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Appendix J - Port Orchard Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis FINAL 20241218Port Orchard 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Date May 2, 2024 To Jim Fisk and Nick Bond, City of Port Orchard From Andrew Oliver and Jennifer Shuch, Leland Consulting Group CC Alex Cambell, AHBL Introduction In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1220 (HB 1220) as an amendment to the state Growth Management Act (GMA). HB 1220 requires that local governments plan for housing at all income levels and assess the racially disparate impacts (RDI) of existing housing policies. Conditions that indicate that policies have racially disparate impacts can include segregation, cost burden, displacement, educational opportunities, and health disparities. According to state guidance, there are five steps to understanding and addressing racially disparate impacts: • Step 1: Engage the Community • Step 2: Gather & Analyze Data • Step 3: Evaluate Policies • Step 4: Revise Policies • Step 5: Review & Update Regulations This report accounts for both Step 2 and Step 3 — it includes a summary of findings based on data from the US Census Bureau, US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and other sources. These findings then inform the policy evaluations and recommendations found at the end of the report. Key Findings • Port Orchard is more diverse than Kitsap County. • Households of color, particularly Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino households, are more likely to be cost -burdened than white households. In addition, renting is more common among non -white households and the cost burden for renter households is significantly higher than for owner households. Black/African American households are significantly more likely to rent than own their home. • There is a shortage of housing available for those making less than 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) and those making more than 80 percent AMI. • Half of Black/African American households and nearly three quarters of Pacific Islander households in Port Orchard are classified as extremely low-income, making less than 30 percent of AMI. Just 3 percent of Black/African American households earn more than 100 percent AMI. LO LELAND CONSULTING GROUP People Places Prosperity I www.lelandconsulting.com 610 SW Alder Street, Suite 1200, Portland, Oregon 97205 1503.222.1600 Historical Context Throughout the history of the United States, a combination of laws and practices have impacted where specific groups of people live, what opportunities they have access to, and their ability to build wealth through stable housing. Unfortunately, many of these policies explicitly or implicitly benefited white residents at the expense of all others. The legacy of policies like redlining, which used racial criteria in determining which neighborhoods were suitable for government -backed loans, highway development through predominantly -Black neighborhoods, and racial covenants explicitly excluding certain groups from owning specific properties continues to impact non -white communities today. While many cities have acknowledged the harms of these policies, many of which are no longer legal, there are still policies in effect today that hold cities back from rectifying systemic harms. These can include policies that reference vague concepts like "neighborhood character," as well as those that permit only the most expensive homes to be built, thus shutting lower -income residents out of high -opportunity areas. This section contains a historic review of some of the known policies and programs that caused racially disparate impacts in Port Orchard as a starting point in understanding present-day conditions. Throughout the United States, racial covenants were used to exclude certain races and religious groups from residing in specific neighborhoods, creating exclusive areas for white, Christian residents. These deed restrictions were legally enforceable from 1927 to 1968. The map in Figure 1 below shows data on racial covenants from the University of Washington. According to this research, Port Orchard has 62 restrictive covenants, though these may not have all fallen within current city limits and some have not been mapped. Bremerton, the largest city in Kitsap County, has over 1,000 racially restrictive covenants. Figure 1. Racially Restricted Parcels in Port Orchard and Surrounding Communities Ma ncfiester Slate Park �3n1, Bremerton Port Orchard 5�_ Oile -ill R. w W re 160 a r Source. Washington State Racial Restrictive Covenants Project. The combination of racially restrictive covenants and redlining impacted the ability of Black veterans to fully access homeownership loan benefits through the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill), which enabled white veterans to buy housing and build wealth in the suburbs. Racial covenants have since been declared unconstitutional, and Fair Housing laws have been put into effect. Today, Port Orchard is more diverse than Kitsap County overall, and has increased its share of households of color over the past several years. However, despite having far fewer racially restrictive covenants than Bremerton, it is less diverse today. Figure 2 shows the distribution of BIPOC populations Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 2 within the city. Some of Port Orchard's neighborhoods are more diverse than others, particularly Downtown, Bethel- Sedgewick, and the area along Sidney Ave., as shown below. Figure 2. Race and Ethnicity in Port Orchard by Census Block Group (2021) A Port Orchard Race and Ethnicity, 2021 Bremerton LE P,¢VALLEY Rp Legend Q Port Orchard City Limits Per: Orchard UGA Roads State Highway Collector / Arterial Local Road Water Bodies Share of Bill Population (by Census Block Group) 0 s-1o/ 0 10-20% 0 20-30% 30-40% 40%t 0 05 1 mi � I I I Navy Yard 5inrlry Ld:� `� city i P ST 0 e ZFF h y FZ- mP W � "-SE MILE.HILL DR Gorst SE 2 d f SALMONBERRY RD, SW BERRY LAKE RD �cLEDGWIGK h S,N SEDGW� - r Bethel \ I m \ I SW LIDER RD \ II SE LIDER, 1 Source: US Census2027 American Community Survey 5- Year fstimotes, Kitsop County, LCG Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 3 Assessing Racially Disparate Impacts Between 2015 and 2020, Port Orchard became more diverse as its share of Hispanic/Latino and mixed -race residents grew. Data from the US Census Bureau provided by the Washington Department of Commerce