HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021_08_31 Supplemental Memo - Housing Element Update NewslettersHousing Element Update Study Session Page 1 of 1
CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Mayor Zhao & Members of the Saratoga City Council
From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
Date: August 31, 2021
Subject: Housing Element Update Study Session: Housing Element & Saratoga Source
Newsletters
Following publication of the agenda packet for the August 31 study session, three City newsletters
were sent in relation to the Housing Element update. One of the Housing Element newsletters was
resent several times to correct a broken link to the City Council agenda. The newsletters are attached
to this memo.
Study Session Today!
The City Council and Planning Commission will hold a virtual Study Session about the
Housing Element Update today, August 31 at 5:00 p.m. The Study Session will include an
overview and discussion of the current understanding of the community’s values and
priorities. Part of this discussion will be based on the Housing Element Values Survey
results. The Study Session will also include a review of possible strategies, policies, and
housing opportunity sites for the next Housing Element.
View the August 31 Study Session Agenda
You can join the Study Session using Zoom or by calling in:
Webinar URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86503408022
Webinar ID: 865 0340 8022
Call In: 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833
More Information
You can find more about the Housing Element, including videos and other
resources, on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us/housing
[http://www.saratoga.ca.us/housing]. Please share this information and
encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to participate in this
important process!
Copyright 2021 City of Saratoga. All Rights Reserved.
13777 Fruitvale Ave Saratoga, CA 95070
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P R I N T C O P Y
He l p
8/30/2021 Saratoga Source: August 27
https://www.saratoga.ca.us/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/151132 1/4
Housing Element Survey Results & Study Session
In June, the City launched the Housing Element Values Survey, which was open through
July 31 and received 743 responses. The goal of this survey was to gain a better
understanding of community values and priorities, which will be used as a foundation for
future conversations about possible strategies to utilize in the Housing Element.
The City Council and Planning Commission will hold a virtual Study Session about the
Housing Element Update on Tuesday, August 31 at 5:00 p.m. The Study Session will
include an overview and discussion of the current understanding of the community’s
values and priorities. Part of this discussion will be based on the survey results. The Study
Session will also include a review of possible strategies, policies, and housing opportunity
sites for the next Housing Element.
You can view the Study Session Agenda on the City website and join the meeting using
Zoom or by calling in:
Webinar URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86503408022
Webinar ID: 865 0340 8022
Call In: 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833
An overview of the survey results and response count is provided below, and a more
detailed summary is available on the City website.
1. Do you live and/or work in the City of Saratoga?
I live in Saratoga, but work elsewhere: 38.8% (288)
I live and work in Saratoga: 17.6% (131)
I live in Saratoga and I am retired/ do not currently work: 42.7% (317)
I work in Saratoga, but live somewhere else: 0.9% (7)
No response: 0
2. If you live in Saratoga, how long have you lived in the City?
0-2 years: 3.3% (24)
2-5 years: 7.5% (55)
5-10 years: 10.7% (79)
10-20 years: 18.8% (139)
20+ years: 59.8% (441)
No response: 5
3. How old are you?
18 years or less: 0.8% (6)
19-25 years: 1.0% (7)
26-30 years: 0.8% (6)
31-40 years: 5.4% (40)
41-50 years: 18.3% (135)
51-60 years: 23.6% (174)
61-70 years: 26.8% (197)
8/30/2021 Saratoga Source: August 27
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71-80 years: 16.7% (123)
81 years or more: 6.5% (48)
No response: 7
4. Select the type of housing you reside in:
Single Family Home: 94.5% (699)
Attached Home (Townhouse, Duplex): 2.3% (17)
Multifamily Home (Apartment, Condominium): 2.4% (18)
Accessory Dwelling Unit: 0.1% (1)
Other: 0.7% (5)
No response: 3
5. Are you a renter or owner?
Renter: 3.5% (26)
Owner: 96.5% (713)
No response: 4
6. Are you satisfied with your current housing situation?
Yes: 95.9% (708)
No: 4.1% (30)
No response: 5
7. Does the range of housing options currently available in the City of Saratoga
meet your needs?
Yes: 89.8% (658)
No: 10.2% (75)
No response: 10
8. If you live in Saratoga, why did you choose to live here? Select all that apply.
Quality of housing: 69.5% (511)
Neighborhood safety: 65.9% (484)
Quality of schools: 62.9% (462)
Scenery: 57.3% (421)
Proximity to work: 29.3% (215)
Family/friends: 24.2% (178)
Recreation/amenities: 22.0% (162)
Shops, dining, etc.: 16.2% (119)
City services: 9.8% (72)
Other: 13.3% (9)
No response: 8
9. As the City plans to meet the State mandate to plan for more than 1,700 new
housing units, which types of additional housing would you be willing to
accept in the City of Saratoga? Select all that apply.
Single Family Homes: 82.3% (595)
Housing for Seniors: 57.8% (418)
Townhomes: 51.3% (371)
Condominiums (Owned): 47.2% (341)
Duplex, Triplex, etc.: 32.1% (232)
Apartments (Rented): 21.0% (152)
Housing for Students: 18.8% (136)
Other: 8.7% (63)
No response: 20
10. Please rank the following based on how important they are to you and your
family, with 1 being the most important and 8 being the least
important. (Average ranking calculated based on number assigned to each
ranking position)
1. Preserving the current character of single family neighborhoods, as much as
possible.
