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7.1.A. - Page 23 <br /> ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY <br /> AMENDING ARTICLE 2 (DEFINITIONS) AND ADDING ARTICLE 56 <br /> (REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION) TO THE REDWOOD CITY ZONING <br /> ORDINANCE MINUTE ORDER 14 -020 <br /> Mr. Ekern, Community Development Manager, provided the staff report on the City's <br /> Housing Element and bringing it up to compliance with State law (presentation on file). <br /> The recommendations included amending the definitions, waiving the first reading and <br /> introducing the ordinance for reasonable accommodations, and putting in place a <br /> process for this. <br /> One Council Member asked how when amendments are processed the neighbors will <br /> know of transitional or different housing coming in, so that people can be good <br /> neighbors and dispel any fears. Mr. Ekern acknowledged the difficulty with this issue <br /> since State code and other agencies encourages cities to meet accommodation needs. <br /> He added that some of these housing types, such as group homes for battered women <br /> and families do not want people to know about them and they have the right to have six <br /> people in the home. He spoke about having a balanced approach and working with <br /> people to sensitize them in understanding how to be good, conscious neighbors, <br /> particularly in regards to parking which seems to be the predominant concern. This <br /> Council Member said there had been an issue in the past with a care home where there <br /> were concerns by the neighbors and when the home provided them with a tour, the <br /> concerns were dispelled. Mr. Ekern said staff can look into this approach. <br /> Another Council Member agreed with the previous suggestions in helping people get to <br /> know and understand, letting applicants know who their neighborhood Chair is, and she <br /> offered to help. Mr. Ekern acknowledged that this will be taken under advisement. <br /> Mayor Gee asked for clarification and confirmation that should the City Council chose <br /> not to adopt this that it would make it at harder to certify our Housing Element. Mr. <br /> Ekern agreed and stated that some of this is mandated by State law and agreed that it <br /> is important in allowing the city to better compete and be in line for regional monies and <br /> grants and there is relationship between transportation and housing. <br /> A Council Member asked if there were any discussion or decision at the state level as to <br /> how close certain facilities can be in certain communities. Mr. Ekern said they do not <br /> know but will look into it. This Council Member added that the concern was that there <br /> were a lot of facilities in an area and some neighbors were concerned about losing the <br /> neighborhood feeling. <br /> Another Council Member commented that she sits on many boards that deal with <br /> transitional housing and that Redwood City has been one of best cities in the area to <br /> provide accommodation. She said that people have generally been good neighbors and <br /> there have been positive results that benefit the community and there have been few <br /> problems mostly related to parking. <br /> Mayor Gee opened the public hearing. There was no public comment. <br /> CITY COUNCIL January 27, 2014 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 9 <br />