Housing Program

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

Local governments have the responsibility to adopt a program that implements the policies, goals and objectives of the Housing Element through their vested powers, particularly over land use and development controls, regulatory concessions and incentives and the utilization of financial resources. Policies guide housing development within the locality.

Programs are the specific action steps the locality will take to implement its policies and achieve its goals and objectives. Programs must include a specific time frame for implementation and identify the agencies or officials responsible for implementation. Effective program descriptions also include:

Immediate, short-term and long-term action steps;

Proposed measurable outcomes; and

Specific funding sources, where appropriate.

HOUSING POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

OVERALL HOUSING GOAL

Provide an adequate supply of sound and safe affordable housing for all County residents.

PROVISION OF ADEQUATE SITES

Goal              Plan for adequate sites and facilities to support future housing needs.

Policy 1         Facilitate the provision of housing in unincorporated communities to meet local housing demand.

Policy 2         Ensure that adequate infrastructure exists or will be provided to support future housing development.

Policy 3         Identify potential housing sites, including seasonal housing units on public lands, agency employee housing (USFS, BLM, Caltrans, LADWP and Mono County), and under-utilized sites.

Policy 4         Seek adequate sites for housing in Mono County and the Eastern Sierra through coordination with other public agencies (i.e., Town of Mammoth Lakes, Inyo County, USFS, BLM, Caltrans, LADWP, DFG, State Parks and Marine Corps), private concerns, nonprofit entities and tribal governments.

Policy 5         Plan for adequate sites and facilities to be available for housing all segments of the population, including the homeless; citizens in need of short-term emergency shelter housing (e.g., victims of natural hazard occurrences or accidents and temporarily homeless); and seasonal workers, including farm workers and ski industry workers.

Policy 6         Utilize a Regional Housing Authority or similar entity to develop, implement and manage housing programs in Mono County and the Eastern Sierra.

Policy 7         Consistent with the Land Use Element, designate adequate sites for a variety of residential development in each community to help establish self-sufficient communities that balance job locations with housing; i.e., develop a sufficient year- round residential population in communities to support local schools, commercial services, and other services.

PROGRAMS

Program 1:1  

Through the CPT Land Tenure Subcommittee, maintain the Land Tenure master plan and Pursue land exchanges of existing seasonal housing units on public lands into private ownership so those units may become available for local year-round housing

Responsible Agencies: CDD, Private Land Owners, USFS

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants/Private

Actions: Ongoing maintenance of plan. Continue Pine Glade discussions.

Program 1:2 

  Inventory existing and/or potential agency housing areas (Mono County, Town of Mammoth Lakes, Southern Mono Hospital District, Mammoth Unified School District, USFS, BLM, Caltrans, LADWP, etc.) and work with agencies to assess where additional housing might be made available.

Responsible Agencies: CDD and all Land Tenure subcommittee partner agencies.

Timeframe: 2014

Funding: Grants

Actions: Amend Land Tenure Plan to include appendix of existing and potential agency housing area.

Program 1:3  

Work with public agencies (USFS, BLM, Caltrans, LADWP, etc.) to consolidate services and land uses (e.g., road shops) in order to free up land for housing, particularly affordable housing. Consistent with land use policies, encourage agencies to locate their housing within or adjacent to existing communities to facilitate sustainable community growth. Work to incorporate such policies into agency planning documents.

Responsible Agencies: CDD and all Land Tenure subcommittee partner agencies.

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants

Actions: Provide comments on agency planning documents to ensure inclusions of consistent housing policies.

Program 1:4  

Examine the inventory of County-owned land for potential housing sites (e.g., road shop sites, Conway Ranch, Sheriff Substation, etc.).

Responsible Agencies: CDD, Housing Authority

Timeframe: 2014

Funding: Grants

Actions: In area plan updates, include discussion and analysis of county owned land.

Program 1:5  

Study the possibility of acquiring/exchanging public lands surrounding existing community areas for community expansion purposes and/or related infrastructure development, particularly in those areas designated in the Land Use Element for community expansion. Based on the results of these studies, take necessary actions to promote the exchange of lands and encourage the development of a variety of housing types, including multifamily for lower-income households in the acquisition/exchange of public lands.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, BLM, USFS, LADWP

Timeframe: 2014

Funding: Grants

Actions: Continue analysis and prioritization in Area Plan updates.

