Carlsbad CA— At two upcoming meetings, the City of Carlsbad Housing and Planning commissions will discuss an update to the city’s “housing element,” a state-required plan to ensure the city can meet future housing needs, including a variety of housing types, densities and options for low income residents and those with special needs. Public input is welcome.

At a Glance

• The Housing Commission meeting will take place Thursday, Feb. 9, and the Planning Commission meeting Wednesday, Feb. 15, both at 6 p.m., at City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive.
• Some of the topics addressed in the housing plan include:
  • Conserving and improving existing affordable housing.
  • Making the most of housing opportunities throughout the community.
  • Assisting in the provision of affordable housing.
  • Removing governmental and other constraints to housing investment.
  • Promoting fair and equal housing opportunities.
• Copies of the plan are available at the city’s libraries, Faraday Center, Senior Center, City Hall and online at www.carlsbadca.gov/planning.
• The community may provide comments at the Feb. 9 or 15 meetings or by emailing scott.donnell@carlsbadca.gov.

More Information

The purpose of the Housing and Planning Commission meetings is to receive a presentation on and discuss the changes to the latest draft, take public comment and make a recommendation on the update to the City Council.
“Ensuring safe, decent and affordable housing is a critical issue throughout California and because of this, the state oversees local planning efforts,” said City of Carlsbad Senior Planner Scott Donnell. “The housing element update will provide the city’s housing plan for 2017–2021, and we welcome the community’s input.”
The housing element is a part of the General Plan, the city’s blueprint for how land will be used to achieve the community’s vision for the future. The City Council approved an updated General Plan in September 2015, capping an eight-year process that engaged thousands of community members in an extensive conversation about how they want their city to look and function in the future.
Next Steps
In late December, the California Department of Housing and Community Development gave the city its preliminary approval of the draft housing element. Once the Housing Commission and Planning Commission make a recommendation on the housing element, it will be presented to City Council for approval later this spring. Following City Council approval, the housing element goes back to the State Department of Housing and Community Development for final review and approval within 90 days of submission.
Even More Information

• Scott Donnell, 760-602-4618, scott.donnell@carlsbadca.gov
• Review the draft housing element
• Housing element background