APA California Articles RSS Feed

Amendments to the CEQA Guidelines Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Adopted by the Secretary of Natural Resources

Christopher Calfee or Ian Peterson — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:00:00 GMT

Filed with Secretary of State:

The Secretary for Natural Resources adopted Amendments to the CEQA
Guidelines addressing greenhouse gas emissions on December 30, 2009. The
Amendments will become effective on March 18, 2010. The Natural Resources
Agency thanks you and all of those that participated in the rulemaking
process and the development of these Guidelines Amendments.

The text of the adopted Amendments, Final Statement of Reasons, and other
rulemaking documents are available on the Natural Resources Agency's Web
site at: http://ceres.ca.gov/ceqa/guidelines
<http://ceres.ca.gov/ceqa/guidelines.

For further information, please contact Christopher Calfee
(chris.calfee@resources.ca.gov <mailto:chris.calfee@resources.ca.gov> ) or
Ian Peterson (ian.peterson@resources.ca.gov) at 916-653-5656.

4-Mar-10 12:00 PM

The American Planning Association, California Chapter Board, has unanimously voted to endorse Jeff Lambert for National APA President-Elect.

Kurt Christiansen, President, APA California Chapter — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:30:00 GMT

The California Chapter represents 14% of the Total APA membership, a very large voting block. In order to voice our opinion on the direction the national organization moves, we must use our voting power to elect those individuals who we believe will support our opinion. If we get our membership to vote for candidates we endorse, we will have a greater influence on decisions made by the National American Planning Association Board of Directors. As an APA member, it is critical that you vote in this national election. The Chapter Board reviewed the APA President-Elect candidate statements from both, Jeffrey Lambert, AICP and Mitchell Silver, AICP. The candidate statement prepared by Jeffrey Lambert, AICP, with its message of focusing on the members, resonated with our Board.

An email was sent to you on March 2, 2010, from the following email address:

APA Ballot <planning.ballot@intelliscaninc.net

The subject line in the email was as follows:

American Planning Association's 2010 Election Ballot

Find the email and click on the link in the email. The link is only for your member number.

Please take the time to cast your vote for all of the National APA offices up for election

3-Mar-10 3:30 PM

Legislative Update January/February 2010

Sande George — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:00:00 GMT

The 2009-2010 legislative session resumes with a gloomy budget forecast and new bills introduced.

Click to read: Legislative Update January/February 2010

11-Feb-10 12:00 PM

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announces the Advanced Notice and Request for Comments for HUD's Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program.

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announces the Advanced Notice and Request for Comments for HUD's Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program. The notice of the program is available at:

http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities/grant_program

Comments on the notice are due March 12, 2010

8-Feb-10 6:00 PM

Released for Public Review: Draft State Plan of Flood Control Descriptive Document

Sande George — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:00:00 GMT

The California Department of Water Resources is pleased to announce the release for public comment the draft State Plan of Flood Control Descriptive Document, a key deliverable of the FloodSAFE California Initiative to the State legislature and a major step towards completion of the 2012 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan.

Released today for a 30-day public review, the draft report represents a comprehensive description of the State Plan of Flood Control, a State-federal flood protection system in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys for which the State has provided assurances that it will operate and oversee in cooperation with the federal government. Elements of the draft report include description of the characteristics and components of this existing system, including its flood control works, lands, programs, plans, conditions, and modes of operations and maintenance.

For an electronic copy of the draft report, please visit www.water.ca.gov/cvfmp/documents.cfm. Comments are due 5 p.m. March 2, 2010. Comments or to request for electronic copies of report appendices, such as detailed maps and references, should be submitted by email to cvfmp@water.ca.gov or in writing to the address below. Comments may also be received at the February 26, 2010, meeting of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board.

Central Valley Flood Planning Office
Atten: Roger Lee
P.O. Box 942836
Sacramento, CA 94236

1-Feb-10 2:00 PM

The California Department of Housing and Community Development Announces the Release of an RFP for an Innovative New Program

Sande George — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:00:00 GMT

The California Department of Housing and Community Development is pleased to announce the release of an RFP for an innovative new Program: the Catalyst Projects for California Sustainable Strategies Pilot Program (Program). Approximately 6 development projects will be selected as Catalyst Projects in communities throughout California to incentivize sustainable communities and test innovative strategies designed to increase housing supply and affordability; improve jobs and housing relationships; stimulate job creation and retention; enhance transportation modal choices that reflect community values, preserve open space and agricultural resources; promote public health; eliminate toxic threats; address blighted properties; reduce green house gas emissions and increase energy conservation and independence.

