Chapter 9--Housing (Adopted December 21, 1992)

The Housing Chapter is presented in four major sections. They are:

1. Introduction and Overview

This section provides background information on the Housing Element and an overview of the rest of the chapter. It includes a glossary of terms used in the Housing Element.

2. Housing Background

This section provides a summary of demographic data on Merced’s population, housing conditions, and special housing needs in the City of Merced. It also presents the regional housing needs figures from the Merced County Association of Governments, an overview of vacant land and housing development potential, constraints to that potential, a brief discussion of energy conservation opportunities, a discussion of at-risk housing units, and an evaluation of the City’s 1986 Housing Element.

3. Goals, Policies, & Programs

This section presents the goals, policies, and implementing programs pursued by the City from 1992 to 1997 to address housing needs. The goals and their related policies and programs are organized by four goal areas: 1) New Affordable Housing Construction; 2) Housing Conservation and Rehabilitation; 3) Housing Affordability; and, 4) City Coordination. Target dates and responsibilities are identified for each program as are Quantified objectives.

4. Implementation Matrices

A matrix is provided for each of the four goal areas to provide an overview of the programs identified in the Housing Element and serve as a tool for tracking implementation activities. For each program, the matrix identifies objectives for the one-year and five-year timeframes, implementation responsibilities, estimated staff hours required, and estimated budget allocation for the first year (1992).

Chapter 9--Housing Goal Area H-1: New Affordable Housing Construction

GOALS

Increase The Stock of Affordable Housing for Very Low, Low, and Moderate Income Households

Encourage A Mix of Housing Throughout the City To Meet The Needs of Different Income Groups

Encourage The Construction of Housing and Facilities To Meet Special Needs, Including Farm workers, Homeless, Large Families, Seniors, And People With Physical Or Mental Disabilities

POLICIES

H-1.1 Support increased densities in residential areas.

H-1.2 Review design standards to support affordable housing.

H-1.3 Develop and implement an Affordable Housing Ordinance.

H-1.4 Pursue joint development agreements.

H-1.5 Provide priority review and permitting for affordable housing projects.

H-1.6 Support the construction of second units.

H-1.7 Pursue State and Federal funds for new housing construction.

H-1.8 Support housing to meet special needs.

H-1.9 Continue the "Build-A-House" Project with Merced College.

Goal Area H-2: Housing Conservation and Rehabilitation

GOAL

Ensure Quality Affordable Housing through the Conservation and Rehabilitation of the Existing Housing Stock

POLICIES

H-2.1 Continue the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program.

H-2.2 Promote preventative maintenance and energy conservation in older housing units.

H-2.3 Pursue State and Federal funds to support conservation and rehabilitation.

H-2.4 Retain existing subsidized lower-income units.

Goal Area H-3: Housing Affordability

GOALS

Increase Homeownership Opportunities for Low and Moderate Income Groups

Provide Financial Assistance as Needed to Very Low and Low Income Renter Households

POLICIES

H-3.1 Provide down payment assistance to qualifying homebuyers.

H-3.2 Work with the Housing Authority to continue and expand Section 8 Programs.

H-3.3 Explore the potential for an experimental rental assistance program for the homeless.

H-3.4 Coordinate with local agencies to provide assistance to the homeless.

H-3.5 Pursue State and Federal funds to assist affordability efforts.

Goal Area H-4: City Coordination

GOALS

Coordinate Innovative Housing Efforts with Private and Nonprofit Developers as well as Other Jurisdictions and City Departments

Ensure accountability and success of the Housing Action Plan

POLICIES

H-4.1 Establish an Affordable Housing Community Fund.

H-4.2 Educate the public regarding affordable housing issues and programs.

H-4.3 This policy was deleted by City Council action on 11/4/96.

H-4.4 Support the City of Merced General Plan Update.

H-4.5 Periodically review and evaluate the Housing Action Plan.

H-4.6 Ensure that the City of Merced provides its fair-share of affordable housing.