Housing Element Update

Welcome to the Sierra Madre Housing Element Update
The City of Sierra Madre, along with all jurisdictions in the Southern California (SCAG) Region, is mandated by California State Law to prepare a Housing Element update for State certification. The Housing Element is part of Sierra Madre’s General Plan and establishes policies and programs to further the development, improvement and preservation of housing. State Housing Element law requires that each City and County identify and analyze their community’s existing and projected housing needs for an eight-year period, which for SCAG jurisdictions extends from October 2021 through October 2029, for the 6th cycle planning period.

Through a comprehensive analysis of existing and future needs, the State has determined that an additional 1.34 million housing units need to be constructed in the SCAG region during the above-mentioned planning period.  Although not yet finalized, SCAG has allocated Sierra Madre a regional housing needs allocation, or “RHNA”, for 204 units to accommodate the estimated growth need among the following income levels:

6th RHNA Cycle (2021 -2029)
Units Allocated to Sierra Madre

Income Category

Housing Units

Very Low Income (< 50% AMI)

79

Low Income (51-80% AMI)

39

Moderate Income (80 – 120% AMI)

35

Above Moderate (> 120% AMI)

51

Total

204


I
ncome Category (% of County AMI)
AMI = Area Median Income for LA County 
 

Potential Housing Sites to Accommodate RHNA
One of the important steps in the Housing Element Update process is to identify sites to accommodate this estimated growth at each income level. Choosing sites is completed with a thorough analysis of site-specific constraints, including but not limited to, size, location, current use, and development potential. Because of the built-out nature of the community, Sierra Madre's approach to the RHNA is focused on infill and underdeveloped sites. Based on public input, comments from the City’s Planning Commission, and staff analysis, the City has identified a number of parcels that could potentially be used for meeting the City’s RHNA. A map has been created to identify the locations of these draft “candidate” housing sites.

Working Draft Housing Element
City staff has conducted three public hearings before City Council to discuss potential sites for the Housing Element update (March 10, June 23, 2020, October 13, 2020, 
and February 23, 2021), and before the Planning Commission on January 21, 2021. The City Council and staff received input and feedback from the public on the potential sites. On November 9, 2021, the City Council adopted the 2021-2029 Housing Element and Appendix. The redline revisions have been made in response to comments received from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Revised Housing Element was adopted by the City Council on July 26, 2022, and resubmitted to HCD on July 28, 2022, for a 60-day review period. Minor technical corrections have been proposed by the City to facilitate certification of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update by the state Housing and Community Development Department (HCD).

Final Housing Element 

The City is pleased to present the final 2021-2029 Housing Element and Appendix. The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has approved the adopted Housing Element on August 10, 2022.  The City will continue the implementation of all programs included in the Housing Element update.


Links to Recorded Meetings

Click here to view Housing Element Item on March 10, 2020

Click here to view Housing Element item on June 23, 2020


Click here to view the Housing Element item on October 13, 2020

Click here to view the Housing Element item on January 21, 2021

Click here to view the Housing Element item on February 23, 2021

Click here to view the Scoping Meeting on Draft EIR for Housing Element on July 28, 2021

Click here to view the Housing Element item on September 16, 2021

Click here to view the Housing Element item on October 7, 2021


Click here to view the Housing Element item on October 26, 2021

Click here to review the Housing Element item on November 9, 2021

Click here to review the Housing Element item on July 26, 2022


Potential Sites for Housing
The City Council and staff would like your input on potential sites for where new housing should be considered to address Sierra Madre’s regional housing needs. Are there areas in the City that are currently underutilized or properties that should be considered for potential redevelopment for housing? Are you aware of any property owners considering development of their properties?  You can use the link below to see the sites under consideration by City Council, and provide us your feedback on these and any additional sites in the comment box below.  

Potential sites selected by City Council

Potential sites for housing Option A


Affordable Housing on Congregational Land
The City hosted a zoom meeting with faith leaders of Sierra Madre and Dr. Jill Shook of Making Housing Happen to explore the concept of placing affordable housing on congregational land. The discussion presentation slides and video can be view below.



Presentation 1

Presentation 2

Get Involved!
There are many ways to get involved, and we want your participation! Public Participation will occur through the following methods:

  • Community-wide workshop

  • Survey

  • Planning and Commission and City Council Meetings

  • Comments provided to the City

Virtual Community Workshop - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1st 2020 AT 6PM
The Sierra Madre Planning & Community Preservation Department hosted a Community Workshop regarding the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update conducted online via Zoom. Community members were invited to participate and learn more about the Housing Element Update, including Sierra Madre’s existing and projected housing needs, identification of sites for new housing, and potential housing strategies.

Click here to view the recorded virtual community workshop, presentation slides, and questions and answers.

Project Timeline

Milestone Timeframe
Notice of Preparation Spring 2021
Draft Housing Element & EIR available for public comment Summer 2021
Begin Public Hearing Process Fall 2021
Submit Housing Element to the State October 2021

Additional Resources

Click here to view the 2014-2021 Housing Element Update

CA Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)

Southern CA Association of Governments (SCAG)

Regional Housing Needs Assessment - Frequently Asked Questions