As you will see, the Program reflects a coordinated effort by multiple state agencies to support local innovation, develop projects that integrate environmental, economic and housing goals and test strategies for broad implementation throughout the California. The Program will also engage our regional partners and support efforts to implement Regional Blueprints and address the goals of SB 375.

Completed RFPs are due February 11, 2009. If you have any questions about the RFP or the goals of the Program please contact Cathy Creswell at the number below.

Cathy Creswell

Deputy Director

California Department of Housing and Community Development

(916) 323-3176

21-Dec-09 2:00 PM

New State Clearinghouse Publications Posted on the OPR Website

Sande George — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The State Clearinghouse announces the posting of their most recent publications to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research website.

Click to read: State Clearinghouse Publications

20-Dec-09 9:00 PM

APA Comments on the Strategic Growth Council Planning Grant Guidelines

Sande George — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The American Planning Association submits comments on the Strategic Growth Council Planning Grant Guidelines

Click to read: Comments on the Strategic Growth Council Planning Grants Guidelines

11-Dec-09 3:00 PM

Legislative Update November/December 2009

Sande George — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:00:00 GMT

The planning grant criteria is now available as the Strategic Growth Council begins the grant process.

Click to read: Legislative Update November/December 2009

7-Dec-09 12:00 PM

Legislative Update September/October 2009

Sande George — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The end of the 2009 legislative session finished with a number of issues still pending.

Click to read: APA California Legislative Update - September/October 2009

16-Oct-09 5:00 PM

Comments on Natural Resources Agency Recommended Amendments to CEQA Guidelines for GHG Emissions

Sande George — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:00:00 GMT

APA California has submitted comments on Natural Resources Agency recommended amendments to CEQA guidelines for GHG emissions. Please click here to view the comments submitted to Natural Resources Agency.

18-Aug-09 3:00 PM

APA California Legislative Update – July/August 2009

Sande George — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:00:00 GMT

APA California Legislative Update – July/August 2009

BY SANDE GEORGE, APA CALIFORNIA LOBBYIST

STEFAN/GEORGE ASSOCIATES

Only a Few Planning Bills Still of Concern

Here is a quick update of the 2009 legislative measures dealing with planning issues.

As you can see, the budget woes required authors to take major amendments to reduce the costs of bills that included extensive local state mandated costs, and many other bills were made two-year bills due to cost or other issues.

As of today, the budget still has not been signed, so the big news is the amount of moneys that the state will take or borrow from local governments to help balance the $26.3 billion deficit. A combination of Prop 1A, redevelopment and transportation funds up to $5.3 billion are expected to be part of the deal, with some mitigation to reduce the pain to local governments in some way. Also unclear is how much if any of the agency “restructuring” will be part of the deal. The last news on this front eliminated the Office of Planning and Research, and its State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit functions were being moved to the Air Resources Board, including the Strategic Growth Council. This is a very sad development that APA does not support. And, just where the functions may end up are still under discussion, including possibly the Governor’s office itself, the Housing and Community Development Department or a new Department of Planning in the Resources Agency.

One other issue that is being discussed, but it not yet in any specific bill, is a request by the housing advocate organizations to deal with the court’s decision in Urban Habitats v. City of Pleasanton. They believe that the 90-day statute of limitations on provisions in 65009 (d) inappropriately limit their ability to challenge housing elements and other housing policies and ordinances that do not otherwise comply with the law or will not comply under the new process in SB 375. Their solutions so far, however, have been to allow an indefinite statute of limitations, which amounts to no statute of limitations at all, or as much as four years to bring action following adoption. This issue is still under discussion. APA cannot support provisions that open local government up to large judgments or leave cities and counties hanging for years wondering whether or not they will be sued, particularly since the Pleasanton case gave those who brought the case the right to proceed with their claim against the City.

Finally, the SB 375 Regional Targets Advisory Committee, which was appointed to give ARB guidance in determining GHG emission reduction targets for the regions, is continuing to meet. Pete Parkinson, APA California’s Vice President for Policy and Legislation, is on the RTAC. The RTAC is expected to finish its work in the next few months.

