In an effort to combat rising housing costs California passed major legislation allowing any house zoned for single-family to build a second rentable unit, known as an accessory dwelling unit. This has opened up massive opportunities for California homeowners allowing them maximize their property values. If you’re interested in building an accessory dwelling unit, you’ve come to the right place!
Contact info@usmodularinc.com or 888-987-6638 for more information!
ORDINANCE # 482 ..17
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHOWCHILLA
AMENDING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE CHOWCHILLA MUNICIPAL
CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) AS NECESSARY TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE HOUSING LAW
The City Council of the City of CHOWCHILLA hereby does ordain as follows: SECTION 1 PURPOSE
As part of the City’s Housing Element update, the City is required to make zoning ordinance updates to bring the City into compliance with State Housing code. These zoning text updates are Included within the Housing Element as required implementation measures for the City to complete.
SECTION 2 AMENDMENT TO CODE
Specific wording changes are shown new wording in ynderllne and wording to be removed in atrlkeo~t. The eight headings are not intended to be part of the ordinance
text and are inserted for clarity of reading only.
- FAMILYDEFINmON
Chapter 18.08 – DEFINITIONS
18.06.358 – Family.
“Family” means an Individual or a groyp of persons living together who constitute a bona fide sinale-family hOUsekeeping unit In a dwelling unit. not jncludlng a fraternity, sorority, club, or other group of persons occypylng a botel. lodging house Of Institution of any kind ….. ~
- EMPLOYEE HOUSING, SUPPORTIVE AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES AND ACCESSORY DWELUNG UNITS – R..1
ZONE
Chapter 18.08 – DEFINITIONS
18.Q6.35~ – Employee hoysing.
Consistent with Health and Safety Code section 17008. 41Employee housing” means property used temporarily or seasonally (not more than 180 days in any calendar year) for the residential use of unrelated personslfamllfes employed to perform agricultural or
….
industrial labor either on or off site of @gricultyral aptivities. The accommodations may consist of any living quarters. dwelling. boarding house. tent (onlv temporary occupancy). bunkhouse (only temporary occupancy}.’ mobllehome. manufactyred home. recreational yehicle. travel trailer. or other housing accommodations m@jntained In one or more bylldlngs. or one or more sites, and the premises upon which they are situated. including area set gside for parking of mobilohomes or camping of employees by the employer. Employee housing may also Involye permanent residency if the housing accommodation is a mobilehQme. manufactured home. travel trailer. or recreationSl! vehicle. Specifically. there are two (2) types of employee housing as follows:
A, Employee Housing. Large: Employee housing that serves more than six (6) employees and consists of no more than thlrtv-six (36) beds In grQup quarters or twelve (12) units or spaces designed for use by@ single family or household.
- Employee Housing. Small: Employee housing that serves six (6) or fewer employees.
18.06,710 – Residential care facility.
“Residential care facility” means a single-family dwellfng. group care faCility. or similar facility licensed by the State of California for twenty-four (24) hour non~medical care of persons in need of personal services, sypervlslon or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of dally living or for the protegtion of the individual.
18.06.886 – Supportive hoysing
“Supportive housing” is defined as housing with no limit of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked on an on-site or off-site service that assists the supportive housing resident In retaining the hoysing. Improving his or her heaHh status. and maximizing his or her ability to live and. when possible. work in the community.
18.06.890 – Target popUlation.
“Tamel population” means person§ with low Incomes who have one or more disabilities. including mental illness. HIV or AIDS. substance abuse. or other chronic health condition. or Individuals eligible for services provided pursuant to the Lanterman
Developmental Disabilities Services Act. and may Include. among other populations.
adylts. emancipated minors. families with ghlldren. elderlv persons. young adults aging
out of the foster care system. individuals exiting from institutional settings. veterans. and homeless people.
18.06.91 Q – Transitional housing.
“Transitional housing” means buildings configured as rental housing· developments. but operated under program requirements that call for the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future point in time. which shall be no less than six months from the beginning of the assistance.