Program 1:6  

Implement policies in the Land Use Element pertaining to the provision of services and the coordination of development with service capability. Work with local service providers (public utility districts, fire protection districts, gas/electric power providers, telephone/communications systems providers, etc.) to ensure that adequate services are or will be available for housing development.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants, General Fund

Actions: Cross reference land use element provisions with LAFCO MSR updates.

Program 1:7  

Encourage and assist special districts and private service providers (mutual water companies etc.) to secure grants to improve and expand sewer and water capabilities and fire protection services. The County's participation will entail aiding districts in the preparation of grant applications and in compliance with environmental requirements.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, LAFCO

Timeframe: 2014-2015

Funding: Grants, LAFCO

Actions: Prioritize districts that have financial needs during the MSR update process.

Program 1:8  

The County has identified its community centers as emergency. Monitor the need for permanent emergency shelters. Apply for emergency housing funds available from the Department of Housing and Community Development or other state or federal agencies when it is determined that there is an unmet need for emergency housing.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, PW (Facilities)

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants

Actions: Monitor emergency housing needs through inter department coordination meetings.

Program 1:9  

Ensure that the county's Multi-Hazard Functional Plan, prepared by the county's Office of Emergency Services, remains up to date. The Multi-Hazard Functional Plan contains policies and procedures for housing victims of natural hazards or accidents.

Responsible Agencies: Office of Emergency Services

Timeframe: 2014

Funding: Grants

Actions: Pursue funding and update plan as needed. Coordinate with LHMP plan update in 2014.

Program 1:10

Continue to provide short-term housing for homeless persons and to monitor the need to increase services for homeless persons, including short term housing for victims of domestic violence.

Responsible Agencies: IMACA, Social Services, Wild Iris

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: State Funding, Grants

Actions: IMACA and Social Services

Program 1:11

Implement housing policies contained in area plans, such as the workforce housing and density bonus policies of the June Lake Area Plan.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: 2014, Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees, Grants

Actions: Regularly update RPACs on Area Plan housing policies. In 2014 extract regulations from Area Plans and move into new section of Land Use Element.

Program 1:12

Consistent with the Land Use Element, continue to require specific plans for large-scale development within community expansion areas. Specific plans allow for a variety of development and can streamline the development process.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 1:13    

In conformance with state law, continue to permit manufactured housing on all parcels designated for conventional single-family residences.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees.

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 1:14

Continue to permit mobile-home parks on all land planned and designated for residential land use, in conformance with state law. This also applies to mobile-home developments intended for sale as mobile-home condos or cooperative parks, or as mobile-home planned unit developments.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees.

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 1:15    

Continue to implement the land development regulations regarding Manufactured Housing Subdivisions. These regulations provide for a higher density of single-family development and a relaxation of development standards.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 1:16

Support a balance of jobs and housing in Mono County communities and the associated reduction in resident commute times by facilitating community job growth through economic development programs. Pursue grant funding for economic development projects that grow jobs and healthy communities capable of supporting more resident housing.

Responsible Agencies: ED, CDD, Housing Authority

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants

Actions: Continue to pursue funding with focus on main street communities.

Program 1:17

Implement provisions in the General Plan and Subdivision Ordinance that permit smaller minimum lot sizes where consistent with area plans and available infrastructure.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 1:18

Reexamine residential limitations in area plans where new sewer, water or other infrastructure requirements, such as fire-flow requirements, allow for greater single-family densities. Consider amending the General Plan and area plans to allow for higher single-family densities in these areas.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, LAFCO

Timeframe: 2014-2015

Funding: Grants

Actions: Include residential limitation analysis in LAFCO MSR updates and General Plan build out updates.

Program 1:19    

Continue to allow for mixed-use development as a method of increasing the land base available for housing.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 1:20    

Continue to allow for residential development in the commercial land use designation to more efficiently and economically utilize the county’s limited land base for housing.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 1:21

Consider amending the General Plan and subdivision ordinance to allow for greater flexibility in subdivision design to encourage clustering, zero lot line and common-wall developments, and other residential design strategies that allow for development at the gross allowable density while preserving sensitive site features.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, PW

Timeframe: 2014

Funding: Grants, General Fund

Actions: Subdivision ordinance revisions currently undergoing legal review.

