This chapter shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the "Housing for Senior Citizens Ordinance of the City of Carlsbad."
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003)
A. 
The purpose of the housing for senior citizens regulations is to:
1. 
Recognize the housing needs of senior citizens;
2. 
Provide a mechanism and standards for the development of rental or for-sale housing available to senior citizens;
3. 
Provide comprehensive standards and regulations to ensure housing is designed to meet the special needs of senior citizens (i.e., physical, social and economic needs);
4. 
Facilitate the establishment of housing for senior citizens within certain zones subject to the approval of a site development plan;
5. 
Comply with state and federal laws prohibiting age discrimination in housing; and
6. 
Provide standards and regulations for housing for senior citizens construed in accordance with California Civil Code Sections 51.2, 51.3 and 51.4, the Federal Fair Housing Act, and the Federal Code of Regulations Title 24 Sections 100.300 to 100.308.
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003)
A. 
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms used in this chapter relating to the provision of housing for senior citizens are defined as follows:
"Cohabitant"
refers to and means persons who live together as husband and wife, or persons who are domestic partners within the meaning of Section 297 of the Family Code.
"Disability"
means any mental or physical disability as defined in Section 12926 of the Government Code.
"Housing" or "dwelling unit"
means any residential accommodation (rental unit or for-sale unit) designed for occupancy by a senior citizen or qualifying resident, and each unit having only one kitchen, excluding mobile homes in a "senior citizen housing development."
"Housing community"
means any dwelling or group of dwelling units governed by a common set of rules, regulations or restrictions. A portion or portions of a single building shall not constitute a housing community.
"Housing for senior citizens"
means a housing community:
a. 
Provided under any state or federal program that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines is specifically designed and operated to assist senior citizens (as defined in the state or federal program); or
b. 
Intended for, and solely occupied by, persons sixty-two years of age or older; or
c. 
Intended and operated for occupancy by persons fifty-five years of age or older, and where the housing facility is consistent with the definition of a "senior citizen housing development."
"Senior citizen"
means:
a. 
A person sixty-two years of age or older; or
b. 
A person fifty-five years of age or older in a "senior citizen housing development."
"Senior citizen housing development"
means:
a. 
A residential development developed, substantially rehabilitated, or substantially renovated, for persons fifty-five years of age or older, that has:
i. 
At least thirty-five dwelling units (rental or for-sale units); and
ii. 
At least eighty percent of the occupied dwelling units occupied by at least one person who is fifty-five years of age or older.
B. 
The following definitions shall only apply to a "senior citizen housing development":
"Qualifying resident"
means a person fifty-five years of age or older in a senior citizen housing development.
"Qualified permanent resident"
means:
a. 
A person who meets both of the following requirements:
i. 
Was residing with the qualifying resident prior to the death, hospitalization, or other prolonged absence of, or the dissolution of marriage with, the qualifying resident; and
ii. 
Was forty-five years of age or older, or was a spouse, cohabitant, or person providing primary physical or economic support to the qualifying resident.
b. 
A disabled person or person with a disabling illness or injury who is a child or grandchild of the qualifying resident or a qualified permanent resident, who needs to live with the qualifying resident or qualified permanent resident because of the disabling condition, illness or injury.
"Permitted health care resident"
means a person hired to provide live-in, long-term, or terminal health care to a qualifying resident, or a family member of the qualifying resident providing that care. The care provided by a permitted health care resident must be substantial in nature and must provide either assistance with necessary daily activities or medical treatment, or both.
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003)
Housing for senior citizens is permitted subject to the approval of a minor site development plan (MSDP) or site development plan (SDP) in certain zones as indicated in the following table:
Table A
Zones Where Housing for Senior Citizens Is Permitted
Zone
Housing for Senior Citizens
R-3
MSDP/SDP1
R-P
MSDP/SDP1, 2
R-T
MSDP/SDP1
R-W
MSDP/SDP1
RD-M
MSDP/SDP1
V-B
See note 3, below
P-C
See note 3, below
Note: Housing for senior citizens is prohibited in those zones not indicated.