Chapter 18.12 – Rw1 SINGLE·FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
18,12.020 – Permitted uses.
The following uses only shall be permitted in the R-1 district:
- .
- One-family dwelling units and one-family mobile homes, not more than one dwelling or mobile- home per tot; all mobUe homes must be certified under the National Mobile home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Section 5401, et seq.) and placed on a foundation system pursuant to Section
18551 of the Health and Safety Code;
- Accessory buildings and structures. including garages and swimming pools.
Swimming pools may be used for the purpose of instruction, for fee, when neighbors within three hundred feet of the location have the opportunity to object, after notiffcation by the city prior to the Issuance of a permit, and the use may
continue subject to review by the planning commission of any complaints. Such a
use of a swimming pool for swimming instruction shall be required to meet all
health requirements of all public agencies;
- Temporary tract offices, model homes and construction materials storage yards. within the tract being developed;
- Private greenhouses and horticultural collections, flower and vegetable gardens;
- The keeping of household pets, subject to the provisions of Section 18.06.472;
- Signs. subject to the provisions of Section 18.12.150;
- Recreational vehicle, motorhome, travel trailer, truck camper, camping trailer. boat or boat trailer storage, subject to the provisions of subsection F of Section
18.66.100;
- Family day care homes caring for one through six childreni
- Supportive and transitional housing;
.J. Accessorv dwelling unit In accordance with Section 18.66.25Q.
- Employee hoyslng. small: L. Residential care facility
18.12.030 – Conditional uses.
The fonowlng uses only shall be permitted in the R-1 district. subject to farst securing a conditional use permit as provided in Article 1 of Chapter 18.81:
- Churches;
- Communications equipment buildings and structures;
- Family day care homes caring for more than six but less than seventeen children;
- Electrical distnbutlon substations;
- Home ocoupations. subject to conforming with the definitions and criteria specified in Section 18.06.458;
- Off-site subdivision signs, subject to the provisions of subsection 0 of Section
18.12.150;
- Public libraries;
- Small family rest homes, licensed as such, which house not more than six patients;
- Water pump stations;
K4. Public and quasl·publlc uses appropriate to a residential zone. K. Employee housing, large.
Chapter 18.66 – PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
18.66.240 – Accessory dwelling units.
All acoessQry dwelling units shall meet the following standards:
- Floor Area. An accessorY dwelling unit shall not exceed 9ne thousand two hundred (1.200) sauare feet of floor area If separated from the existing
slngle-familv dwelling. If attached to the existing single-family residence. the floor area of the second unit shall not exceed fiftY (50) percent of the
existing living area of the existing slngle-famllv dwelling. A manufactured home shall not be less than eight (8) feet wide by forty (40) feet long and three hundred twenty (320) sauare feet in floor area. An efficiency unit
shall not bfi! less than one hundred (150) square feet in floor area and
meet all space and occupancy standards of Chapter 5 of the Uniform
Housing’ Code.
- Location. An accessory dwelling yolt shall be located either to the side or to the reiu 2′ the existing single-family residence and shall be either attached to the existing single-family dweHing or be seDarated from the eXisting single-family detached residence by not less than ten (1 Q) feet or the separation as allowed by the Uniform Building Code. whioh8ver is
~
- Access. Doorwav access shall be provided either to the side or rear of the accessory dwelling unit Direct doorway access to the front yard by the second ynilshall be prohlbtted.
- Owner Ocoypancy. Either the existing single-family detached residence or thE!accessory dwelling unit shall be occupied by the owner of the property.
- Off-Street Parking. A minimum one (1) additional offftstreet parking space
shall be provided for the accessory dwelling untt. The additional parklOR
,pace may be a paved tandem space on an existing driveway. The additional parking space shall be waived If in any Qf the following instances;
- The accessory dweDins unit is located within one-half (0.5) miles of public transit.
- The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and hlstoricallv significant historIc district.
- IhQ iccessorv dwel!jng unit Is part of the existing primary residence 2[
an existing accessory structyre.
- When on-street p@rking permits are required byt not offered to the occypant of the accessory dwelling unit.