Program 1:22

Examine the potential of allowing additional densities in existing specific plan areas within or adjacent to communities to better utilize available infrastructure and limited private land base.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants

Actions: Continue to explore with RPACS and community groups.

Program 1:23    

Consider establishing minimum allowable densities (in addition to retaining maximum density restrictions) in appropriate community areas to encourage resident housing.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Continue to consider with RPACs and community groups as development occurs.

Program 1:24

Continue development credit programs in agricultural valleys such as Bridgeport and Hammil that promote the retention of large agricultural parcels for farming purposes by requiring clustered residential development on smaller parcels.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: 2014

Funding: Grants

Actions: Program will be reorganized into broader Agricultural Policies chapter of General Plan, clustering polices will be strengthened and provisions for expansion of the program will be detailed.

Program 1:25

Develop and implement a web-based program to connect second-home owners with those needing seasonal housing and consider methods of encouraging second-home owners to make vacation units available for resident use or seasonal employee housing.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, IT

Timeframe: 2014

Funding: Grants

Actions: Use GIS to create pilot web map tool.

Program 1:26

Continue to utilize the Director Review permit process (ministerial permit process) to allow multifamily in multifamily designations and designations such as MFR-M.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 1:27

In compliance with Government Code Section 65583(a)(4), allow emergency shelters in at least one land use designation without a use permit or other discretionary permit. Amend the General Plan Land Use Element to a) include a definition of Emergency Shelter; b) allow emergency shelters outright in the multi-family land designations (such as MFR); and c) stipulate that emergency shelters will only be subject to the same development and management standards that apply to other allowed uses with these designations.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: 2014

Funding: Grants

Actions: Consider adding emergency shelters as a permitted use in MFR designations (currently permitted in PF designation) 

HOUSING FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOMES

Goal: Consistent with state requirements, pursue creative, economical and sustainable ways to house low- and moderate-income groups.

Policy 1       

Facilitate the provision of affordable housing to meet the needs of all economic segments and special housing groups.

Policy 2        

Plan for a sufficient number of affordable/employee housing units, including affordable family sized units to meet resident needs in each community.

Policy 3        

Increase the housing stock to provide for affordable/employee housing units by promoting the use of existing recreational second-home units for permanent residents.

Policy 4        

Promote a jobs/housing balance by awarding residents employed in their community preferential access to community housing programs, such housing purchases or rentals in that community.

Policy 5        

Require new development projects to provide their fair share of affordable housing units – an amount sufficient to accommodate the affordable housing demand created by the development project. Refine and continue use of inclusionary housing requirements to reflect a fair share contribution of units, in-lieu fees, land, etc. Coordinate regional housing mitigation and fee impact programs with those of the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

Policy 6      

Pursue a variety of techniques, such as equity sharing, deed restrictions, and public or nonprofit ownership of affordable housing units in order to maintain the affordability of those units.

Policy 7       

Develop a range of approaches to affordable housing that address rental units, home ownership and alternative approaches to affordable housing, such as:

  • a threshold fund that provides zero interest security deposit loans for tenants;
  • apartments for fixed-income seniors;
  • a community land trust used to acquire land for housing;
  • sweat-equity programs that enable first-time buyers to contribute their time/labor toward the purchase of a home;
  • co-housing for income qualified buyers;
  • deed restrictions;
  • energy efficient designs; and
  • "share a house" programs designed to ease the burden of housing costs for residents, including seniors and disabled.

Policy 8        

Work to develop a variety of affordable housing unit types within community areas.

Policy 9        

Based upon state regional housing need allocations, assign proportionate housing targets to unincorporated communities. Assist each community in meeting these targets and providing for its fair share of the unincorporated housing need.

Program 2:1   

The Board of Supervisors shall award density bonuses for projects incorporating affordable housing consistent with the Mono County Housing Mitigation Requirements (Chapter 15.40, Mono County Code).

Responsible Agencies: BOS, CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 2:2  

The Board of Supervisors may reduce or waive development processing fees for qualifying affordable housing projects in order to facilitate processing. County staff will identify other agencies/districts with fees related to residential construction and will determine if those agencies waive or reduce fees for extremely low, low and moderate income housing units. Staff will then work with applicable agencies to promote a reduction or waiving of fees for extremely low, low and moderate income housing projects.

