County of Sonoma Permit and Resource Management Department*

Private sector developers, including individual homeowners with granny unit potential, are often stymied in their efforts to pursue development opportunities due to high unit-based permitting costs, long bureaucratic delays, neighborhood opposition and CEQA compliance. We partially agree with this finding. Many policies are already in place to streamline and reduce the cost of developing additional dwelling units, especially regarding delays, neighborhood opposition and CEQA compliance. Granny units are a permitted use on qualifying parcels and are exempt from CEQA review. Housing development of all densities is allowed by-right on appropriately designated sites, removing the potential for neighborhood opposition related to land use. Residential projects that meet their required affordable housing program contribution by providing units on site are fast-tracked through the approval and plan check processes. Despite the factors cited above, the Department recognizes that high per-unit costs may dissuade developers from building new housing, especially on smaller infill sites. The Board authorizes impact fees based on recommendations from the departments responsible for providing those services. Transportation and Public Works Department recommends impact fees for road maintenance, Regional Parks Department recommends impact fees for parks maintenance, and the Permit and Resource Management Department recommends impact fees for affordable housing. To reduce costs for smaller developments, the affordable housing fee is graduated in ten square foot increments with no cost for the first 1,000 square feet.

Area Specific Plans can accelerate the development approval process and would facilitate private development. We agree with this finding. The County is preparing two specific plans for the Airport Investment Area and the Sonoma Springs Area that will accelerate the permit process and, therefore, will facilitate housing development. Honorable Raima Ballinger 25 August 2016

The impact of vacation rentals have on the overall supply of housing in the County is difficult to quantify. We agree with this finding.