- When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.
- Utility Services. Accessory dwelling units shall be provided wjth water. sewer and other utilities as determined by the building official.
- Architectural Appearance. An acces’2I’V dwelling .unit shall be deSigned and constructed so as to blencJ with the single-famllv dwelling and be architecturally similar jn appearance in order to be consistent with the
existing slngle:famlly dwelling’s design. construction. height. roofing. siding materials. and color.
- Except as specifically set forth In thl section. an accessory dwelling unit regulated pursuant to this chaoter shall meQt all of thE! requirements of the zOne district in which the accessory dwelling unit is located Including. without limitation. reQyirements regarding fences. walls and hedges; site area, frontage width. and depth of sites: coverage: yard requirements: bE!lght of structYres: distances between structures; signs: and general provisions and eXceptions.
- An application for an accessory dwelling unit shall not be denied solely
pased on any maximum density requirement or standard:
- SRO AND BOARDINGHOUSE – R-3 AND PO ZONE
Chapter 18.08 – DEFINITIONS
18.06.118 – Boardinghouse or rooming house.
“Boardlnghouse” or “rooming house” means a building containing a single dwelling unit· and provisions for five but Rat or more thaR fifteeA guests, where lodging is provided with or without meals for compensation, but not to fnclude rest homes.
18.06.810 – Sfngle”room occupancy.
!lSingle-foom occupancy (SRO)” m~@ns a residential facility of two or more separate indivldyal rooms with typically less than “ve hundred (500) sqyare feet of floor space. with or without separate kitchen pr bathroom facilities for each room. rented on a weekly or monthlv balis. An SRO may not be occupied by more Shanone person. Single-room
occupancy does not inclyde Hotel or motel.
Chapter 18.30 – R~3 MEDIUM·DENSITY MULTIPLE·FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
18.30.020 – Permitted uses.
The following uses only shall be permitted In the R-3 district:
- Any use permitted In the R-2 district, Section 18.27.020;
- Multiple-housing facllitfes, including rooming houses and boardinghouses, apartment houses and apartment courts;
- Accessory buildings and uses customarily inciden~1 to any of the above uses, when located on the same lot and not involving and conduct of a business;
- Single-room occupancy.
Chapter 18.40 – PO PROFESSIONAL OFFICE DISTRICT
18.40.040 – Conditional uses-Planning commission approval.
- Churches, parsonages and other religious institutions.
- Public and private charitable institutions, hospitals, sanitariums, rest homes, nursing homes. family care homes, foster homes or group homes for the mentally disordered or otherwise handicapped person, including state authorized homes.
- Public uses of a cultural type, including libraries, museums, art galleries. D. Mortuaries.
- Modest expansion or remodeling of an existing nonconforming use of a structure or land, limited to fifty percent or less of the value of existing structures, or re- establishment of a nonconforming use which has been damaged, except nonconforming signs and outdoor advertising structures, with an assessed valuation of less than on hundred dollars, and nonconforming fences. walls and hedges.
- Residential drug treatment recovery homes.
- Accessory structures and uses located on the same site as a conditional use. H. Boarding and rooming houses.
- Guest houses.
- Sinale-roQm occupancy,
- EMERGENCY SHELTERS – C:3 ZONE 0
Chapter 18.08 – DEFINITIONS
18.06.352 – Emergency shelter. ”
“Emergency shelter” means a facilitv providing housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months Qr less where housing is not denied because of an inabllltv to pay.
Chapter 18.39 – C-3 GENERAL AND SERVICE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT*
18.39.020 – Permitted uses.