In the mean time, here is where we are:

DELTA OVERSIGHT MEASURES:

AB 39 (Huffman), SB 12 (Simitian), AB 457 (Wolk) and AB 458 Wolk) are the package of Delta bills that have now been gutted and sent to a conference committee. The goal of the bills will be to decide the governance and land use oversight structure of the Delta, a contentious and ongoing debate that may finally be decided this year. Governor Schwarzenegger created a Governor's Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force which released its Delta Vision Strategic Plan in October 2008. The Task Force's report called for a new governance structure with the authority, responsibility, accountability, science support, and secure funding to achieve its recommended co-equal goals for restoring the Delta ecosystem and creating a more reliable water supply. The five Delta counties and Delta cities have been working very closely with the authors and APA continues to monitor the measures.

SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS:

AB 45, authored by Assembly Member Blakeslee, restricts local approvals of small wind energy systems in non-urban areas similar to a law that sunsetted last year. As amended, APA removed its opposition pending some additional technical amendments and a request to allow areas that are non-urban now but will be urbanizing to require the systems to be removed when that occurs. It is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

CREDIT FOR VOLUNTARY WATER DEMAND MEASURE SAVINGS:

AB 300, authored by Assembly Member Caballero, is sponsored by builders and developers and is designed to ensure that builders who install voluntary water demand measures, receive credit for their savings in connection with water-demand assessments and verifications done during the entitlement process. The bill requires the public water agency to maintain control of the water assessment for new developments and requires the voluntary water demand measures be permanently affixed to the property. APA does not oppose the concept, but ensuring compliance and monitoring that compliance over time remains a core issue. The bill is in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

NEW MAP EXTENSION PLUS BUILDING PERMITS AND FEES:

AB 333 (Fuentes) was just signed into law by the Governor as an urgency measure, which means the bill is effective immediately. It provides another extension of the expiration dates of 24 months for tentative maps, vesting tentative maps, or parcel maps for which a tentative map or tentative vesting map has been approved, provided their approval date has not expired when this bill takes effect. This extension is in addition to any other statutory extensions previously granted by the Legislature.

However, rather than just allowing another map extension, this measure also reduces, from five years to three years, the period of time after the approval of a tentative map or recordation of a parcel map during which a city or county is prohibited, with exceptions, from imposing specified conditions on a building permit. The bill states that the prohibition on conditions being placed on building permits does not prohibit a local agency from levying a fee or imposing a condition that requires the payment of a fee upon the issuance of a building permit or after the issuance, including a fee as defined in the Mitigation Fee Act. As stated in the analysis, by reducing, from five years to three years, “the period of time during which cities and counties are prohibited from placing specified conditions on the issuance of any building permit, and by stating that that prohibition does not apply to specified permit fees, this bill attempts to mitigate some of the impacts of repeated subdivision and parcel map extensions on cities and counties.”

RESTRICTIONS ON DENIALS OF FARMWORKER HOUSING:

Originally a very expansive measure that would have allowed farmworker housing on any parcel that allowed agricultural use, this measure was substantially amended to remove APA’s opposition. AB 494, authored by Assembly Member Caballero, now exempts from the Subdivision Map Act the lease of “agriculturally zoned land” to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of operating an agricultural labor housing project if the property is not more than five acres, and if the lease is for at least 30 years and signed before January 1, 2020. Assembly Member Caballero still would like to remove some hurdles she believes have made it difficult at the local level to build farmworker housing and will most likely introduce another measure again in 2010. AB 494 is on the Senate Floor.

PLANNING AND SUBDIVISION APPROVAL CHANGES IN HIGH FIRE AREAS:

Two measures dealing with high fire areas are continuing to move, but both have been substantially amended. APA now supports both measures. AB 666 (Jones) requires counties to make findings that new development meets fire service availability, fire design and access requirements before approving maps in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone. SB 505 (Kehoe) requires changes in the Safety Element of the General Plan to protect the community from fire risk in a State Responsibility Area or within very high hazard severity zones. These changes must be incorporated into the Safety Elements by January 2015 and then updated as needed upon revision of the housing element thereafter. Both measures are in the second house.

DISADVANTAGED COLONIAS AND ISLAND COMMUNITIES:

AB 853 (Arambula) is now a two-year bill and will not be moved until 2010. It would have specified procedures for annexing unincorporated disadvantaged fringe communities and island communities to a city.

NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR FEES:

AB 1084 (Adams) originally would have made it difficult in increase fees or impose conditions on projects. As amended the bill clarifies notice, adjustment, and audit procedures with regard to a proposed or existing fee. These changes are consistent with existing law and practice. APA is now neutral on the bill. It is currently on the Senate floor.

DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES AND BOND FUNDING:

SB 194 (Florez) would have required cities and counties accepting Prop 84 funds to amend the General Plan to include extensive information and implantation measures to address disadvantaged communities in or near its boundaries. It is a two-year bill.

PROJECTECTED FOCLOSURE RATES IN HOUSING ELEMENT:

SB 326 (Strickland) would have required housing needs assessments in housing elements to include existing and projected foreclosure rates and the impact on housing needs. It is a two-year bill.

PARKING REFORMS:

SB 518 (Lowenthal) would have required localities to adopt and implement 20 points worth of parking reforms by 2012. It is a two-year bill. As last amended, it was a voluntary program, which APA supported.

SB 375 CLEAN UP:

SB 575 authored by Senator Steinberg is the clean up vehicle for SB 375 and specifies how the new housing element due dates under the new 8-year RHNA process will be implemented and reconciled with local RTP’s and SB 375 regional planning requirements. It is currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. APA supports this measure.

21-Jul-09 1:00 PM

OPR Closed Three Fridays per Month

Terry Roberts — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:15:00 GMT

In order to implement Executive Order S-13-09, which institutes a third furlough day for state agencies, we will close the State Clearinghouse three days per month from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.

The State Clearinghouse will be closed July 10, July 17, and July 24, 2009. Beginning on August 7, 2009, the State Clearinghouse will be closed on the first, second, and third Fridays of each month.

Click here to read the full notice.

14-Jul-09 4:15 PM

APA California Public Relations Outreach Recognized by OCPRSA

Laura Murphy — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:00:00 GMT

An opinion-editorial bylined by APA California Board member Hing Wong, AICP and published in the San Francisco Chronicle (published January 29, 2008) earned a PROTOS Award of Excellence from the Orange County Chapter of Public Relations Society of America. The op-ed entitled “Address Climate Change Through Land-Use” was part of a state-wide media relations program developed and executed by Porter Novelli on behalf of APA California. The media relations program targeted state and local policy makers as part of a strategic communications effort to position APA California as the “voice of smart planning” within the state.

Entered in the category of “Article for Consumer Publication: Written,” the APA California op-ed won recognition for its strategic messaging rooted in research insights and for the team’s ability to overcome media relations challenges to secure a high-caliber article placement. The annual PROTOS Awards honor public relations work from Orange County that exceeds professional standards.

The complete article can be viewed by copying and pasting this link to your URL: http://www.calapa.org/attachments/contentmanagers/2592/San%20Francisco%20Chronicle%201.29.08.pdf

6-Jul-09 1:00 PM

NEW - Member Financial Support Program

Laura Murphy — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The foundation of any professional association is its members. Without a diverse and engaged membership, an association can no longer be relevant. For the first time in a decade, APA California experienced a significant drop in membership. The downturn in the economy is confronting many of our members with a difficult decision – either to renew their membership or to commit those funds for other needs. The APA California Board of Directors wants to provide relief for those contemplating dropping their memberships.

The APA California Board has committed $50,000 from its reserve account towards a membership/conference support program. $30,000 will be established in a separate account to provide direct financial support towards membership fees. $20,000 will be set aside in a fund to provide financial support for those members in need to attend this year’s state conference at Squaw Creek. If you are unemployed or if your household income has dropped substantially, then this program is designed for you.

If you are unemployed, membership in APA California can be your strongest link to future opportunities. Reports state that 80 percent of all jobs are attained through networking. APA California wants to help you maintain those networking opportunities. Your local sections will be providing increased opportunities for networking in the coming months. The conference this year will also provide you numerous opportunities to meet with planning professionals throughout the state. We want you to stay connected.

Please review the numerous options available to you on the APA California Member Financial Support Program chart. No request for proof of financial hardship will be required. We are a family. This program will be run on the honor system. APA California wants to offer as much support as possible in these unprecedented times. If you would like to take advantage of this new program, please review the options available and then contact the APA California offices at sgassoc@msn.com or (916) 736-2434.

Sincerely,

Kurt Christiansen, AICP

APA California President

12-Jun-09 5:00 PM

NEW - Unemployed member rate

Laura Murphy — Thu, 21 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Unemployed member rate - The APA California Board has approved an annual unemployment renewal rate of $25 for Chapter-Only members. To be eligible to apply, the person would have to be a current APA or Chapter-Only member and must request the unemployment rate every year upon renewal. Please contact the State APA California office at 916.736.2324 or sgassoc@msn.com for additional information.