2. Limiting growth in hillsides and areas at risk for wildfire.
3. Preserving existing commercial locations, such as shopping centers with
grocery stores.
4. Retaining a practice of generally limiting buildings to 2 stories.
5. Creating mixed-use (commercial/office and residential) projects in the
community.
6. Providing a diverse range of housing types to meet the varied needs of
people at all income levels.
8/30/2021 Saratoga Source: August 27
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7. Building housing for older adults or students.
8. Requiring construction of affordable units as part of housing development
projects.
No response: 33
Additional Information about Question 10: How many participants chose each
option as their top priority?
1. Preserving the current character of single-family neighborhoods, as much as
possible: 59.7% (424)
2. Limiting growth in hillsides and areas at risk for wildfire: 13.1% (93)
3. Retaining a practice of generally limiting buildings to 2 stories: 5.4% (38)
4. Preserving existing commercial locations, such as shopping centers with
grocery stores: 5.4% (38)
5. Creating mixed-use (commercial/office and residential) projects in the
community: 4.9% (35)
6. Building housing for older adults or students: 1.4% (10)
7. Providing a diverse range of housing types to meet the varied needs of
people at all income levels: 7.8% (56)
8. Requiring construction of affordable units as part of housing development
projects: 2.3% (16)
No response: 33
Housing Allocation Appeal Due Soon
As a reminder, comments on Regional Housing Allocation (RHNA) appeals are due to the
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) by Monday, August 30. In July, the City
Council appealed Saratoga's RHNA of more than 1,700 new homes to be built in Saratoga
between 2023 and 2031. ABAG received 28 appeals from Bay Area jurisdictions, which
included 6 appeals from Santa Clara County. The community can submit comments on
appeals to RHNA@bayareametro.gov.
Reducing Wildfire Risk Webinar
Breakthrough research has shown that the majority of homes destroyed by wildfire are
first ignited by embers and small flames. Register today for a free Santa Clara County Fire
Department online workshop on August 31 at 6:30 p.m. to learn about hardening your
home and reducing wildfire risks within the 5-foot buffer around your home.
Movie Night Photos
Thanks to everyone who joined the City of Saratoga to watch The Wizard of Oz at Movie
Night on Friday, August 20! Photos from the event are available on the City's Facebook
page at www.facebook.com/CityofSaratoga
End of Summer Music Fest
Join the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce for the End of Summer Music Fest on Sunday,
September 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wildwood Park. Register for the free event to
enjoy live music, food, and fun!
Saratoga Power Lunch
Join Mayor Yan Zhao for Saratoga Power Lunch on Tuesday, September 14 from 12:00
p.m. to 12:30 p.m. This month, the Mayor will discuss drought conditions with Kirsten
Struve, Valley Water Assistant Officer for Water Supply. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/lunch to
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register for upcoming webinars, submit questions, and watch recordings of previous
events.
Defensible Space & Trees
Maintaining defensible space on your property has never been easier. Permits to remove
dead or fire-prone trees are free. Property owners in the Wildland Urban Interface can
also apply for a permit to remove trees that cannot be maintained with defensible space
standards. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/fire for more information on defensible space, fire
prevention, and tree removal permits.
Apply to Serve on a City Commission!
Volunteering for a City Commission is a great way to learn about the City, give back to the
community, and explore your interests in a new way. The City is currently accepting
applications for the Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Art Commission, Heritage
Preservation Commission, and Traffic Safety Commission. Learn more and apply at
www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac
Connect with the City of Saratoga
Never miss an update from the City of Saratoga! Like the City of Saratoga on Facebook,
follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and join the Nextdoor community. You can also visit
the City’s website to sign up to receive notifications about things you’re interested in.
Copyright 2021 City of Saratoga. All Rights Reserved.
13777 Fruitvale Ave Saratoga, CA 95070
Powered by
8/30/2021 Housing Element Study Session - Corrected Agenda Link 2
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Study Session on Tuesday, August 31 - Corrected Agenda
Link #2
Due to technical issues, the link to the August 31 Study Session agenda is being
provided again. Sorry for the inconvenience.
The City Council and Planning Commission will hold a virtual Study Session about the
Housing Element Update on Tuesday, August 31 at 5:00 p.m. The Study Session will
include an overview and discussion of the current understanding of the community’s
values and priorities. Part of this discussion will be based on the survey results, which you
can find more information about below. The Study Session will also include a review of
possible strategies, policies, and housing opportunity sites for the next Housing Element.
View the Study Session Agenda (corrected link)
You can join the Study Session using Zoom or by calling in:
Webinar URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86503408022
Webinar ID: 865 0340 8022
Call In: 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833
Housing Element Values Survey Results
In June, the City launched the Housing Element Values Survey, which was open through
July 31 and received 743 responses. The goal of this survey was to gain a better
understanding of community values and priorities, which will be used as a foundation for
future conversations about possible strategies to utilize in the Housing Element.