Responsible Agencies: BOS, CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Fee waivers and reductions for qualifying projects will continue to be analyzed. Development impact fees and certain permitting fees have been permanently eliminated.

Program 2:3  

Continue to allow secondary housing units in single-family residential areas as provided by state law and Chapter 16 of the Mono County Land Development Regulations.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing.

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Ongoing as development occurs.

Program 2:4 

The County shall not impose requirements for housing construction that increase housing costs other than those mandated by state law or those determined necessary to protect the health, welfare and safety of the residents of the county.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Not Applicable.

Actions: Continue to implement program.

Program 2:5  

Maintain up-to-date information on federal and state housing-related programs and funding opportunities.

Responsible Agencies: Housing Authority, MLH, IT

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants

Actions: Continue web-site maintenance as resource for housing related programs.

Program 2:6 

The Mono County Housing Authority, in cooperation with local social service agencies including IMACA and Mammoth Lakes Housing, Inc., shall participate in and coordinate housing programs designed to ease the burden of housing costs for residents, including seniors and disabled, including persons with developmental disabilities.

Responsible Agencies: Housing Authority, MLH, IMACA

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Continue to implement

Program 2:7 

During the permit review process, encourage housing designs and site plans that capitalize on solar heating and cooling advantages to reduce utility costs.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Encourage planning staff to engage applicants early in the plan review process.

Program 2:8  

Consider allowing an increase in density for those projects built for rental purposes in exchange for an agreement to retain rental units at an affordable price in perpetuity.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees, General Fund

Actions: Consult with RPACs and incorporate policies in Area Plans where well received.

Program 2:9  

Development projects and building permits shall comply with the Mono County Housing Requirements (Mono County Code 15.40), which requires development projects to include extremely low, low and moderate income housing. The continued affordability of these units shall be assured through enforceable documents/deed restrictions that flow with the sale or ownership transference of the property. Smaller projects shall contribute their fair share via in-lieu housing mitigation fees or other comparable mechanisms. The majority of housing units required by this program must be appropriate for families; i.e., not dormitory-style units, and must be reserved for families/households employed in the local economy.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing, Suspended until 2015

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Work with BOS to modify Mitigation Requirements so that a program is reinstated in 2015.

Program 2:10    

Implement housing impact fees and other applicable mitigation strategies based on recommendations from fee impact studies that document the fair share impact of new development on the limited housing supply. Coordinate regional housing mitigation and fee impact programs with those of the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, Housing Authority

Timeframe: 2015

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Present fair share fee study to Housing Authority.

Program 2:12    

Through collaboration with a regional housing authority or similar entity, develop a range of extremely low, low and moderate income housing programs that address rental units, home ownership and alternative approaches to affordable housing, such as:

  • a threshold fund that provides zero interest security deposit loans for tenants;
  • apartments for fixed-income seniors;
  • a community land trust used to acquire land for housing;
  • sweat-equity programs that enable first-time buyers to contribute their time/labor toward the purchase of a home;
  • co-housing for income qualified buyers;
  • deed restrictions; and
  • energy-efficient designs and prescriptive designs.

Responsible Agencies:

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants, General Fund

Actions: Continue developing at least one strategy each year and report to Housing Authority.

Program 2:13    

The County will meet with developers and encourage the development of housing for extremely low, low and moderate income households. The County will maintain an inventory of suitable sites, conduct preapplication meetings to facilitate development, provide technical assistance, support appropriate funding applications and offer regulatory incentives and concessions to contribute to the feasibility of development of housing for extremely low, low and moderate income households. The inventory of suitable sites will utilize a variety of factors to determine site suitability, including current and projected population figures, economic conditions, transportation systems, the potential for rehabilitation, and the availability of utilities and infrastructure.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Implement as development occurs.

Program 2:14   

Review and revise the Housing Mitigation Requirements (Mono County Code, Chapter 15.40) to ensure that they remain effective and equitable in today’s housing market.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, Housing Authority

Timeframe: 2015, Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Work with Housing Authority to modify Mitigation Requirements so that a program is reinstated in 2015.

PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS

Goal              Increase housing opportunities throughout the county, particularly in community areas by limiting governmental constraints on housing development.

Policy 1         Revise the Land Development Regulations of the General Plan to allow for greater flexibility in housing development in communities by substituting performance standards/criteria for rigid development standards where practical.

Policy 2         Revise the county's Subdivision Ordinance to provide greater flexibility in the division of land for a variety of housing types and to ensure consistency with the General Plan.

Program 3:1  

Review and consider revising development standards to provide for greater regulatory flexibility that promotes resident housing development opportunities. Issues and standards to review include, but are not limited to:

  • parking requirements, particularly in June Lake and older central business districts;
  • snow storage requirements;
  • allowing smaller minimum lot sizes where appropriate for affordability;
  • broader application of the county’s Manufactured Housing Subdivision provisions, which allows for lots as small as 4,000 square feet; and
  • establishing performance criteria as a substitute for some existing inflexible regulations for residential development.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: 2014-2015

Funding: Grants

Actions: All development standards will be evaluated, revised, and re-organized as part of the General Plan update.

Program 3:2  

Consider revising the Land Development Regulations to clarify the use of manufactured housing, including requirements in non-residential land use designations, minimum standards for farm labor housing use, and the ability to propose manufactured housing subdivisions within additional land use designations.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: 2014

Funding: Grants

Actions: Standards for farm labor housing will be addressed in the General Plan update.

Program 3:3  

Conduct preapplication conferences with project proponents to assist them in understanding permit procedures and to resolve potential application difficulties early in the review process.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Projects will continue to always be encouraged to go through the LDTAC preapplication process.

Program 3:4  

Review permit-processing procedures to ensure streamlining of the permit process. Review and revise application packets, as needed, to ensure that they are comprehensive, clear and easy to use.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: 2016

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Permit procedures are application materials are continuously reviewed particularly with each code change cycle.

Program 3:5  

Amend the Land Development Regulations to provide a procedure for handling requests for reasonable accommodations made pursuant to state and federal fair housing laws.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, BOS

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: As part of the comprehensive General Plan Update, an ordinance based upon the “Model Ordinance for Providing Reasonable Accommodation Under Federal and State Fair Housing Laws” will be adopted.

CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION

Goal              Ensure the supply of safe, decent, sound housing for all residents.

Policy 1         Promote energy conservation in all residential neighborhoods.

Policy 2         Promote public awareness of the need for energy conservation.

Policy 3         Support development of programs and policies that achieve a high level of energy conservation in all new and rehabilitated housing units.

Policy 4         Ensure that housing for all residents is safe and sound.

Policy 5         Maintain the existing affordable housing stock through rehabilitation, replacement and conservation.

Program 4:1  

Continue to implement General Plan policies concerning the use of alternative energy sources (active and passive solar, etc.) in the development, rehabilitation, and replacement of housing units, including enforcement of Title 24 of the California Energy Commission Regulations.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Application Fees

Actions: Implement as development occurs.

Program 4:2  

Support the continuation of home weatherization programs offered by state agencies, utility companies and other groups.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants, General Fund

Actions: Continue to provide information on web-site, at permit counter, and distribute information at RPACs.

Program 4:3  

Make information available to homeowners and renters regarding weatherization and other programs that may assist in maintaining the affordability of housing units.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing.

Funding: Grants, General Fund

Actions: Continue to provide information on web-site, at permit counter, and distribute information at RPACs

Program 4:4  

Periodically update the housing conditions survey to identify areas in Mono County that would benefit from rehabilitation.

Responsible Agencies: CDD (Building Division)

Timeframe: 2016

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Update during planning cycle.

Program 4:5 

Continue to participate in the state's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing units. The County's goal is to rehabilitate five units during the planning period. The County will apply annually for CDBG funds.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, Finance

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants

Actions: Continue to implement program when eligible, apply for CDGB funding in 2015.

Program 4:6  

Provide community education regarding the availability of rehabilitation programs and provide public outreach regarding the availability of rehabilitation programs to low- and very low-income households and other special needs groups in areas identified as needing rehabilitation.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, Housing Authority

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants

Actions: Continue to provide information on web-site, at permit counter, and distribute information at RPACs.

