SANTA PAULA : Low-Cost Housing Plan to Be Discussed

The Santa Paula City Council will discuss the city’s need for affordable housing tonight when it considers a request for 20 low-cost units and a plan to swap density for affordable housing.

In the low-cost-housing proposal, developers are seeking a zoning change for a one-acre lot near Harvard Boulevard and 12th Street to allow construction of a 21-unit apartment complex. Current zoning allows a maximum of 15 units.

Two weeks ago, with only three of its five members present, the council agreed to postpone a decision on the project after Councilwoman Robin Sullivan voiced reservations about the size of the apartments and the potential for overcrowding.

The support of all three council members would have been required to approve the change.

Applicant David Allen contended that federal housing regulations would set strict limits on the number of occupants in the complex, which if approved is expected to use tax-credit financing.

According to a condition of approval passed by the city’s Planning Commission, at least 12 of the units would be restricted to households with low and very low incomes.

The council will also consider a density bonus ordinance to encourage the building of more affordable housing in the city.

Initially reviewed by the council in December, the state-mandated plan would allow developers an extra 25% in the size of a multiple-unit residential project if some units are set aside for low-income or senior residents.