The following uses shall be permitted in the C-3 district:
- New and used automobJle ‘lots, boat and trailer sales and rental estabHshments, automobile service stations, repair garages;
- Hotels and motels;
- Restaurants and drive-in restaurants;
- Public or commercial recreation facilities, such as swimming pools. bowling alleys, etc.; 0
- Carpenter, electrical, plumbing, heating or machine shops, printing or publishing,
furniture upholstering, | green | house or horticultural, | contractor’s | equipment |
storage yards, etc.; |
0 |
- Animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and kennels;
- Any other commercial use or service establishment determined by the commission after a public hearing to be consistent with the purpose of this section and which will not impair the present or potential use of adjacent propertie8~
- Emergency ,helter. ‘
- MANUFACTURED HOME AND MOBILEHOME STANDARDS
Chapter 18.08 – DEFINITIONS
18.06.586 – Manufactured home.
“Manufactured home” means a structure that waS constructed on or after June 15.
- Is transportable In one or more sections. Is eight (8) body feet or more In width. or
forty (40) body feet or more in length. in the trave!lng mode. or. when erected on site. is
three hundred twenty (320) or more square feet. and Is designed to be used as a single-
family dwelling when connected to the required utilities.
18.06.600 – MobUe home.
IIMobile home” means a structure that was constructed prior to June 15. 1976, is transportable in one or more seotions. is eight (8) body feet or more in width. or forty (40) body feet or more In length. In the traveling mode. or. when erected on site. Is three hundred (320) or more SQuare feet. and is designed to be used as a single-family dwelling when connected to the required ytillti~s. WltR er vlilRewt a pem:tanent
foYrutationj ¥.’hiah sontalns not more than “”.q) “welling WRils and wAlsi:l i8 net a
FeGFeational’l8l=iiele, eommeFGlal GOaeRor faetory i)wilt heyse.
Chapter 18.66 – PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
18.66,250 – ManufaQtured housing.
The provisions of this seotlon shall apply to all manyfactured homes not lOcated in an approved mobile home park: .
- No manufactured home shall be installed that was manufactured more than ten
(10) years from the date of application for a building permit fOf installation.
s, All manufactured homes shall meet the following site or architeotural standards:
- Garages and’ Carports. A minimum of a one=ear garage or carport shall be provided for every manufactured house. Ib.e parking reqylrements of Chapter
18.12 §hall also apply.
- Mjnimym Widlb and Floor Area. The width and floor area of a manyfactured housing unit shall be the average of other residences In the zone district in which It Is located.
, .
- Roof Overhangs. All manufactured housing units and garages shall have a
pltohed roof with a minimum sixteen (16) inoh rQof overhang on eaoh of the perimeter walls sych that the overhang is archjteoturally integrated Into the design of the dwelling ynlt.
4, Roofing Materials. All manufactured hoysing units and garages and carports located on the lot shall have a roof constituted of asphalt composition. olS!y. tile. oonorete or metal tile or panels, slate or built-up asphaltlc”gravel materials.
- Siding Materials. All manufaotured housing units and garages looated on the lot shall have similar exterior siding materials consisting of wood, masonry, concrete, stucco, Masonite, or metal lap. The exterior siding material shall
extend to the ground level, except that when a solid concrete or masonry
perimeter foundation is used, the sIding material need not extend below the
top of the foundation.
- Foundations. All manyfactured housing units and aluages and carports §hall be placed on @ permanent foundation which meets the applicable building code requirements and/or the provisions of Seotion 18551 of the State Health
and SafetY Code suoh that the floor elevation of the dwelling Is rea§onablv
compatible wltb the floor elevatIons Qf the syrroyndlng dwelling ynits.
- Utility connectlQns. The mobIle home electrioal. gas. water and drain connections shall be made permanent in a manner applicable tQ permanent buildings. Gas shut-off valve§. meters and regulators §hall not be located beneath the manufaotured homes.
- Deviations. The gommunlty development department may approve deviations from one or more of the standards of this subsection on the basis of a finding that the architectural sMa proposed provides compensating design fe@tyres
and that the proposed dwelling will be compatible and harmonious with
existing structures in the vicinity.