Program 4:7  

Assist applicants in accessing home rehabilitation loans.

Responsible Agencies: CDD, Finance

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants

Actions: Continue to provide information on web-site, at permit counter, and distribute information at RPACs.

Program 4:8  

Consider methods to encourage the private rehabilitation of housing, particularly rental housing.

Responsible Agencies: CDD (Building Division)

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Grants

Actions: Continue to provide information on web-site, at permit counter, and distribute information at RPACs.

Program 4:9  

Consider developing an active rental inspection program to ensure rental housing maintenance. This may require a fee to support inspection services. Careful consideration should be given to the fee structure to avoid increasing the costs of rental housing. Also consider a "self-certification program" for landlords who participate in a maintenance/management training program. Apply for and utilize CDBG funds to ensure affordability will not be affected by maintenance activities.

Responsible Agencies: CDD (Building Division)

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Continue to offer informal pre-inspection services.

Program 4:10  

Encourage the private rehabilitation of housing through enforcement of the property maintenance provisions of the various building codes enforced by the County.

Responsible Agencies: CDD (Code Enforcement)

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: Compliance Fees, General Fund

Actions: Continue to identify and address property maintenance issues.

Program 4:11    

Encourage the rehabilitation of existing units over their demolition where practical through such measures as:

  • Providing flexibility in administering building code requirements to facilitate the repair, remodel and refurbishment of existing units instead of their demolition;
  • Developing a user-friendly process for repair, remodel and refurbishment, including handouts;
  • Providing courtesy walk-through field assistance for owners seeking help in determining if demolition is necessary;
  • Considering fee reductions and fast-track permit review for qualifying remodels; and
  • Conducting outreach to communities and development interests regarding programs available for repair, remodel and refurbishment.

Responsible Agencies: CDD (Building Division)

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Continue to offer free of charge informal consultation on all rehabilitation projects.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

Goal              Promote equal housing opportunities for all persons.

Policy 1         Ensure that information on fair housing laws is easily available.

Policy 2         Ensure that complaints about housing discrimination are addressed promptly and appropriately.

Program 5:1    

Disseminate and maintain fair housing information and education materials throughout the county and ensure public awareness of fair housing laws and processes. Materials will be distributed in a variety of public locations including government centers, libraries, post offices, shopping areas and web-sites.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Continue to provide information on web-site, at permit counter, and distribute information at RPACs.

Program 5:2  

Refer persons with complaints of housing discrimination to appropriate online resources including information/links hosted on the Housing Authority web-site.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Utilizing regular county department head management meetings, ensure all departments that interact with general public know policy for routing housing discrimination complaints.

PRESERVING UNITS AT RISK OF CONVERSION TO MARKET RATE USES

Goal             

Preserve development reserved for low-income and/or employee housing uses at risk of conversion to market rates.

Policy 1        

Ensure that units designated for low-income and/or employee housing uses remain restricted to those uses.

Policy 2        

Ensure that units generally considered affordable (i.e., mobile homes) remain as residential uses.

Policy 3        

Ensure that units participating in state or federal rental assistance or subsidy programs remain in those programs to retain affordability.

Program 6:1   

Legally restrict units intended for low-income and/or employee housing uses to those uses, report on legal status/policies of agency owned housing units.

Responsible Agencies: BOS, State/Federal Agencies/CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Funds

Actions: Through the CPT land tenure subcommittee tasks of program 2,2 include the rental policy status of all agency housing in the agency housing inventory.

Program 6:2  

Continue to enforce regulations in the Mono County General Plan concerning the conversion of residential facilities or mobile-home spaces in a mobile-home park to other uses.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Implement as development occurs.

Program 6:3  

Provide incentives for property owners to participate in state or federally funded rental assistance or subsidy programs. These incentives may include fee reductions, administrative (grant) assistance, and streamlined permit processing for rehabilitations.

Responsible Agencies: BOS, CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund

Actions: Continue to streamline permits

Program 6:4  

Monitor the conversion of permanent housing or long term rental housing into transient rentals, particularly within the Transient Rental Overlay Districts.

Responsible Agencies: CDD

Timeframe: Ongoing

Funding: General Fund, Application Fees

Actions: Adjust application process and follow-up mitigation monitoring process to account for housing tenure of units.