Notes:
1
Housing for senior citizens with four units or less shall be subject to the approval of a minor site development plan, and housing for senior citizens with five units or more shall be subject to the approval of a site development plan.
2
The city may approve a minor site development plan or site development plan for housing for senior citizens on property in the R-P zone where the general plan applicable to such property permits residential uses.
3
May be permitted subject to the standards of the controlling document (i.e., in V-B zone -Village and Barrio master plan, and in P-C zone -applicable master plan) and the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003; Ord. CS-099 § VI, 2010; Ord. CS-178 § CXXIII, 2012; Ord. CS-334 § 13, 2018)
A. 
Housing for senior citizens should, whenever reasonably possible, be located consistent with the following location guidelines:
1. 
The proposed project should be located in close proximity to a wide range of commercial retail, professional, social and community services patronized by senior citizens; or have its own private shuttle bus which will provide daily access to these services;
2. 
The proposed project should be located within a reasonable walking distance of a bus or transit stop unless a common transportation service for residents is provided and maintained;
3. 
The proposed project should be located in a topographically level area; and
4. 
Development of housing for senior citizens at the proposed location should not be detrimental to public health, safety and general welfare.
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003)
A. 
Housing for senior citizens shall comply with all applicable development standards of the underlying zone, except those which may be modified in this chapter or as an additional incentive granted pursuant to Chapter 21.86 of this code.
B. 
In the coastal zone, any project processed pursuant to this chapter and Chapter 21.86 of this code shall be consistent with all certified local coastal program provisions, with the exception of density.
C. 
The following parking requirements shall apply:
1. 
Parking shall be provided consistent with the standards specified in Chapter 21.44, unless otherwise specified in this section.
2. 
Whenever possible, parking spaces should be laid out at either a thirty, forty-five or sixty degree angle; and
3. 
Required parking spaces shall be available to residents of the project at no fee.
D. 
To the maximum extent feasible, architectural harmony, through the use of appropriate building height, materials, bulk and scale within the development and within the existing neighborhood and community shall be obtained.
E. 
The building(s) shall be finished on all sides with similar roof and wall materials, colors and architectural accent features.
F. 
Laundry facilities must be provided in a separate room at the ratio of one washer and one dryer for every twenty-five dwelling units or fractional number thereof. At least one washer and one dryer shall be provided in every project. Washers and dryers may be coin operated.
G. 
A manager's unit shall be provided in every housing project of sixteen or more units (rental projects only). The manager's unit shall be a complete dwelling unit and so designated on all plans.
H. 
Housing for senior citizens shall be designed to encourage social contact by providing a minimum of one common room, which may include, but is not limited to, a recreation/social room, a common dining facility or a reading/TV room. Common open space shall also be provided, which may include, but is not limited to, community gardening areas or open landscaped areas with walkways and seating. Common areas shall be designed to ensure that they are useful and functional for residents, and shall comply with the following:
1. 
The minimum amount of common area required in each project shall be no less than twenty square feet per dwelling unit;
2. 
Common space excludes all stairwells and any balconies of less than forty square feet;
3. 
Unless the building is serviced by an elevator, common rooms shall be located on the ground floor; and
4. 
Adjacent toilet facilities for men and women shall be provided.
I. 
In addition to the common areas described above, additional services and programs are encouraged, but not required, to be included in all projects to meet the physical and social needs of senior citizens. Such desirable services and programs may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. 
Social and recreational programs;
2. 
Continuing education, information and counseling services;
3. 
House cleaning/cooking;
4. 
Inside/outside maintenance services;
5. 
Emergency and preventative health care programs/services; and
6. 
Transportation services.
J. 
Access to all common areas and housing units within a project shall be provided without use of stairs, either by means of an elevator or sloped walking ramps.
K. 
Entryways, walkways, and hallways in the common areas, and doorways and paths of access to and within the housing units, shall be as wide as required by current laws applicable to new multifamily housing construction for provision of access to persons using a standard-width wheelchair.