- Surrender of Registration. Sybsequent to applYing for a builsting permit, and prior to the ocoupancy of 8 mobile home or manufactyred home on a permanent
foundation. a certlflgatjon of occupancy i8 to be issued by the building official
pursuant to Section 18551 of the State Health and Safety Code. Thereafter, any”
vehicle license plme, certificate of ownerShip, and certificate of registration
iHyed by a state agency shall be surrendered bagk to the Issylng state agency. Anl£ mobilelmaoyfsctured home on a pennanent foundation shall bear a state
insignia or federal label pursuant to Section 18550 of the State Health and Safety
Code.
- DENSITY BONUS
Chapter 18.06 – DEFINITIONS
18.06.296 – Density Bonus.
“Density Bonus” means an Increas, in the allowable nymber of residences granted by
the city or COU”‘” in return for the prolect’s providing lowMor mOderate-income hoysing. A housing development that proyldes 20 percent of its units for lower-income households. ten percent of its unila for very-low income households. or 50 percent of its units for seniors is entitled to a density bonus and other concessions (See California Govemment Code section 65e15).
Chapter 18.81 – HOUSING DENSITY BONUS AND OTHER INCENTIVES
18.61.010 – Purpose and Intent.
The purpose and “intent of this section 18to implement Chapter 4.l Density Bonuses and Other Incentives. SectIon 65915 et seq .• of the Califomla Government Code for the development of affordable housing and senior housing developments. which are Incorporated herein bv this rgference.
18.61.020 – Applicability of density bonus.
This section shall applv to resfdential prolects providing moderate. low and very low income hoysing and/or senior hoUSing developments pursuant to the provisions and definitions of Chapter 4.3. Section 65915 at seq., of the California Government Code.
018.61.030 – Density bonus requirements.
- Projects whIch meet the reqylrements set forth in this section shall qyallfy for a density bonus and an applicable number of concessjons or incentives unless the City Council adopts a written finding. ba§§d upon substantial evidence that any one of the following exists:
- The concession or incentive is not required to provide for affordabl~ housing costs. as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5. or for [Jnts for the targeted ynits to be set at the required affordable levels. as specified in Government Code Section 65915(0); or
- The concession or Incentive would have a specific adverse impact. as defined In Government Code Sectjon 66589.5(d)(2). upon pybUc health and safety or the physical environment or on any real property that is listed in the California Regiltar of HistoricalResources and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate Of avoid the specific adverse impact without rendering the dev,lopment unaffordablt to low- and moderate-income househQlds; or
- The disapproval of the prolect Of imposition of conditions is required in order to comply with specific state or federal law and there Is no f9asible method to comply without rendering the development unaffordable to very
low and low-lncoIDfil hou§eholds; or
- The development profect is inconsistent with the cny’, General Plan land use deSignation as it existed on the data the application was deemed complete. and the city has adopted a housing element in compliance with state law.
- Project financial report. The applicant shall show in the form of a prolect financial report (financial pro forma) that the density bonus is necessarY to make the housing units economically feasible. and the cibt may retain a consultant. at developer’s sole cost. to review the prolect financial report and adVise the city on the report. Where development and zoning standards exist which woYld otherwise Inhibit the utilization of the density bonus on specific sites. the city may
waive or modify the standards consistent with the provisions of this section.
18.61.040 – Density bonus procedures.
- Density Bonuslfncentives Review, Density bonus/incentive review by the Planning Commission shall only be required for profects involving Planning Commission approyal. If no regislatjve entitlement is required. the ‘communitv development department staff shall have final approval authority on denSity bonus and incentives. Appeals of a Planning Commission de.clsian must be in accordance with Section 18.81.060 of the Chowchilla Municipal Code. If a rezone or General Plan amendment Is part of the project. the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation on the density bonus and incentives request but the City CQuncil shall have final approval authority as part of the total profect. Any special conditions Qf the cltv zoning ordinance pertaining to the project. andlor applicable development standards of the downtown·area ,hall also apply.
