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Recommendation: Hold a Public Hearing, Waive the First Reading and Introduce an Ordinance to (1) add Article 56 establishing a Reasonable Accommodation Ordinance and (2) amend Article 2 revising the definition of dwelling to include transitional housing, supportive housing, and small residential care facilities as mandated by State law. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY AMENDING ARTICLE 2 (DEFINITIONS) AND ADDING ARTICLE 56 (REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION) TO THE REDWOOD CITY ZONING ORDINANCE MINUTE ORDER 14-020 Mr. Ekern, Community Development Manager, provided the staff report on the City's Housing Element and bringing it up to compliance with State law (presentation on file). The recommendations included amending the definitions, waiving the first reading and introducing the ordinance for reasonable accommodations, and putting in place a process for this. One Council Member asked how when amendments are processed the neighbors will know of transitional or different housing coming in, so that people can be good neighbors and dispel any fears. Mr. Ekern acknowledged the difficulty with this issue since State code and other agencies encourages cities to meet accommodation needs. He added that some of these housing types, such as group homes for battered women and families do not want people to know about them and they have the right to have six people in the home. He spoke about having a balanced approach and working with people to sensitize them in understanding how to be good, conscious neighbors, particularly in regards to parking which seems to be the predominant concern. This Council Member said there had been an issue in the past with a care home where there were concerns by the neighbors and when the home provided them with a tour, the concerns were dispelled. Mr. Ekern said staff can look into this approach. Another Council Member agreed with the previous suggestions in helping people get to know and understand, letting applicants know who their neighborhood Chair is, and she offered to help. Mr. Ekern acknowledged that this will be taken under advisement. Mayor Gee asked for clarification and confirmation that should the City Council chose not to adopt this that it would make it at harder to certify our Housing Element. Mr. Ekern agreed and stated that some of this is mandated by State law and agreed that it is important in allowing the city to better compete and be in line for regional monies and grants and there is relationship between transportation and housing. A Council Member asked if there were any discussion or decision at the state level as to how close certain facilities can be in certain communities. Mr. Ekern said they do not know but will look into it. This Council Member added that the concern was that there were a lot of facilities in an area and some neighbors were concerned about losing the neighborhood feeling. CITY COUNCIL January 27, 2014 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 9 MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 67