L. 
Walkways and hallways in the common areas shall be equipped with standard height railings or grab bars to assist persons who have difficulty with walking, and shall have lighting conditions that are of sufficient brightness to assist persons who have difficulty seeing.
M. 
Trash collection containers shall be provided in an easily accessible location and in manner that requires a minimum of physical exertion by residents. Trash collection containers shall also be completely screened and located as inconspicuously as possible. Trash enclosures shall be of similar colors and materials as the main building.
N. 
Dwelling units shall be provided with the following:
1. 
Tubs and/or showers equipped with, or adaptable for, at least one grab bar;
2. 
Tubs and/or showers equipped with temperature regulating devices;
3. 
Slip resistant tub and/or shower bottom surfaces; and
4. 
Peepholes in entry doors.
O. 
The design of housing for senior citizens should, to the extent practicable, implement the principles of universal design as currently established by the Center for Universal Design at the North Carolina State University, or any other residential design elements for seniors that may currently be established by the California Department of Aging. Universal design principles encourage building design with accessible and adaptable features that are universally usable by most people regardless of their level of ability or disability. Examples of universal design are as follows:
1. 
A dwelling unit should be designed to be accessible or adaptable for disabled access;
2. 
An adaptable dwelling unit has all accessible features that a fixed accessible unit has but allows some items to be omitted or concealed until needed so the dwelling unit can be better matched to individual needs when occupied; and
3. 
In an adaptable unit, wide doors, no steps, knee spaces, control and switch locations, grab bar reinforcing and other access features must be built in. Grab bars, however, can be omitted and installed when needed. Knee space can be concealed by installing a removable base cabinet that can be removed when needed. Counter tops and closet rods can be placed on adjustable supports rather than fixed at lower heights as required for wheelchair users.
P. 
Housing for senior citizens shall comply with all applicable building and housing codes and requirements for access and design imposed by law, including, but not limited to, the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. Section 3601 et seq.), the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.), and the regulations of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations that relate to access for persons with disabilities or handicaps. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or reduce any right or obligation applicable under those laws.
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003; Ord. CS-102 § CXII, 2010)
A. 
Any market-rate rental or for-sale project constructed pursuant to this chapter shall be required to comply with the inclusionary requirements for residential developments in Chapter 21.85 of this code.
B. 
Upon written request by an applicant, and in return for his or her agreement to develop and operate a project in accordance with this chapter and Chapter 21.86 of this code (residential density bonus), the final decision-making authority shall allow an increase in the number of dwelling units permitted per acre (density), provided the request for density bonus complies with the requirements of Chapter 21.86.
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003)
A. 
Preliminary Review Application. A preliminary review application may be submitted prior to the submittal of a formal application (note: if the project includes a request for a density bonus, a preliminary review application is required).
1. 
The preliminary review application shall include the following information:
a. 
A brief description of the proposal including the total number of senior units, density bonus units and affordable senior units proposed;
b. 
The general plan and zoning designations and assessor's parcel number(s) of the project site;
c. 
A site plan, drawn to scale, which includes: building footprints, driveway and parking layout, existing contours and proposed grading; and
d. 
A letter identifying what specific incentives (i.e., density bonus, standards modifications or financial incentives) are being requested of the city, if any.
2. 
After review of the preliminary application, the planning division shall provide to an applicant a letter identifying project issues of concern to staff, and the incentives or assistance that the City Planner can support when making a recommendation to the final decision-making authority.
B. 
Formal Application. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a minor site development plan or site development plan for housing for senior citizens shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 21.06 of this title, excluding Section 21.06.020(b). The findings for approval of a minor site development plan or site development plan for housing for senior citizens are specified in Section 21.84.090 of this chapter.
1. 
In addition to the application requirements specified in Chapter 21.06, a minor site development plan or site development plan application for housing for senior citizens shall include the following information:
a. 
