and implementing streetscape concepts geared toward creating a unified design theme for the City. STRATEGY 7.A.1: STRATEGY 7.A.2: STRATEGY 7.a.3: STRATEGY 7.A.4: STRATEGY 7.A.5: Work with the utility companies owning large "cross‐town" easements to ensure that these areas remain as open space for recreation, circulation, etc. Work with the Mojave Water Agency and all applicable County, State and Federal governmental agencies to compile a multiple use recreation plan. The plan shall address potential improvements, implementation time frames, cost estimates and possible funding sources. Consider acquiring open space for habitat preservation and possible mitigation of biological resource impacts of development elsewhere in the City. Utilize the Interim open space designation to guide the timing and pattern of future development so as to limit leapfrog development and urban sprawl. Interconnecting areas for pedestrian, bicycle and alternative transportation trails shall be provided throughout the City. RC‐30 SAFETY ELEMENT Purpose The Safety Element sets forth goals, policies and strategies geared toward ensuring the safety of City residents and visitors to the community. Provision of public safety services is addressed, as well as the need for community preparedness in the event of an emergency. Background Government Code Section 65302(g) and Public Resources Code 4125(a). Government Code Section 65302(g) requires that a Safety Element or its equivalent be included in the General Plan to address measures necessary to protect the community from risks related to fire and other hazards and threats. Factors that affect the provision of fire and police services include distribution and intensity of land uses, accessibility and emergency response coordination. Consequently, the Safety Element relates directly to a number of other general plan elements, most notably Land Use, Circulation, Open Space and Conservation. Police and Fire Protection As communities grow, the provision of police and fire protection services are important to the ongoing safety of community residents and visitors. The City of Barstow oversees the Police Department as well as administering the Barstow Fire Protection District. Unincorporated areas in the vicinity of Barstow are served by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office. The Barstow Police Department has a total of 37 sworn positions and 18 unsworn positions for a total of 55 personnel. The sworn positions include one Chief, 1 Lieutenant, 5 Sergeants, 7 Detective/Corporals, and 23Patrol Officers; while the unsworn positions include 10 Public Safety Dispatchers, one Senior Administrative Assistant, one Police Services Supervisor, 4 Police Services Assistants, one Senior Crime Scene/Evidence Technician, and one Crime Scene/Evidence Technician. The Police Department is organized into two main divisions: Operations and Administrative. The Police Department equipment inventory includes 15 marked patrol cars, 11 unmarked vehicles, one crime scene van, one armored vehicle, one SWAT van, one Citizen on Patrol SUV, one marked police truck and two marked police on/off‐
road motorcycles. The Barstow Fire Protection District is a combination department consisting of full‐time and paid‐call firefighters. Currently the Fire District has 26 full time personnel, 1 Fire Chief, 6 Captains, 6 Engineers, 3 Firefighters, 6 Firefighter‐Paramedics, 3 Limited Term Firefighters, and one Office Assistant (non‐sworn). The paid‐call staff fluctuates but currently includes 18 members that respond as needed. Currently the District operates with three different shifts; SE‐1 the Fire Chief works a 9/80 schedule and responds off‐duty as needed. The district operates 2 full‐time paramedic engine companies and 1 paramedic squad. The paid‐call members operate an engine, truck‐ company and a water tender. In additions, the District owns 3 staff vehicles. With regard to demand for police and fire services, the Barstow Police Department handled 31,695 calls for service in 2013, of which 16.9% were for Priority 1 police services (including assaults and robberies) and 19% were Priority 2 calls, including petty theft and vandalism. The Department made2725 arrests and issued 2341 citations The average Police Department response time for Priority 1 calls was 7 minutes and 32 seconds. The response times for the Barstow Fire Protection vary depending on the area served. The goal is to be en‐route to an incident within one 1 minute 30 seconds, with an overall time of a few seconds near the stations to over 9 minutes to the most remote areas. Historically, police and fire departments have utilized standards such as the number of officers per 1,000 residents as a means of measuring the adequacy of police and fire services. Increasingly, however, many experts have called into question the relevance and applicability of such arbitrary standards. Joseph Brann, the first Director of the Community Oriented Police Service (COPS) Office and retired chief of police in Haywood, California wrote in “Officer’s per Thousand and other Urban Myths” appearing in ICMA’s PM Magazine, “A key resource is discretionary patrol time, or the time available for officers to make self‐initiated stops, advise a victim in how to prevent the next crime, or call property owners, neighbors, or local agencies to report problems or request assistance. From this perspective, the manner in which assigned personnel are trained, deployed and utilized is of greater importance than the establishment and maintenance of staffing levels based on number of residents served. Nonetheless, it is logical to assume that as communities grow the need for increased numbers of police and fire safety personnel is likely to expand as well, even assuming that such individuals are effectively and efficiently managed. In addition to the direct provision of public safety services both the Barstow Police Department and the Barstow Fire Protection District engage in activities intended to promote greater public awareness of fire and safety hazards and prevention techniques and to prevent the occurrence of crime. Barstow Police Department Prevention and Awareness Activities a. National Night Out b. Public Safety Day c. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 5k Walk/Run d. Neighborhood Watch Program e. Police Explorer Program f. Police Activities League (After School Program) g. Bicycle Safety Fair h. Citizen on Patrol Program SE‐2 i.