- Regulatory Agreement. The city and applicant ,hall execute a regulatory agreement. ensuring oompliance of the· proieot with all applicable provisions and affordablllty restrictions as required under this section. State law. or other applicable affordable housing requirements, as well as equity sharing reqUirements if applicable. The regulatory agreement shall be recorded as a deed restriction with the Madera County recorder’s office running with the land and be binding ypon all future Qwners. developers. andlor successors-In-interest. The regulatory agreement shall be recorded
prior to lhe 8RRrovai of a final map. or. where a map Is not beiDA processed. prior to the Issuanc~ of building permits for tbe parcel or units. Resale of moderate income units shall be governed bv Government CodQ Section 65915(c)(2t The regulatory agreement shall include at least the following:
- The total number of units approved for the housing development.
‘ncludlng the number of target units:
- A description of tbe household Income group to be Iccommodated by the hQyslng development. and the standards for determining the corresponding affordable rent or affordable sales price and housing COBtS:
- The location. unit sizes. in square feet. and number of bedrooms of target unitt;
- Tenure of use restrictions for target units of at least ten (10) or
thirty (30) years. In compliance with applicable laws;
- A schedule for completion and occupancy of target units:
- A description of the additional Incentive’s) being provided by the
~
- A description of remedies for breach of the reaulatory agreement by the owners. developers. andlor successors-In-interest of the protect: and
- Other proylslon§ to ensure implementation and compliance wjth
this section.
18.61.050 -Additional Conditions.
- In addijlon, reasQnabte conditions may be imposed to assure continued
availability of such housing as very low. low or moderate Income housing, or. for senior housing developments as defined II) Civil Code Sections 51.3 and 51.12.
- Those ynHs targeted for low-Income househglds shall be affordable at a rent that does not exceed cyrrent Housing and Urban Development ‘HUD) income limits for low·lncpme households for the county adlusted for hOYsehold size.
- Those unlt§ targeted for very low-income households shall be affordable at a rent that does not exceed current HUD income limits for very low-income households In the county adjusted for household size.
- The owner’s) shall maintain and keeg on file documentation for the income level for each tenant occupYing “the target units.
- The owner(s} shall provide the city any addHlonallnformation reayired by the city to ensyre the lona-term affordability of the target units bv eligible households.
- The oity shall have the right to inspect the owners prolect-related records at any reasonable time and ahall be entitled to audit the owner’s records once a year.
- The city may establish fees associated with the setting up and monitoring of target ynits.
- All ownership tfUggt units shall be occupied by their purchasers; no renting O[
reasing shall be allowed.
- ONE·BEDROOM DWELLING UNIT PARKING REGULATIONS
Chapter 18.27 – R·2 LOW.DENSITY MULTIPLE·FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
18.27.130 – Off-street parking.
The following provisions shall apply In the R-2 district, subject to the general conditions of Sections 18.66.100 through 18.66.140:
- For one.famlly dwellings, the provisions of the R-1 district, Section 18.12.130, shall apply. For a two-family or multiple-family dwelling, there shall be one aAEI ORe half parking spaces for each one-bedroom dwelling unit; two parking spaces for each two-bedroom dwelling unit; two and one-half parking spaces for each three or more bedroom dwelling unit. At least one space for each dwelling unit shall be in a garage or carport. In the event that a requirement for one-half space results from this ratio. the parking space requirement shall be increased to the next highest whole number. The required spaces shall be on the same lot with the main building which they are intended to serve, and shall be located to the rear of the required front yard.
- SENATE BILL 520- REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STANDARDS
Chapter 18.90 – REASQNABLE ACCOMMODATION
18.90.010· Purpose.
In order to make specific housing available to one or more Individuals wah disabilities. thjs chapter implements the policy of the city on requests for reasonable·
accommodation In its rules, policies, and procedyres for persons with disabilities as
required by the Fair Housing Act. as amended. 42 U.S.C. Section 3604(f)(3)(8). The
policv of the city is to comp’v fully with the provisions of the Fair Housing Act.
18.90.020 • Definitions.
- ICFairHousing Act,1I means The Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988,
8S amended.
- “Applicant” means any person with disabilities or their representative that is
requesting a reasonable accommodation pursuant to this chapter.
- “Departmene means the Community QeveloDment Department of the Citv of
Chowchilla.