If a density bonus or other incentives are requested, a letter shall be submitted signed by the present owner stating how the project will comply with Government Code Section 65915 and stating what is being requested from the city, (i.e., density bonus, modification of development standards or other additional incentives);
b. 
A detailed vicinity map showing the project location and such details as the nearest market, transit stop, park or recreation center, medical facilities or other related uses and services likely to be patronized by senior citizens;
c. 
A set of floor plans for each different type of unit indicating a typically furnished apartment, with dimensions of doorways, hallways, closets and cabinets;
d. 
A floor plan of the first floor or other floor showing any common areas and accommodations;
e. 
A monitoring and maintenance plan; and
2. 
The decision-making authority for the minor site development plan or site development plan shall be as specified in Chapter 21.06 of this title, unless the project involves a request for financial incentives from the city. If financial incentives are requested, the City Council shall have the authority to approve, conditionally approve or deny:
a. 
The minor site development plan or site development plan, upon a recommendation from the Planning Commission; and
b. 
The request for financial incentives, upon a recommendation from the Housing Commission.
C. 
Building Permit. At the time of plan submittal for building permits, in addition to other required information, the applicant shall submit a set of detailed drawings for kitchens and bathrooms indicating counter and cabinet heights and depth, type of pulls, faucets, grab-bars, tub and/or shower dimensions, and handicapped turn space where appropriate.
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003; Ord. CS-102 § CXIII, 2010; Ord. CS-164 §§ 10, 11, 2011; Ord. CS-178 § CXXIV, 2012)
A. 
A minor site development plan or site development plan for housing for senior citizens shall be approved only if the following findings are made:
1. 
The project is consistent with the various goals, objectives, policies and programs of the general plan, the provisions of municipal code Title 21 (zoning ordinance), the local coastal program (if applicable), and/or the provisions of an applicable master or specific plan;
2. 
The project site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed project;
3. 
The project is properly related to and will not adversely impact the site, surroundings and environmental settings, and will not be detrimental to existing uses specifically permitted in the area in which the proposed project is to be located;
4. 
The project shall not result in density or design that is incompatible with other land uses in the immediate vicinity, and the project will provide and maintain all yards, setbacks, walls, fences, landscaping, and other features determined necessary to provide compatibility with existing or permitted future uses in the neighborhood;
5. 
The street system serving the proposed project is adequate to properly handle all traffic generated by the project; and
6. 
The request for a density bonus and/or additional incentive(s) is consistent with the provisions of Chapter 21.86 of this code. (This finding shall only apply to projects requesting a density bonus and/or additional incentives.)
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003; Ord. CS-178 § CXXIV, 2012)
A. 
No housing development constructed prior to January 1, 1985, shall fail to qualify as a "senior citizen housing development" because it was not originally developed or put to use for occupancy by senior citizens.
B. 
Any person who, on January 1, 1985, had the right to reside in, occupy, or use housing that is subject to the provisions for a "senior citizen housing development" in this chapter and California Civil Code Sections 51.2, 51.3 and 51.4, shall not be deprived of the right to continue that residency, occupancy, or use as the result of the implementation of this chapter.
C. 
Any person who is not sixty-two years of age or older, and who, on September 13, 1988, had the right to reside in, occupy, or use housing that is restricted to occupancy by persons sixty-two years of age or older, shall not be deprived of the right to continue that residency, occupancy or use as a result of the implementation of this chapter; provided that all new occupants are persons 62 years of age or older.
D. 
A developer of housing for senior citizens shall establish a homeowner's association, Board of Directors, or other governing body, and corresponding covenants, conditions and restrictions or other documents or written policy. Said CC&Rs or other documents or written policy shall be submitted to and approved by the City Planner and recorded prior to issuance of a building permit. At a minimum, the CC&Rs or other documents or written policy shall set forth the following:
1. 
Limitations on occupancy, residency or use on the basis of age;
a. 
Any such limitation shall not be more exclusive than to require that:
i. 
Each person in residence in each dwelling unit be required to be sixty-two years of age or older; or
ii. 