This reduced membership rate is for Chapter-Only membership renewals. In other words, if you are a National APA member (pay your dues to the Chicago APA office), and you request this Chapter-Only rate, you will be giving up your National membership, which is required for AICP and FAICP members to maintain their certification.

If you are a National APA member and want to maintain that status you can contact the National APA office at 312.431.9100 or customerservice@planning.org and request their unemployment rate. Here is the Information about that discount:

Unemployment eligibility: Upon request of the member via e-mail or phone, and subject to management approval. Active (current and continuous) APA membership for the past 3 or more years entitles you to 1 year of membership dues at the unemployment rate for a maximum of 5 years (15 years of active service). This is not a billable rate, so you will have to request the unemployment rate every year upon renewal.

Unemployment rates: APA dues $50, Chapter dues $10, AICP (if applicable) $25. All publications and divisions are at regular price.

Below is a list of Chapter-Only membership benefits and restrictions.

As a Chapter-Only member, you will be entitled to:
All Chapter and Section publications, including the California Planner.
A discount at the annual APA California state conference.
The opportunity to participate on the APA California Legislative Review Teams.
Membership in the California Planning Foundation (CPF).

As a Chapter-Only member, you will not be entitled to:
National APA publications.
Other National APA services, such as legislative representation in Washington D.C.
Group rates on insurance, and JobMart services.
Eligibility as members of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
A discount at the National APA Conference.

21-May-09 1:00 PM

Legislative Update - May 2009

Sande George — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

A number of major planning bills remain active. Some bills have already been amended to remove our concerns. As usual, though, most of the measures remained alive after the first policy committee deadline May 1. APA California is negotiating amendments on many of them, but a number of the bills need major changes or are simply unworkable. Below is a list of some of the hot bills that APA is actively lobbying. If you have any comments on these measures, please send them to sgeorge@stefgangeorge.com. If you wish to review the measures and current analyses of the bills, go to www.leginfo.ca.gov.

Click here for the May 2009 Legislative Update.

7-May-09 7:00 PM

APA California 2009 Awards Program Deadline

Laura Murphy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Know of a great planning project, program, outreach activity, student project, or outstanding individual? The APA California Awards Program provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate great planning work and individuals in California.

Nominations for the APA California 2009 Awards must first be submitted through the local APA California Section. From there, local award winners may then submit to APA California for an opportunity to compete with other nominations. The APA California Award winners will be announced at the Awards Luncheon held at the APA California Conference in Lake Tahoe in September 2009.

Over 30 nomination categories are available including awards for planners, elected officials, planning schools, and journalists working in California.

Please contact your local APA California Section for information on the local awards submittal process and deadlines. If you need additional information, contact State Awards Coordinator Jessie Barkley at jbarkley@pbsj.com or Vice President for Administration Hing Wong, AICP at hingw@abag.ca.gov

21-Apr-09 1:00 PM

4th Annual San Diego Economic Outlook for 2009-10

Kristen Schoeck — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:00:00 GMT

The UCLA Anderson Forecast would like to invite the American Planning Association members to attend our “4th Annual San Diego Economic Outlook for 2009-10” on Friday May 15th 2009 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina. This event is an opportunity to learn from the UCLA forecasting experts about the economic issues and trends to better prepare APA members for effective planning, decision making, and revenue projections in the coming fiscal year and quarters. We will cover the National and State forecasts as well as a focused view of the San Diego regional economy. This event’s keynote speaker, Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President of Qualcomm, will discuss San Diego’s advantages and struggles as a high tech cluster within California. As an APA member you are eligible for a $40 discount in admission to this informative event using the promo code: APA0509.

Event Brochure

To register, please visit: https://s07.123signup.com/servlet/SignUp?P=1522722191158350400&PG=1522722182300

16-Apr-09 3:00 PM

Call for Entries - California State Agency Launches International Ideas Competition to Address Sea Level Rise

Laura Murphy — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) - the California state agency resposible for protecting San Francisco Bay - today launched an initiative called Rising Tides, a first-of-its-kind international design idea competition aimed at generating innovative solutions that deal with adapting shoreline areas to sea level rise. The competition is a response to scientific estimates that global warming may raise water levels in the Bay over four feet by the end of the century. For complete press release click here.

8-Apr-09 4:00 PM