6th Cycle Housing Element Update

On March 25, 2021, the City Council adopted the 6th Cycle Housing Element as a part of the Del Mar Community Plan (General Plan) via Resolution 2021-14 (PDF). The Housing Element covers an eight-year planning period from 2021-2029. The adopted Housing Element is currently being reviewed by the State for certification.

The adopted Housing Element includes North Commercial Program 1A as a program to achieve capacity for 22 lower income affordable units. The City Council identified the Border Avenue Rezone option as the contingency plan only in the event the City is unable to rely upon North Commercial for Program 1A due to the Referendum in process.

Read the March 25, 2021 Item 2 Agenda Report (PDF). Following are links to the adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element documents:

On October 5, 2020 the City Council approved the draft 6^th Cycle Housing Element Update (October 5, 2020 Item 7 Agenda Report PDF) (Resolution 2020-52 PDF) as recommended by the Planning Commission on September 15, 2020. The approved draft 6^th Cycle HEU was submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a required 60-day HCD review and comment period required per State law. See below for links to the approved draft and HCD’s comments on the draft

On September 30, 2020, the City of Del Mar received an enforcement letter from HCD stating written findings of the City’s existing status in violation of California’s Housing Element Law. On October 19, 2020, the City Council unanimously approved a response to HCD identifying the City’s plan to cure its non-compliance and avoid further enforcement actions. On December 4, 2020, HCD confirmed that it accepted the City’s response and would be closely monitoring the City’s progress in meeting the commitments as outlined in the City’s response letter. See below for links to correspondence with HCD relating to the City’s status and HCD’s close monitoring of City progress for prospective enforcement:

On October 5, 2020, the City Council certified the Final Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) and adopted findings of fact and the Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program via Resolution 2020-51 (PDF). The Final PEIR and initial Draft EIR are available for review by clicking the links below:

Based on questions received by Staff, the City has prepared a Housing Element Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. To review the FAQ, please click the link below:

Housing Element FAQ (PDF)

What is the Housing Element?

The Housing Element is a State-mandated policy document within the Del Mar Community Plan that provides direction for the implementation of various programs to meet existing and projected future housing needs for all income levels within the Del Mar community. The Housing Element provides policies, programs, and actions that accommodate growth, produce opportunity for the development of new housing units, preserve existing housing stock, and assist the existing population.

The City’s stated housing goal is to, “Inspire a more diverse, sustainable, and balanced community through implementation of strategies and programs that will result in economically and socially diversified housing choices that preserve and enhance the special character of Del Mar.”

Background:

On January 13, 2020 the City Council Established a seven member 6th Cycle Housing Element Ad-Hoc Citizens’ Task Force (Task Force) to work with Staff and the City Council Housing Liaisons to:

Discuss, evaluate, and provide feedback on potential goals, policies, programs, and objectives to be included within the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update during preparation of the associated CEQA document;
To help educate and encourage Housing Element participation among fellow Del Mar citizens; and
Generally aid the City in the preparation and development of the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update during preparation of the associated CEQA document.

The Task Force presented their findings and recommendations to the City Council on June 15, 2020, and their recommendations were included in the October 5, 2020 agenda report on the 6^th Cycle Program Environmental Impact Report and Draft Housing Element Update. The Task Force was disbanded on June 30, 2020.

For more information on the Ad-Hoc Citizens’ Task Force you can visit their web page below:

6th Cycle Housing Element Ad-Hoc Citizens’ Task Force Web Page