In a "senior citizen housing development" one person in residence in each dwelling unit is required to be a senior citizen or qualifying resident, and that each other resident in the same dwelling unit may be required to be a qualified permanent resident, a permitted health care resident, or a person under fifty-five years of age whose occupancy is permitted under California Civil Code Section 51.3(h) or Section 51.4(b);
b. 
The limitations on occupancy may allow for occupancy of units by employees of the housing community (and family members residing in the same unit) who are under sixty-two years of age, or who do not qualify as a qualifying resident, provided they perform substantial duties directly related to the management or maintenance of the housing community;
c. 
The limitations on occupancy for housing that is intended for, and solely occupied by, persons sixty-two years of age or older, shall not be less exclusive than to require that the persons commencing any occupancy of a dwelling unit be sixty-two years of age or older, excluding occupancy by persons, permitted pursuant to Section 21.84.100.C and D.1.b, above;
d. 
In a "senior citizen housing development," the limitations on occupancy may be less exclusive than stated above, but shall at least require that the persons commencing any occupancy of a dwelling unit include a qualifying resident who intends to reside in the unit as his or her primary residence on a permanent basis;
e. 
In a "senior citizen housing development," the limitation on occupancy may result in more than, but not less than eighty percent, all of the dwellings being actually occupied by a qualifying resident;
2. 
In a "senior citizen housing development," upon the death, dissolution of marriage, or upon hospitalization, or other prolonged absence of the qualifying resident, any qualified permanent resident, as defined in this chapter and Section 51.3 of the California Civil Code, shall be entitled to continue his or her occupancy, residency, or use of the dwelling unit as a permitted resident. This provision shall not apply to a permitted health care resident;
3. 
In a "senior citizen housing development," a permitted health care resident shall be entitled to occupy a dwelling unit during any period that the person is actually providing live-in, long-term, or hospice health care to a senior citizen or qualifying resident for compensation, which includes the provision of lodging and food in exchange for care;
4. 
In a "senior citizen housing development," upon the absence of the qualifying resident, a permitted health care resident shall be entitled to continue his or her occupancy, residency, or use of the dwelling unit only if: a) the qualifying resident became absent from the dwelling unit due to hospitalization or other necessary medical treatment and expects to return to his or her residence within ninety days from the date the absence began; and b) the absent qualifying resident, or an authorized person acting for the qualifying resident, submits a written request to the owner, HOA, Board of Directors, or other governing body stating that the qualifying resident desires that the permitted health care resident be allowed to remain in order to be present when the qualifying resident returns to reside in the development. The HOA, Board of Directors, or other governing body may permit a permitted health care resident to remain for a period longer than ninety days, but not to exceed an additional ninety days;
5. 
In a "senior citizen housing development," for any person who is a qualified permanent resident, as defined in this chapter, whose disabling condition ends, the owner, HOA, Board of Directors, or other governing body may require the formerly disabled resident to cease residing in the development, subject to the provisions of California Civil Code Section 51.3(b)(3); and
6. 
In a "senior citizen housing development," CC&Rs or other documents or written policy shall allow temporary residency for a guest, who may be less than fifty-five years in age, of a qualifying resident, or qualified permanent resident, for periods of time, not less than sixty days in any year, that are specified in the CC&Rs or other documents or written policy.
E. 
CC&Rs or other documents or written policies applicable housing for senior citizens that contain age restrictions, shall be enforceable only to the extent permitted in California Civil Code Section 51.3, the Federal Fair Housing Act, and the Federal Code of Regulations Title 24 Sections 100.300 to 100.308, notwithstanding lower age restrictions contained in those documents.
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003; Ord. CS-102 § CXIV, 2010; Ord. CS-164 § 10, 2011)
To assure compliance with the age requirement of this chapter, all applicants/owners of housing for senior citizens shall be required to submit, on an annual basis, an updated list of all project tenants and their age to the city's Planner.
(Ord. NS-662 § 12, 2003; Ord. CS-164 § 10, 2011)