- “Dwelling” means any building, strycture. or portion thereof which Is occupied as. or designed or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more families. and any vaoant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure, or portion thereof.
- “Person with disabUltles” means· any person who. as defined by applicable federal law. has a physical or mltntal impairment that limits one or more major lifQ activities or anvone who (8 regarded as having such impairment: or anyone who bas a record of such impairment. .
18.90.030 – Reasonable accommodation request.
- Any person with disabilities and eligible under the Fair Housing Act or their representative may request a reasonable accommodation with respect to the various land yse or zoning laws. rules. policIes. practices and/or procedures of
the city as provided by the fair Housing Apt pursuaot to the procedures set oyt in
this chapter.
- Nothing In this chapwr requires persons with disabilities or operators of group homes for persons with disabilitieS Icting or operating in accordance with applicabJe zOning. Ijecensing or land use law, or practices 10 seek reasonable accommodation uoder this chapter. .
18.90,040 – NotiC@10 the public of availability of accommodation process.
The Deparjrnent shall prominentlv display a notice at the oounter in the Commyoitv Deyelopment Department and Finance Department advising that persons with disabilities or their representatives may reaye§1 8 reasonable accommodation In acoordance with the proce~ures established in this ohapter.
18.90.050 – Requesting reasonable aocommodation.
- A request by an applicant for reasonable accommodation relating to land yse Qr zoning rules. policies. practiceS andlor procedures may be made orally or in writing. The Department will assist the applicant .with fyrnlshing the Department all information necessary for processing the reasonable accommodation regyest, including that Information which the Department deems necessary to complete a reasQ[lIble accommodation request.
- The Department will provide the assistance necessary to an applicant In making a request for reasonable accommodation. The Department will provide the assistance necessary to any apPlicant wl,blng to appeal a dpnial of a request for
reasonable accommodation to ensure the process is accessible to the applicant. The applicant is entitled to be represented at all stages of the proceedings identified In this chapter bv a person desIgnated by the applicant.
18.90.060 – Medical Information.
- Should the Information provided by the !Dpllcsnt to the Department include medical information or records of the applicant Including records lodfcating the medical oondltlon. df@gnosis or roltdlcal history of the applicant. the applicant may. at the time of sybmitting such medical information. request that the department. to ~he extent allowed bv law. treat such medical information as confldentlallnformatlon of the applicant.
- Medical .Informatlon. The Department shall provide written notice tQ the applicant of any reguest received by the Department for disclosure of the medical information or documentation which the applicant has previously requested be trpt§d as confidential by the Department The Department will cooperate wjth the appUcant. to the extent al!owed by law, in actions loltlated by the applicant to QRpose the disclosyre of sych medical Information or documentation.
18.90.070 – Application requirements.
- The applicant shall submit a request for reasonable accommod@tion in a form acceptable to the Department. The appllcatloo shall include the following information: .
1, The applicant’s name. address and wlephone number:
- The address of the property for which the reouest Is being made:
- The name and address of the property owner. and the owner’s written consent to the application:
- The current actual use of the propertY;
- The basis for the claim that the individual is conslde@d disabled ynder th~ fair housing laws; identification and de8cription of the dlspbility which is the basis for the request for accommodation. Including current. written medical certifICation and description of disability and Its effects on the person’s medical. phY§ical or mental.limHations:
- The rule. policy, practice andlar procedure of the city for which the request for aocommodation is being made. Inclyding the zoning code regulation from whrch reasonable accommodation is being reaYested:
- The lvpe of accommodation sought:
- The reason’s) why the 5!ccommodatlon is reasonable and necessary for the needs of the disabled person(s). Where appropriate. include a summary of any poteotlal means and alternatives considered In evaluating the need for the accommodation:
- Copies of memoranda. corresDOOdence. pictures, pliOS or other background information reasonably necessary to reach a decision regarding the need for the accommodation: and
- If the project for Which the reasonable accommodation is being requestgd also requires some other discretionary permit per this title or Title 16 (Subdivisions).
then the reasonable accommodation request shall be acted on before proceeding
with the public he~ring for the discretional,! permit applications.