An overview of the survey results and response count is provided below, and a more
detailed summary is available on the City website.
1. Do you live and/or work in the City of Saratoga?
I live in Saratoga, but work elsewhere: 38.8% (288)
I live and work in Saratoga: 17.6% (131)
I live in Saratoga and I am retired/ do not currently work: 42.7% (317)
I work in Saratoga, but live somewhere else: 0.9% (7)
No response: 0
2. If you live in Saratoga, how long have you lived in the City?
0-2 years: 3.3% (24)
2-5 years: 7.5% (55)
5-10 years: 10.7% (79)
10-20 years: 18.8% (139)
20+ years: 59.8% (441)
No response: 5
3. How old are you?
8/30/2021 Housing Element Study Session - Corrected Agenda Link 2
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18 years or less: 0.8% (6)
19-25 years: 1.0% (7)
26-30 years: 0.8% (6)
31-40 years: 5.4% (40)
41-50 years: 18.3% (135)
51-60 years: 23.6% (174)
61-70 years: 26.8% (197)
71-80 years: 16.7% (123)
81 years or more: 6.5% (48)
No response: 7
4. Select the type of housing you reside in:
Single Family Home: 94.5% (699)
Attached Home (Townhouse, Duplex): 2.3% (17)
Multifamily Home (Apartment, Condominium): 2.4% (18)
Accessory Dwelling Unit: 0.1% (1)
Other: 0.7% (5)
No response: 3
5. Are you a renter or owner?
Renter: 3.5% (26)
Owner: 96.5% (713)
No response: 4
6. Are you satisfied with your current housing situation?
Yes: 95.9% (708)
No: 4.1% (30)
No response: 5
7. Does the range of housing options currently available in the City of Saratoga
meet your needs?
Yes: 89.8% (658)
No: 10.2% (75)
No response: 10
8. If you live in Saratoga, why did you choose to live here? Select all that apply.
Quality of housing: 69.5% (511)
Neighborhood safety: 65.9% (484)
Quality of schools: 62.9% (462)
Scenery: 57.3% (421)
Proximity to work: 29.3% (215)
Family/friends: 24.2% (178)
Recreation/amenities: 22.0% (162)
Shops, dining, etc.: 16.2% (119)
City services: 9.8% (72)
Other: 13.3% (9)
No response: 8
9. As the City plans to meet the State mandate to plan for more than 1,700 new
housing units, which types of additional housing would you be willing to
accept in the City of Saratoga? Select all that apply.
Single Family Homes: 82.3% (595)
Housing for Seniors: 57.8% (418)
Townhomes: 51.3% (371)
Condominiums (Owned): 47.2% (341)
Duplex, Triplex, etc.: 32.1% (232)
Apartments (Rented): 21.0% (152)
Housing for Students: 18.8% (136)
Other: 8.7% (63)
No response: 20
10. Please rank the following based on how important they are to you and your
family, with 1 being the most important and 8 being the least
important. (Average ranking calculated based on number assigned to each
ranking position)
1. Preserving the current character of single family neighborhoods, as much as
possible.
2. Limiting growth in hillsides and areas at risk for wildfire.
8/30/2021 Housing Element Study Session - Corrected Agenda Link 2
https://www.saratoga.ca.us/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/151323 3/3
3. Preserving existing commercial locations, such as shopping centers with
grocery stores.
4. Retaining a practice of generally limiting buildings to 2 stories.
5. Creating mixed-use (commercial/office and residential) projects in the
community.
6. Providing a diverse range of housing types to meet the varied needs of
people at all income levels.
7. Building housing for older adults or students.
8. Requiring construction of affordable units as part of housing development
projects.
No response: 33
Additional Information about Question 10: How many participants chose each
option as their top priority?
1. Preserving the current character of single-family neighborhoods, as much as
possible: 59.7% (424)
2. Limiting growth in hillsides and areas at risk for wildfire: 13.1% (93)
3. Retaining a practice of generally limiting buildings to 2 stories: 5.4% (38)
4. Preserving existing commercial locations, such as shopping centers with
grocery stores: 5.4% (38)
5. Creating mixed-use (commercial/office and residential) projects in the
community: 4.9% (35)
6. Building housing for older adults or students: 1.4% (10)
7. Providing a diverse range of housing types to meet the varied needs of
people at all income levels: 7.8% (56)
8. Requiring construction of affordable units as part of housing development
projects: 2.3% (16)
No response: 33
Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Allocation
As a reminder, comments on Regional Housing Allocation (RHNA) appeals are due to the
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) by Monday, August 30. In July, the City
Council appealed Saratoga's RHNA of more than 1,700 new homes to be built in Saratoga
between 2023 and 2031. ABAG received 28 appeals from Bay Area jurisdictions, which
included 6 appeals from Santa Clara County. The community can submit comments on
appeals to RHNA@bayareametro.gov.
More Information
You can find more about the Housing Element, including videos and other resources, on
the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us/housing. Please share this information and
encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to participate in this important process!
Copyright 2021 City of Saratoga. All Rights Reserved.
13777 Fruitvale Ave Saratoga, CA 95070
Powered by