Pam Marino here, four years into reporting on the saga that has been the County of Monterey housing element update. Tomorrow, Oct. 14, is a very important step toward finally getting the housing plan approved and on its way to being certified by the state, nearly three years past due.
I remember when I began reporting on the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development efforts to begin work on a draft update back in late 2022 and early 2023. At that time it seemed like, at least outwardly, HCD was taking appropriate steps toward meeting the state deadline of December 2023.
Unfortunately, the County missed the deadline and without a state certified housing element began racking up Builder’s Remedy project proposals, although whether any will get built remains to be seen.
Tomorrow, HCD brings a behemoth of an agenda item to the Monterey County Planning Commission, asking for approval of the housing element amendment, plus several other plans and zoning changes also required by the state.
The element includes plans for nearly 5,900 housing units (1,256 extremely low income, 939 low income, 712 moderate and 2,990 above moderate), across 56 opportunity sites.
Among the many changes being requested, the Commission is being asked to certify the final environmental impact report for the amendment, as well as make amendments to the 2010 General Plan.
An amendment to the North County Land Use Plan would reclassify a housing opportunity site in Las Lomas sandwiched between Sill and Hall roads from Residential Medium Density, one to four units per acre, to Residential High Density, five to 30 units per acre.
The Carmel Area Land Use Plan could see two sites go up to five to 30 units per acre, namely the old Carmel hospital site and Stevenson School in Pebble Beach.
Planners are also recommending the addition of a process for “By-Right” approvals for developments that meet specific zoning and design standards. Those projects would only require ministerial review and approval.
At the meeting, taking place during the 1:30pm session at the County Administration Building, 168 West Alisal St., Salinas, expect a good number of speakers from the Tarpy Flats area who still want a parcel removed from the plan.
It’s unlikely that any requests from the public will be considered at this point. Further adjustments to the housing element will only delay its passing, which puts the County at further jeopardy of more Builder’s Remedy proposals.
For that reason, the pressure is on everyone at the County to get the element over the finish line as soon as possible.
If it does pass tomorrow, which is highly likely, then it moves to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, possibly by Nov. 3. Once approved by the Board, it heads to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, where it would then hopefully be considered in “substantial compliance” with the law. Right now the draft element is considered in “statutory compliance,” still not enough to get out of Builder’s Remedy limbo.
If you want to participate virtually, the agenda includes instructions on how to join the Zoom. You can also watch it on the County’s YouTube channel.