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School Resource Officer Safety Awareness classes to students at BUSD BUSD Safety Fair Barstow Community College Summer Youth Program Community Awareness Meetings The Barstow Fire District utilizes the shift members to conduct a variety of public education and prevention activities. The firefighters routinely conduct school programs, station tours, and first aid/ CPR classes. In addition, the Fire District holds an annual open house during Fire Prevention Week. The Fire Chief and engine companies conduct routine fire prevention inspections on local businesses to educate the business owners and to ensure code compliance. Future Demand for Police and Fire Services The City’s continued growth is the primary factor in determining additional demand for police and fire protection service. The exact timing and location of additional police and fire facilities that may be necessary to provide adequate safety related services are dependent upon the type, location, intensity and pace of future development. While these may be difficult to precisely determine, the City, in general terms, is expected to grow by roughly two percent annually between 2014 and the General Plan horizon year of 2020, with much of this growth expected to occur as infill and in the southwest portion of the City. Depending upon the amount of future development that actually occurs as well as its location it may be necessary at some point in the future to identify locations for additional police and/or fire service facilities, although this is unlikely to occur within the time frame covered by the current General Plan. It may also be desirable to increase public safety staffing levels in order to maintain or improve upon current response times should the community grow in the manner projected by the General Plan. For example, the municipal services agreement under which the proposed casino would be established calls for a new fire station to be built in its vicinity should this project come to pass. Similarly, to the extent that large‐scale industrial development were to occur in the southwest portion of the city additional police and/or fire facilities may be required. Public Safety Goals, Policies and Strategies GOAL 1: Maintain optimal levels of service and quality for fire and police protection, thereby ensuring the preservation and protection of health, well‐being and property for all types of development and all residents of the community. POLICY 1A: Increase police and fire staffing levels at an equal or greater rate than the City’s overall population, household and employment growth. STRATEGY 1.A.1: Budget for appropriate police and fire staffing levels based upon increases in the City’s population, housing, commercial and industrial development. SE‐3 STRATEGY 1.A.2: Promote collaboration between the Fire Protection District, Police Department and Community Development Department in the sharing of data and analysis to be utilized in the preparation of departmental staffing requests. POLICY 1B: Implement strategies geared toward maximizing discretionary patrol time on the part of public safety personnel. STRATEGY 1.B.1: Seek input from existing personnel concerning existing barriers to discretionary patrol time and work with staff to reduce any such barriers identified. STATEGY 1.B.2: Continue to utilize and seek to expand utilization of non‐sworn personnel for the performance of functions that are peripherally related to the primary public service functions of sworn police and fire officers so that sworn personnel can have as much time as possible to focus on their core responsibilities of maximizing public safety. GOAL 2: Expand police and fire facilities as needed in conjunction with future planned development. POLICY 2A: Review all new development proposals, as well as significant remodeling projects to determine potential impacts to public safety and the provision of police and fire protection services. STRATEGY 2.A.1: Collaborate with Building Department personnel in the process of reviewing development proposals. STRATEGY 2.A.2: Ensure that all proposed development is designed to provide unencumbered access for police, fire, and paramedic vehicles. POLICY 2B: Ensure, through planning and assessment, the adequacy of police and fire staffing and facilities to accommodate planned residential, commercial and industrial growth. STRATEGY 2.B.1: Review and modify police and fire assessment fees annually to ensure that there are adequate funds to cover annual operating costs. STRATEGY 2.B.2: Identify sites in the vicinity of large development projects that are suitable for police and/or fire stations/sub‐stations. STRATEGY 2.B.3: Continue to pursue funding from grant sources for public safety facilities and staffing enhancements. GOAL 3: Continue to promote public safety by maintaining and enhancing prevention, education and outreach programs. SE‐4 POLICY 3A: Develop new safety & outreach programs for the community. STRATEGY 3.A.1: Collaborate with BPD and Fire District Staff to develop new community outreach & educational programs. STRATEGY 3.A.2: Ensure that all proposed programs will provide the community with the most effective safety information and assistance. STRATEGY 3.A.3: Identify sites for the programs that will allow information to be disseminated in a clear and thorough manner. STRATEGY 3.A.4: Conduct an assessment of each new program to determine the effectiveness of the program. STRATEGY 3.A.5: Continue to seek information from the community about prevention programs that they believe can be beneficial for them. Emergency Preparedness The City of Barstow and its vicinity is subject to a number of possible threats to public safety. First, like much of southern California, Barstow is located in an area that is subject to strong seismically‐induced ground shaking. Two earthquake faults, the Barstow Fault and the Lenwood Fault, traverse the city in southeast‐to‐northwesterly direction. At least three additional known faults, including Mount General, Calico and Camp Rock, are located close enough to the city present the possibility of seismically induced hazards, including strong ground shaking adversely affecting the safety of the community. (see Exhibit S‐1) Since 1992, a number of earthquakes of magnitudes in excess of 3.0 have occurred in close enough proximity to cause significant ground shaking in Barstow, most notably the following:  Landers Earthquake; magnitude 7.5, 74 miles southeast of Barstow on 6/28/92  Big Bear Earthquake; magnitude 6.5, 62 miles south of Barstow on 6/28/92  Hector Mine Earthquake; magnitude 7.1, 47 miles southeast of Barstow on 10/16/99  Unnamed earthquake, magnitude 3.8, 18 miles northeast of Barstow, 5/27/12  Unnamed earthquake, magnitude 3.0, 10 miles east/northeast of Barstow, 5/27/14  Unnamed earthquake, magnitude 4.0, 9 miles northeast of Barstow, 6/11/14  Unnamed earthquake, magnitude 3.7, 53 miles southeast of Barstow on 8/17/14 The Barstow and Lenwood faults include 500‐foot wide Alquist‐Priolo zones, within which no publicly occupied structures can be constructed. Outside of these zones, while there are no prohibitions on building construction; there are standards set forth in the California Building Code standards for Seismic Zone D, in which the entire city is located. In addition to seismic safety threats, the City may also be vulnerable to human‐caused SE‐5 OL
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Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones
emergencies, including train accidents along the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad line that bisects the city, vehicular accidents and/or toxic spills along Interstate15 and 40, which pass through the community, and wildfires in portions of the city and surrounding area containing flammable vegetation. The prevalence of these safety hazards necessitates adequate emergency preparation and appropriate land use planning to encompass threat minimization and mitigation. The City adopted a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan in 2003. The emergency plan was updated in 2008 and 2014 and will continue to be periodically updated to ensure compliance with federal and state emergency planning requirements. Plans and systems must be maintained and upgraded as needed to keep pace with population growth, new construction, business development, and growth‐induced circulation issues. The City’s emergency preparedness plan designates the headquarters of the Barstow Fire Protection District, located on the northeast corner of Barstow Road and Virginia Way, as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 220 Mountain View Avenue, as the alternative EOC. Emergency Evacuation Routes Designated emergency evacuation routes are illustrated on Exhibit S‐2. These routes include State Highway 247 to the south, State Highway 58 to the north and Historic Route 66 to the east and west. Utilization of these roadways for emergency evacuation will be necessary in the event that interstate highways become impassable or inaccessible. Emergency Preparation Goals, Policies and Strategies GOAL 1: Maintain a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan for the City, ensuring a high level of responsiveness to natural and human‐caused disasters and other emergency situations. POLICY 1A: Periodically update the Emergency Operations Plan and implement the plan’s provisions on an ongoing basis. STRATEGY 1.A.1: Engage appropriate personnel from the BFPD, BPD, Building Department and other entities on ongoing monitoring and assessment of public facilities and publically occupied buildings to ensure public safety in the event of an emergency. STRATEGY 1.A.2: Conduct periodic drills and safety meetings to ensure that all designated responsible personnel are aware of the Plan and their responsibilities in the event of an emergency. GOAL 2: Continue to actively participate in regional and statewide emergency preparation efforts. SE‐7 O
LD
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STATE 58 HW Y
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Evacuation Routes
POLICY 2.A: Cooperate and coordinate with San Bernardino County Emergency Services, Golden State Water Company, Southern California Edison and Southwest Gas Company and other agencies and utilities in the development and dissemination of information and instructions on appropriate actions in the event of a local disaster or emergency. STRATEGY 2.A.1: Continue to engage in ongoing communication with these entities concerning emergency preparation. STRATEGY 2.A.2: Provide the organizations identified in Policy 2.A with updated emergency preparation plans and procedures. GOAL3: Ensure that all development occurring under the General Plan is designed and built in accordance with current standards for seismic safety, fire protection and defensible space. POLICY 3.1 Consider and assess vulnerability to natural and manmade disasters or emergencies when reviewing proposals for the siting and development of public/quasi‐public facilities such as schools, water towers and power and communication transmitters. STRATEGY 3.1.A: Incorporate hazards assessment into the project review process for all proposed new development. STRATEGY 3.1.B: Conduct follow‐up inspections to ensure that structures are built as designed and that all safety‐related conditions of approval continue to be met. SE‐9

Legend General Plan Land Use

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Barstow Judo Club

Barstow Community College Learning Resource Center