18.90.080 -.Jurisdiction.
- The communltv dev§lopment director shall have the authority to consider and act
on requests for | reasonable | accommodation. When a request for reasonable | ||||
acoommodation | is filed | with | the | department. | It wlfl be referred | to the |
director/designee for review and consideration. The community development
director shall issue a written determination within thirty (30) days of the date· of receipt of a completed application and may (1) arant the aocommodatjon request.
or (2) deny the request. in accordance with federal law. Any such denial shall be In writing and shall state the grounds therefore. All written determinations shall give notice of the right to appeal and the right to request reasonable
accommodation In the appeals process. The notice of ~eterminatlon Shall be sent
to the applicant by certified mall. return receipt requested and by regular maU.
- Requests for Additional InformatIon. If reasonably neoessary to reach a determination on the request for reasonable accommodation. the
director/designee may. prior to the end of said thirty (30) day period, request additional information from the applicant specifying in detail what information is required. The applicant ,hall have fifteen (15) days after the date of the request for additional Information to proylde the reQyested Information. In the event a request for addRlona! Information is made. the thlrtv (30) day perjod to Issue a written demnn1nation shall be stayed. Tbe Community pevelopment Director shall Issye a written determination within thirty (30) days after receipt of the additignal information. If the applicant falls to provide the requested additional Information within said fifteen (15) day period. the Community Developmenl
Director shall Issue a written detennination within thirty (30) days after expiration of said fifteen (:15.l day period.
18.90.090 – Findings for roasonable accommodation.
- A determination on the following findings shall be made before any action is taken to approve or deny a request for reasonable accommodation and must be incorporated Into the record relating to sych approval or denial:
- Whether the housing that Is the subject of the reqyest for reasonable accommodation will be used by one or more persons with disabilities protected underfed,ral fair housing laws:
- Whether the accommodation regyested may be necessary to afford one or more persons with disabilities equal opportunity to yse and enloy a specific dwelling:
- Whether the requested accommodation woyld reqyire a fundamental alteration to the city’s zoning scheme:
- Whether the requested accommodation would Impose undue financial or
- dmlnistratlye burdens on the city.
- A request for a reasonable accommodation shall not be denied for reasons which violate the provisions of the Fair Housing Act. This ordinance does not obligate the city to grant any accommodation request unless required by the provisions of the Fair Housing Act or applicable California state law.
18.90.190 – Appeals.
- The gpplicant may apPeal the decision within thirty (30) days of the date the maDlnA of the decision to the applicant.
- Appeals shall contain a statement of the grounds for the appeal.
- If an applicant needs assistance ;n appealing a decision. the department will provlste the assistance necessary to ensure that the appeal process Is accessible to the applicant. All applicants are entitled to be represented at all stages of the appe,:,,1proceeding by a person designated by the applicant.
- Appeals shall be to the City Coyncil who shall hear the matter and render a determination 8S soon as reasonably practicable. but In no event later thin thirty (30) days after an appeal has been filed. All determinations on appeal shall address and be based upon the findings identified In Section 18.90.090 and shall be consistent with the Fair Hpusing Act.
- An applicant may request reasonable accommodation in the procedyre by which an appeal will be conducted.
18.90.110 M Fee,
Tbere §hall be no fee imposed in conneqtlon with a request for reasooabig accommodgllQn under the provisions of this’ chapter or an appeal of the decision. Nothing in this chapter obligates the city to pay an applicant’s attorney fee.
18.90.120 – Stay of enforcement.
While an application for reasonable accommodation or appeal of said application is pending before the city. the city will not enforce the subject zoning ordinance against the applicant.
SECTION 3 EFFECTIVE DATE
The effective date of this ordinance is 10 days after this Ordinance is adopted.
This Ordinance was introduced and the title thereof read at the regular meeting of the City Council on April 11, 2017, and the second reading was waived at the regular meeting of the City Council on April 25. 2017.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chowchilla this 25th day of
April. 2017 by the foltowing vote to wit: