Kern County Housing Element 6- 1 Housing Plan
6. Housing Plan
Sections 2 through 5 of the Housing Element present a housing needs assessment, an analysis of
constraints to housing production, an inventory of land, financial, and administrative resources, as
well as an evaluation of past housing accomplishments. This section presents the County’s five-year
Housing Plan, which sets forth goals, policies, and programs to address the identified housing
needs and other important housing issues.
The County of Kern’s housing plan for addressing the identified housing needs is detailed
according to the following five areas:
􀂃 Conserving the Existing Supply of Housing
􀂃 Assisting in the Provision of Housing
􀂃 Providing Adequate Residential Sites
􀂃 Removing Constraints to Housing Production
􀂃 Promoting Equal Housing Opportunity
A. Housing Goals and Policies
The following are the goals and policies the County intends to implement to address the
community’s identified housing needs and issues.
Conserving the Existing Supply of Housing
Goal 1 To conserve and improve the quality of existing housing and residential
neighborhoods in the County.
Policy 1.1 Maintain and improve the quality of residential properties by ensuring compliance with
housing and property maintenance standards.
Policy 1.2 Provide home improvement and rehabilitation assistance to lower and moderate
income households, seniors, disabled persons, and farmworkers.
Policy 1.3 Promote the repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of residential structures that are
substandard or in disrepair.
Policy 1.4 Continue participation in State and federal programs designed to maintain housing
affordability, including Section 8, HOME, CDBG, and Rural Development.
Policy 1.5 Preserve the existing stock of assisted rental housing for long term occupancy by lower
income households.
Kern County Housing Element 6- 2 Housing Plan
Assisting in the Provision of Housing
Goal 2 To assist in the provision of adequate housing to meet the needs of County
residents. Establish a balanced approach to meeting housing needs of both
owners and renters.
Policy 2.1 Encourage the production of housing that meets the needs of all economic segments
of the community.
Policy 2.2 Provide financial and/ or regulatory incentives where feasible to encourage the
development of affordable housing.
Policy 2.3 Participate in homeownership assistance programs to enable lower income
households to purchase homes.
Policy 2.4 Support the provision of rental housing for large families and farmworkers.
Policy 2.5 Pursue State, federal, and other housing funds to leverage local funds and maximize
assistance.
Providing Adequate Residential Sites
Goal 3 To provide adequate housing sites through appropriate land use and zoning
designations to accommodate the County’s share of regional housing needs.
Policy 3.1 Maintain an up- to- date inventory of potential sites available for future housing
development, and provide the inventory to the development community.
Policy 3.2 Provide adequate housing sites for special needs groups, including farmworkers,
large families, homeless persons, and elderly households, through appropriate zoning
designations and regulations.
Removing Constraints to Housing Production
Goal 4 To mitigate potential governmental constraints to housing production and
affordability.
Policy 4.1 Offer financial and/ or regulatory incentives, where feasible, to offset or reduce the
costs of developing housing.
Policy 4.2 Periodically review County regulations, ordinances, and residential fees to ensure that
they do not unduly constrain housing development.
Kern County Housing Element 6- 3 Housing Plan
Promoting Equal Housing Opportunity
Goal 5 To promote equal opportunity for all residents to reside in housing of their
choice.
Policy 5.1 Continue to support the enforcement of fair housing laws prohibiting arbitrary
discrimination in the building, financing, selling, or renting of housing.
Policy 5.2 Continue to financially support the provision of fair housing services to County
residents.
Policy 5.3 Promote housing that meets the needs of farmworkers, large families, homeless
persons, persons with disabilities, and elderly households.
Kern County Housing Element 6- 4 Housing Plan
B. Housing Programs
The housing programs presented in this Housing Plan define the specific actions the County will
undertake to achieve its stated goals and policies. The housing programs presented on the
following pages include existing programs as well as several new programs that have been added to
address the identified housing needs. The program summary ( Table 32) included at the end of this
section specifies for each program the following: goal, key five- year objective( s) for the
unincorporated areas, time frame for implementation, funding source( s), and agency responsible
for program implementation.
Conserving the Existing Supply of Housing
1. Code Compliance
Program Description: The County Code Compliance Division operates a complaint- based code
Compliance program throughout the unincorporated areas. In addition, two pilot proactive code
Compliance programs have recently been initiated in the Oildale and East Bakersfield areas. The
code Compliance staff consists of 6 officers, who investigate approximately 4,800 complaints
annually. Housing code violations and junk cars are the most common violations. Eligible
applicants are directed toward the County- sponsored rehabilitation programs. In addition, the
Code Compliance Division operates a substandard structure removal program, whereby properties
that cannot be rehabilitated are removed using Code Compliance Division funds or funds from
the Community Development Department.
According to code Compliance staff, three quarters of complaints are resolved prior to any citation
or other Compliance activity, as violations are corrected or proven false before any additional
action is required. For properties where the violation is not corrected, notices or citations are
issued, and violations are corrected and charged to the property owner. In extreme cases, the
Code Compliance Division will fund demolition of a substandard structure out of code
Compliance funds or though the Community Development Department.
Funding Source: General Fund
Five- Year Program Objective: Continue to conduct code compliance activities in the
unincorporated County areas. Continue to inform eligible applicants of the availability of County-sponsored
rehabilitation programs.
2. Neighborhood Clean- up/ Fix Up Campaigns
Program Description: Each year, Kern County Waste Management sponsors a “ neighborhood
clean up/ fix up” day in all areas of the County, in order to assist in the disposal of large unsightly
items that need to be placed in a landfill. By picking up these items, Kern County
Kern County Housing Element 6- 5 Housing Plan
Waste Management assists in removing visual deterioration from homes, and encourages
continued property maintenance.
Funding Source: Kern County Waste Management
Five- Year Program Objective: Continue to sponsor a “ neighborhood clean up/ fix up” days on
an annual basis.
3. Housing Rehabilitation Programs
3a. Housing Rehabilitation- CDBG Funded
Program Description: The CDBG rehabilitation program provides deferred loans of up to
$ 35,000 for a wide range of activities, including alleviating health and safety issues, constructing on
and off- site improvements required by local agencies, and demolition of substandard units. Funds
may be used for both single- family and multi- family structures, as well as mobile homes not on a
permanent foundation. Funds are available to households earning up to 70 percent of the County
Median Family Income ( MFI). The County has identified owners living in overcrowded
conditions as a high priority for the use of rehabilitation funds.
Previously, the County offered a subsidized loan program through private lenders in which funds
were available to households earning up to 120 percent of MFI. The County is currently looking
for a lending institution to continue the loan component of the rehabilitation program.. This
would allow for a greater number of loans and would allow more households to qualify for
rehabilitation assistance.
Funding Source: CDBG
Five- Year Program Objective: Provide funding assistance to 10 households annually, for a total
of 50 over the five year period. Continue to advertise program availability thorough flyers placed
at community locations, newspaper ads, and direct mailing in targeted neighborhoods. Enter into
cooperative agreement with lending institution within 2003/ 04.
3b. Housing Rehabilitation- HOME Funded
Program Description: The HOME housing rehabilitation program provides deferred and direct
loans with a five year renewable term. Funds may be used for both owner- occupied and renter-occupied
single and multi- family housing, and mobile homes not on a permanent foundation. The
maximum loan amount is $ 50,000, and funds may be used for a wide range of activities, including
alleviating health and safety issues, constructing on and off- site improvements required by local
agencies, and demolition of substandard units. Frequently, the County uses HOME funds to
remove and replace substandard units, as the cost of rehabilitation is excessive. In addition,
HOME funds may be given as grants to qualified applicants for construction of on- site
improvements. The County has identified owners living in overcrowded conditions as a high
Kern County Housing Element 6- 6 Housing Plan
priority for the use of rehabilitation funds. Previously, the County offered a subsidized loan
program through private lenders, for households earning up to 120 percent of MFI. The County
is currently looking for a lending institution to continue the loan component of the rehabilitation
program., which would allow for issuance of more loans to a greater number of households.
Funding Source: HOME
Five- Year Program Objective: Provide funding assistance to 10 households annually, for a total
of 50 over the five year period. Continue to advertise program availability through flyers placed at
community locations, newspaper ads, and direct mailings in targeted neighborhoods. Enter into
cooperative agreement with lending institution within 2003/ 04.
4. Section 8 Rental Assistance
Program Description: The Section 8 program is a federal program that provides rental assistance
to very low- income persons in need of affordable housing. In Kern County, the Section 8
program offers a voucher that pays the difference between up to 110 percent of the current fair
market rent ( FMR) and the amount a tenant can afford to pay ( 30% of household income). The
voucher allows a tenant to choose housing that may cost above the payment standard, provided
the tenant pays the extra cost. The Housing Authority of the County of Kern ( HACK) operates
the Section 8 program for Kern County. Currently ( 2002) HACK administers approximately
3,200 Section 8 vouchers Countywide, and has a waiting list of more than 2,300 households.
HACK’s waiting list remains open, indicating that enough turnover will occur among current
Section 8 recipients to meet the needs of persons on the waiting list.
Funding Source: HUD Section 8 funds
Five- Year Program Objective:
• Continue to provide tenant referrals received through the Fair Housing Hotline as well as
other inquiries to HACK for Section 8 Rental Assistance.
• Support HACK as appropriate in preparation of the Annual Public Housing Agency Action
Plan to identify and adjust strategies for expanding the use of Section 8 assistance.
• Assist HACK in applying for new Section 8 as available through HUD, including special
purpose vouchers targeted specifically for the disabled and elderly populations, through
findings of consistency with the County Consolidated Plan.
• Support HACK as appropriate in maintaining and enhancing Section 8 lease- up rates through
their marketing of the program to apartment owners and screening Section 8 applicants.
5. Preservation of Assisted Housing
Program Description: State law requires jurisdictions to include in their housing elements a
program to preserve publicly- assisted low- income housing projects at risk of conversion to
Kern County Housing Element 6- 7 Housing Plan
market- rate uses. As of 2002, the unincorporated County areas contained 14 assisted housing
developments and 13 public housing projects that provide 1,950 units of rental housing affordable
to very low and low income households. Lower income agricultural workers occupy a large
segment of this assisted housing. Eight developments with 282 units are at risk of conversion
prior to June 30, 2012, due to both expiration of Section 8 contracts and potential expiration of
USDA Rural Development loans ( Section 515). However, all 8 projects are considered at low risk
of conversion.
Funding Source: HOME, CDBG, USDA Rural Development, Tax Credits
Five- Year Program Objective: In cooperation with the Housing Authority of the County of
Kern ( HACK) and USDA Rural Development, the County will take the following actions to
preserve at- risk publicly assisted housing projects:
• Monitor the at- risk units by maintaining contact with property owners regarding their long-term
plan for the properties.
• Participate in the preservation of at- risk units by providing available financial and/ or technical
assistance to existing property owners and/ or other organizations interested in purchasing and
maintaining the properties should the owners be interested in selling.
• Ensure the property owners provide adequate tenant notification by:
􀀹 Notifying tenants at least one year prior to potential conversion to market- rate
housing.
􀀹 Providing information regarding tenant rights and conversion procedures should an
owner decide to convert his/ her property to non- low- income use.
􀀹 Coordinating with HACK regarding available Section 8 rental subsidies.
6. Farm Labor Housing Program
Program Description: The agricultural economy in Kern County generates the need for
specialized housing for the migrant segment of the labor force. As discussed in the Needs
Assessment, various factors have contributed to a decline in privately operated farm labor housing,
with only 18 camps in 2002 compared to 71 in 1986. HACK owns 5 year- round farmworker
housing projects that provide 281 units and two seasonal projects that provide 210 units.
Preservation of the existing publicly operated farm labor housing is therefore critical. Recently,
USDA Rural Development funded the renovation of two Migrant Labor Centers in Arvin and
Shafter. The renovation will result in 84 units targeted for large families, and will provide
expanded services including a childcare center, shops, and offices.
Funding Source: HACK, USDA Rural Development, HOME
Kern County Housing Element 6- 8 Housing Plan
Five- Year Program Objective: Preserve the existing stock of publicly owned farm labor housing,
and support the creation of additional public and private facilities through permissive zoning
which allows farmworker housing by right, and funding support ( e. g. HOME). Continue to
prioritize the use of local HOME funds to increase the supply of low income large family rental
units, the majority of which will be occupied by farmworker households in unincorporated Kern
County, through a combination of new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation.
Assist in the Provision of Housing
7. First Time Homebuyer Assistance
The County’s Community Development Department administers a successful first time
homebuyer program utilizing HOME funds, discussed below. Two outside entities, California
Home Mortgage Finance Authority ( CalRural) and the California Housing Finance Agency
( CHFA), also operate active first time homebuyer programs in the county. CalRural provides
programs offering down payment and closing cost assistance to households earning up to 80
percent of the County MFI, and down payment assistance for households earning up to 120
percent of the County MFI. CalRural issued 400 loans for new and existing homes in Kern
County during FY 2000/ 2001.
CHFA provides below market interest mortgage loans for the purchase and rehabilitation of
homes. This program is also heavily utilized in the County, as a majority of the for- sale housing in
the County’s jurisdiction falls within CHFA’s sales price limits.
7a. First- Time Homebuyer Program- HOME Funded
Program Description: Kern County operates a first time homebuyer program for households
earning up to 80 percent of MFI. The program provides loans of up to $ 3,500 to cover down
payment and closing costs. No interest is accrued on the loan, and the loan is forgiven if the
recipient resides in the purchased home for five years. The maximum purchase price for homes
under the program is $ 100,000.
Funding Source: HOME
Five- Year Program Objective: Provide loans to 35 households annually, for a total of 175
households over the five- year period.
8. New Rental Construction Program
8a. Rental Construction- HOME Funded
Program Description: The County provides loans from HOME funds to eligible developers for
the construction of new rental housing. Under the program, all rental units must be affordable to
households earning less than 60 percent of the County MFI, and 20 percent of the units must
Kern County Housing Element 6- 9 Housing Plan
be affordable to households earning less than 50 percent of the County MFI. The units must
remain affordable for a minimum of 20 years, but not less than the period of the loan. The
County has provided HOME funds in support of several rental projects in recent years, including
Aldea Park Apartments, Vineyard Family Housing, and Springwood Court. The Kern County
Consolidated Plan identified large households earning less than 80 percent of MFI as a high
priority group for the use of HOME funds.
Funding Source: HOME
Five- Year Program Objective: Continue to provide loans through the NOFA process.
Consistent with Consolidated Plan goals, prioritize loans to projects constructing units for large
households, and seek to achieve 250 large family rental units through a combination of new
construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation throughout the County’s Consolidated Plan
jurisdiction. 1
8b. Rental Construction- Rural Development Section 515
Program Description: The Section 515 program provides low interest loans for the construction
of farmworker housing. For new construction projects, 95 percent of tenants must have very low
incomes. Persons living in substandard housing are given first priority for tenancy in the new
units.
The County has been active in facilitating the construction of farmworker housing through the
USDA Rural Development Section 515 program. The unincorporated areas of the County
currently ( 2002) contain 7 projects with 216 units for farmworkers. Funding under the Section
515 program has been reduced in recent years, frequently requiring leverage with other public
monies. The County will continue to prioritize use of HOME funds for Section 515 projects
which require local leverage.
Funding Source: USDA Rural Development Section 515 loans
Five- Year Program Objective: Support continued utilization of the program and project
feasibility through leverage with local funds. Direct prospective affordable housing developers to
USDA.
1 The County of Kern Consolidated Plan jurisdiction encompasses the unincorporated communities within the
County, and the participating cities of Arvin, California City, Maricopa, McFarland, Ridgecrest, Shafter
Tehachapi, and Wasco.
Kern County Housing Element 6- 10 Housing Plan
9. New Ownership Construction Program
9a. Ownership Construction- Self Help Housing
Program Description: The concept of “ self- help” housing refers to housing that is built in part
by the future occupants of the home. Self- help housing allows families to use their “ sweat equity”
as the downpayment on the new home they might otherwise not be able to afford. In the San
Joaquin Valley, Self- Help Housing Enterprises of Visalia is actively involved in helping farm
laborers and other low income families in becoming homeowners both through training and
supervision as self- help builders, and assembling public and private funds in support of new
construction. The County of Kern typically enters into an agreement with Self- Help Enterprises
( SHE) to offer homeownership assistance to low income purchasers through the County
homeownership assistance program.. The County has provided funding support to two SHE
projects, one in Arvin and one in Shafter, with a third project pending in Lamont..
Funding Source: “ Sweat equity,” State HCD, Rural Development Section 502, and other outside
funding sources.
Five- Year Program Objective: Continue to support the development of self- help housing as a
means of moving very low and low income renters into homeownership. Enter into cooperative
agreements with self- help builders to provide loans to purchasers through the County’s
homeownership assistance program.
Provide Adequate Residential Sites
10. Residential Sites Inventory
Program Description: As part of this Housing Element update, the County performed a parcel-specific
vacant sites analysis using its Geographic Information System ( GIS) database. In
conjunction with the vacant sites inventory, the General Plan and Zoning information for each site
was updated and incorporated into the GIS database. In addition, the GIS database identifies the
presence of any environmental constraint on all parcels.
The land use database can serve as a useful tool to use with the development community in
identifying suitable sites for residential development.
Funding Source: General Fund as necessary
Five- Year Program Objective: The County will maintain an up- to- date inventory of sites
suitable for residential development, and provide to interested developers.
Kern County Housing Element 6- 11 Housing Plan
11. Transitional Housing and Emergency Shelters
Program Description: Transitional housing is typically defined as temporary ( often six months to
two years) housing for a homeless individual or family who is transitioning to permanent housing
or for youth that are moving out of the foster care system. An emergency shelter is a facility that
provides shelter to homeless families and/ or individuals on a limited short- term basis. The
County’s Zoning Code categorizes emergency shelters as an institutional use operated by
charitable or public service organizations. Emergency shelters are permitted by right in most of
the commercial and manufacturing districts, and conditionally permitted in all residential zones,
the Neighborhood Commercial zone, and the Natural Resources zone. The Zoning Ordinance
provides for transitional housing within several different categories of use ( in part related to the
nature of the homeless population being served): rehabilitation facilities, community care facilities,
and single and multi- family residential structures. These uses are provided for in a variety of
residential, agricultural and commercial zone districts, and are routinely approved by the County
via a Conditional Use Permit process. The conditions established are focused on providing
compatibility with the surrounding use, and as evidenced by the significant number of such
transitional facilities provided, do not unduly constrain their development.
Funding Source: General Fund as necessary
Five- Year Program Objective: The County will continue to offer zoning procedures which
serve to facilitate the provision of transitional housing and emergency shelters, including the
granting of parking variances as appropriate.
Removing Constraints to Housing Production
12. Density Bonus and Other Development Incentives
Program Description: The County offers density incentives for projects that provide desired
elements including infrastructure, affordable housing, day care, and clustered development. A
qualifying project may receive one of the following density bonuses:
1) A density bonus of up to 20% granted to residential projects of five or more units
located in the Low Density Residential ( R- 1), Medium Density Residential ( R- 2), High
Density Residential ( R- 3), Mobilehome Park ( MP), or General Commercial ( C- 2)
Districts that provide complete infrastructure improvements, including community
water distribution and sewage collection and treatment systems.
2) A density bonus of 25% granted to specified residential projects of five or more units
in which at least 20% of the units are affordable to persons and families of lower
income or in which 10% of the units are affordable to very low income households, or
50% of the units will be provided for qualifying residents. The applicant may request a
waiver of standards as authorized by Section 65915 of the Government Code.
Kern County Housing Element 6- 12 Housing Plan
3) A density bonus of 20% granted to residential developments of 50 or more units
within the Medium Density Residential ( R- 2), High Density Residential ( R- 3),
Mobilehome Park ( MP), or General Commercial ( C- 2) Districts when on- site daycare
facilities are provided.
4) A density bonus of 10% granted to residential developments in conjunction with
submittal and approval of a Cluster Plan.
The State Department of Housing and Community Development ( HCD) is currently reviewing
the County density bonus standards to ensure that the County standards do not undermine the
State standards that seek to contribute to the economic feasibility of developing low income
housing. The County will continue to work with HCD to ensure that the County standards are in
compliance with State standards, and make any amendments necessary to the County standards.
Funding Source: General Fund as necessary
Five- Year Program Objective: Encourage the use of the density bonus program to provide
affordable housing as well as other desired elements. Advertise the availability of the program
through brochures and on the County website. Continue to work with HCD to ensure that the
County standards are in compliance with State standards, and make any amendments necessary to
the County standards.
13. Processing Procedures
Program Description: The County continuously reviews permit- processing procedures to
determine ways to streamline the process. Currently, the County Resource Management Agency
( RMA) provides coordination, integration, and management oversight to the Planning
Department, Roads Department, Waste Management, Environmental Health Services, and
Engineering and Survey Services.
In streamlining regulation, the County has taken several steps, including:
• Streamlining Workers Compensation and Contractor’s License tracking;
• Early CEQA consultation;
• Eliminating plot plan requirements for over 12 types of permits;
• Eliminating the landscape plan requirements for lots under one- half acre;
• Simplifying the lot line adjustment processing; and
• Reducing processing costs.
The Planning Department has streamlined permit processing by:
• Reducing environmental analysis from 11 to 3 pages;
• Authorizing the counter staff to sign- off on zoning approvals for building permits;
Kern County Housing Element 6- 13 Housing Plan
• Adopting a system for over- the- counter review of lot line adjustments by appointment;
• Instituting a Preliminary Application Review Committee to assist and expedite the permitting
process as it relates to residential and general land development projects; and
• Instituting a Customer Service Center to provide better and more direct service to the public
by having representative staff of the following County Departments: Engineering and Survey
Services, Waste Management, Roads Department, and Planning.
Funding Source: General Fund as necessary
Five- Year Program Objective: Continue to review regulations and permit processing procedures
to ensure that processing times are as efficient as possible.
14. Infrastructure Improvement Program
Program Description: Many older neighborhoods throughout the County have inadequate water,
sewer, and septic tank systems. These constraints can contribute to the deterioration of the
housing stock as developments with newer infrastructure are built. Self- Help Enterprises ( SHE)
coordinates with existing water companies and districts throughout the County to assist
communities in improving water and sewer systems. SHE services include conducting community
meetings, assistance with funding applications, development of options based on the area’s needs,
and overseeing construction. Self Help Enterprises has assisted 16 communities throughout the
County in obtaining funding for infrastructure improvements, and is currently working with 9
communities to obtain necessary funding.
Funding Source: CDBG, USDA Rural Development, California Small Community Grant
Program, and Public Utility District funds.
Five- Year Program Objective: Continue to coordinate with Self- Help Enterprises to assist
communities with infrastructure improvement needs. Direct communities with infrastructure
needs to Self Help- Enterprises for assistance.
15. Housing for Persons with Disabilities
Program Description: Pursuant to SB 520, jurisdictions are required to analyze constraints to the
development of housing for persons with disabilities and take measures to remove the constraints.
Kern County has conducted an initial review of zoning code and building code requirements and
has not identified any barriers to the provision of accessible housing. However, the County will
undertake a more detailed analysis within one year to confirm that no such constraints exist.
Funding Source: General Fund as necessary
Five- Year Program Objective:
Kern County Housing Element 6- 14 Housing Plan
• By 2003, conduct a detailed analysis of zoning code regulations to identify potential
constraints to the development of housing for persons with disabilities.
• Modify regulations as appropriate to remove any constraints.
• As part of the County’s annual review of the Housing Element, report to HCD on the
findings of the zoning and building code analysis.
Promoting Equal Housing Opportunities
16. Fair Housing Program
Program Description: The County of Kern operates a Fair Housing Program under the
Community Development Block Grant ( CDBG) program. The County provides a variety of fair
housing services, including:
• Education Activities- brochures, posters, and presentations to the public
• Hotline Service- a hotline number in English and Spanish to register fair housing complaints
• Investigation/ Testing- Investigate the validity of a discrimination complaint
• Mediation- mediate disputes between two parties ( e. g. a landlord and tenant)
• Coordination- provide connecting links between various groups involved in fair housing.
Funding Source: CDBG
Five- Year Program Objective: Continue to provide fair housing services to County residents
and take the necessary steps to eliminate any fair housing violation.
17. Homeless Continuum of Care
Program Description: Kern County annually prepares a continuum of care for homeless
assistance, which contains goals and objectives designed to reduce homelessness throughout the
County. The continuum of care focuses on seven facets of homeless assistance:
• Prevention
• Outreach/ Assessment
• Emergency Shelter
• Transitional Housing
• Permanent Housing
• Permanent Supportive Housing; and
• Supportive Services
In November 2001, approximately $ 2.8 million in Supportive Housing Program and Shelter Plus
Care funds were awarded to homeless providers in Kern County. In addition, Kern County
Kern County Housing Element 6- 15 Housing Plan
received $ 221,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant ( ESG) funds. Ongoing projects include providing
100 additional emergency shelter beds in the rural areas of the County.
Funding Source: CDBG, ESG, Supportive Housing Program, Shelter Plus Care
Five- Year Program Objective: Provide 100 additional emergency shelter vouchers targeted to
rural areas of the County. Continue to utilize the continuum of care to identify homeless needs
and direct funds toward projects that effectively address the needs.
Kern County Housing Element 6- 16 Housing Plan
Table 32
Housing Implementation Programs Summary
Kern County – Unincorporated Areas
Housing Program Program Goal Five- year Objective( s)
Funding
Source
Responsible
Agency/
Dept.
Time-
Frame
Conserve the Existing Supply of Housing
1. Code Compliance Improve housing
conditions
Countywide
Continue to conduct code
compliance activities
Countywide and in targeted
areas. Inform eligible
applicants of the availability
of County- sponsored
rehabilitation programs.
General Fund County Code
Compliance
Division
Ongoing
2. Neighborhood Clean Up/ Fix Up
Program
Assist in property
maintenance
Continue to sponsor a
“ neighborhood clean up/ fix
up” day annually
General Fund Kern County
Waste
Management
Ongoing
3. Housing Rehabilitation Programs
3a. CDBG Funded Housing rehabilitation Provide funding assistance
to 50 households. Enter
into cooperative agreement
with lending institution in
2003/ 04.
CDBG Kern County
Community
Development
Department
Ongoing
3b. Home Funded Housing rehabilitation
and
removal/ replacement
of substandard
structures
Provide funding assistance
to 50 households. Enter
into cooperative agreement
with lending institution in
2003/ 04.
HOME Kern County
Community
Development
Department
Ongoing
4. Section 8 Rental Assistance Provide rental
assistance to lower
income households
• Provide referrals to
HACK for Section 8
rental assistance.
• Support HACK in
preparation of annual
Public Housing Agency
Plan.
• Support HACK in
application for new
Section 8 vouchers
through findings of
consistency with the
Consolidated Plan.
• Support HACK in
maintaining and
enhancing Section 8
lease up rates.
HUD Section 8 HACK; Kern
County
Community
Development
Department
Ongoing
Kern County Housing Element 6- 17 Housing Plan
Table 32
Housing Implementation Programs Summary
Kern County – Unincorporated Areas
Housing Program Program Goal Five- year Objective( s)
Funding
Source
Responsible
Agency/
Dept.
Time-
Frame
5. Preservation of Assisted
Housing
Preserve 282at- risk
housing units in 8
developments
In cooperation with the
Housing Authority of the
County of Kern ( HACK) and
USDA Rural Development,
the County will take the
following actions to preserve
at- risk publicly assisted
housing projects:
• Monitor the at- risk
units.
• Participate in the
preservation of at- risk
units by providing
available financial
and/ or technical
assistance
• Ensure the property
owners provide
adequate tenant
notification by:
􀀹 Notifying tenants at
least one year prior to
potential conversion to
market- rate housing.
􀀹 Providing
information regarding
tenant rights and
conversion procedures
should an owner decide
to convert his/ her
property to non- low-income
use.
􀀹 Coordinating with
HACK regarding
available Section 8
rental subsidies.
USDA Rural
Development,
HOME,
CDBG, Tax
Credits
HACK, USDA
Rural
Development,
Kern County
Resource
Management
Agency
Within one
year of
potential
conversion
of
properties
6. Farm Labor Housing Program Preserve farm labor
housing
Preserve the existing stock of
publicly owned farm labor
housing, and support the
creation of additional public
and private facilities through
permissive zoning, which
allows farmworker housing
by right, and funding
support .
HACK, USDA
Rural
Development
HACK,
Community
Development
Department,
Planning
Department
Ongoing
Assist in the Provision of Housing
7. First Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs
Kern County Housing Element 6- 18 Housing Plan
Table 32
Housing Implementation Programs Summary
Kern County – Unincorporated Areas
Housing Program Program Goal Five- year Objective( s)
Funding
Source
Responsible
Agency/
Dept.
Time-
Frame
7a. HOME Funded Assist lower income
households with home
purchase
Provide loans to 175
households over the five-year
period.
HOME Community
Development
Department
2003
8. New Rental Construction Programs
8a. HOME Funded Assist in the
construction of
affordable rental
housing
Continue to provide loans
through the NOFA process.
HOME Community
Development
Department
Ongoing
8b. USDA Rural Development
Section 515
Assist in the
construction of
affordable rental
housing
Support utilization of the
program through leverage
with local funds. Direct
prospective affordable
developers to USDA.
Section 515 USDA Rural
Development,
Community
Development
Department
2003
9. New Ownership Construction Program
9a. Self Help Housing Assist in the
construction of
affordable ownership
housing
Continue to support the
development of self- help
housing.
Sweat equity,
Section 502,
other outside
funding
sources
Community
Development
Department,
Self Help
Enterprises.
2003
Provide Adequate Residential Sites
10. Residential Sites Inventory Maintain inventory of
adequate residential
sites
Maintain an up- to- date
inventory of sites suitable for
residential development and
provide to interested
developers
General Fund
as necessary
County
Resource
Management
Agency
2002-
2007
11. Transitional Housing and
Emergency Shelters
Allow for the
development of
transitional housing
and emergency
shelters.
The County will continue to
offer zoning procedures
which serve to facilitate the
provision of transitional
housing and emergency
shelters, including the
granting of parking
variances as appropriate.
General Fund
as necessary
County
Resource
Management
Agency
Ongoing
Removing Constraints to Housing Production
12. Density Bonus and Other
Development Incentives
Remove constraints to
the development of
affordable housing
Encourage the use of the
density bonus program to
provide affordable housing
as well as other desired
elements. Continue to work
with HCD to ensure that the
County standards are in
compliance with State
standards, and make any
amendments necessary to
the County standards.
General Fund
as necessary
County
Resource
Management
Agency
2003
Kern County Housing Element 6- 19 Housing Plan
Table 32
Housing Implementation Programs Summary
Kern County – Unincorporated Areas
Housing Program Program Goal Five- year Objective( s)
Funding
Source
Responsible
Agency/
Dept.
Time-
Frame
13. Processing Procedures Remove constraints to
the development of
affordable housing
Continue to review
regulations and permit
processing procedures to
ensure that processing times
are as efficient as possible
General Fund
as necessary
County
Resource
Management
Agency
Ongoing
14. Infrastructure Improvement
Program
Provide infrastructure
improvements in rural
communities.
Continue to coordinate with
Self- Help Enterprises to
assist communities with
infrastructure improvement
needs. Direct communities
with infrastructure needs to
Self Help- Enterprises for
assistance.
CDBG, USDA
Rural
Development,
California
Small
Community
Grant
Program,
Individual
Public Utility
District funds.
Community
Development
Department,
Self- Help
Enterprises
Ongoing
15. Housing for Persons with
Disabilities
Remove constraints to
the development of
housing for persons
with disabilities
• By 2003, conduct a
detailed analysis of
zoning code and
building code
regulations to identify
potential constraints to
the development of
housing for persons
with disabilities.
• Modify regulations as
appropriate to remove
any constraints.
• As part of the County’s
annual review of the
Housing Element,
report to HCD on the
findings of the zoning
and building code
analysis.
General Fund
as necessary
County
Resource
Management
Agency
2003
Promoting Equal Housing Opportunities
16. Fair Housing Program Promote equal
housing opportunity
for all residents
Continue to provide fair
housing services to County
residents and take the
necessary steps to eliminate
any fair housing violation
CDBG Community
Development
Department
Ongoing
Kern County Housing Element 6- 20 Housing Plan
Table 32
Housing Implementation Programs Summary
Kern County – Unincorporated Areas
Housing Program Program Goal Five- year Objective( s)
Funding
Source
Responsible
Agency/
Dept.
Time-
Frame
17. Homeless Continuum of Care Provide assistance to
homeless persons
Provide 100 additional
emergency shelter vouchers
targeted to rural areas of
the County. Continue to
utilize the continuum of care
to identify homeless needs
and direct funds toward
projects that effectively
address the needs.
CDBG, ESG,
Supportive
Housing
Program,
Shelter Plus
Care
Community
Development
Department,
Mental Health
Services
Department
Ongoing
Kern County Housing Element 6- 21 Housing Plan
Table 33
Proposed Five- Year Housing Accomplishments
Activity
Very Low
Income Low Income
Moderate
Income and
Above Total
New Construction 2,595 1,916 6,768 11,279
Rehabilitation 25 25 50 100
Preservation of At- Risk Units 141 141 282