shows that the city lost 500 Asian residents between 2015 and 2020, but this change is likely due to a relatively high margin of error rather than a sudden 48 percent decrease in the Asian population'. However, it does appear that the share of BIPOC residents is increasing both in Port Orchard and countywide. The population in Port Orchard went from 75 percent white to 67 percent white over the course of five years. Over the same period, Kitsap County's population went from 78 percent white to 76 percent white. Figure 3. Change in Population by Race/Ethnicity, Port Orchard and Kitsap County Port Orchard Race or Ethnic Category 2015 2020 Change American Indian and Alaska Native 51 84 33 Asian 1,068 568 -500 Black or African American 210 459 249 Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 973 1,826 853 Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 52 433 381 Other Race 0 0 0 Two or more races 864 1,310 446 White 9,786 9,623 -163 Total 13.004 14.303 1.299 Kitsap County 2015 2020 Change 2,644 2,378 -266 12,005 12,842 837 6,516 6,716 200 18,108 21,641 3,533 1,836 2,387 551 551 403 -148 15,182 18,093 2,911 198,599 204,485 5,886 255.441 268.945 13.504 Source: US Census Bureau, 2011-2015 and 2016-2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (Table DP05); Washington Department of Commerce, 2023 Figure 4. Population by Race/Ethnicity in Port Orchard (2020) Asian 568 M(4%) Black or African American 459 (3%) Hispanic or Latino (of any 1,826 race) (13%) Other Race 1,827 (13%) White 9,623 (67%) 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 Population Source: US Census Bureau, 2076-2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (Table DP05); Washington Department of Commerce, 2023. ' According to the US Census Bureau 2022 5-Year ACS (table DP05), the Asian population in Port Orchard as of 2022 is 857, with a margin of error of +-273. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 4 Figure 5. Racial Composition of Port Orchard and Kitsap County (2020) 4% 5% ■ Asian ■ Black or African American Hispanic or Latino (of any race) ■ Other Race ■ White Port Orchard Kitsap County Source: US Census Bureau, 2076-2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (Table DP05); Washington Department of Commerce, 2023. Port Orchard is home to 3,075 owner households and 2,100 renter households. Of the owner households, 25 percent are cost -burdened, with 19 percent spending between 30 percent and 50 percent on housing costs and 6 percent spending more than 50 percent on housing costs. By contrast, 49 percent of renter households in Port Orchard are rent -burdened, with 29 percent spending between 30 and 50 percent on housing costs and 20 percent spending more than 50 percent on housing costs. This sharp divide in stability between renters and owners can result in racially disparate impacts when renters are more likely to be people of color. In Port Orchard, 78 percent of Black/African American households and 67 percent of households that identify as "Other Race" are renters, compared with 35 percent of white households. In Port Orchard, people of color are more likely to be cost -burdened, including those who own their homes. Nearly one third of homeowners of color are cost -burdened, compared with just under a quarter of white homeowner households. Among Black households, half are not cost - burdened and half are severely cost -burdened, spending over 50 percent of their income on housing each month — the severely cost -burdened Black/African American households include 40 owner households and 50 renter households. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 5 Figure 6. Number of Households by Cost Burden in Port Orchard (2019) American Black or Indian or Hispanic or African Alaska Pacific Other Latino White American Asian Native Islander Race (of any race) Total Owner Households Not Cost Burdened 1,875 4 120 0 25 85 145 2,254 Total Cost -Burdened 600 30 45 0 0 0 95 770 Cost -Burdened (30-50%) 475 0 45 0 0 0 70 590 Severely Cost -Burdened (>505,o) 125 30 0 0 0 0 25 180 Not Calculated 55 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 Total 2,530 35 165 0 25 85 240 3,080 Renter Households Not Cost Burdened 690 75 95 0 0 65 85 1,010 Total Cost -Burdened 680 50 30 0 115 45 114 1,034 Cost -Burdened (30-505/o) 375 0 30 0 80 15 110 610 Severely Cost -Burdened (>5091o) 305 50 0 0 35 30 4 424 Not Calculated 20 0 0 0 0 0 35 55 Total 1,390 125 120 0 115 110 235 2,095 Total Households 3,920 160 285 0 140 195 475 5,175 Source: US HUD, 2015-2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 9); Washington Department of Commerce, 2023 Figure 7. Port Orchard Total Housing Cost Burden by Racial & Ethnic Group, 2019 4,500 4,000 m c 3,500 = 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 Hispanic or Latino (of Persons of color White any race) Not Calculated Not Cost -Burdened Cost -Burdened (30- 50%) Severly Cost - Burdened (>50%) Source: US HUD, 2075-2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 9); Washington Department of Commerce, 2023. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 6 Figure 8. Port Orchard Percent of All Households Experiencing Housing Cost Burden (2019) Asian a Black or African American Hispanic or Latino (of any race) MELMW Other race Persons of color White Severely Cost- Cost -Burdened Not Cost - Burdened (30-50%) Burdened Not Calculated (>50%) Source: US HUD, 2075-2079 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 9); Washington Department of Commerce, 2023. Figure 9. Port Orchard Owner and Renter Households by Race & Ethnicity (2019) White Other Race Hispanic or Latino (of any race) ' , M�� Black or African American Asian 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ■ Owner ■ Renter Source: US HUD, 2075-2079 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 9). Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 7 In Port Orchard, there is a shortage of rental units at the low end of the income spectrum. The city needs 380 units affordable to those making less than 30 percent AMI. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Port Orchard has a surplus of 640 units affordable at 50 percent to 80 percent AMI. This data also shows a shortfall for higher -income households earning more than 80% AMI, although higher -income households are more likely to be able to afford ownership housing. Figure 10. Port Orchard Renter Households by Income Compared to Rental Units by Affordability, 2019 1,400 = 1,200 .N o 1,000 N 800 Shortfall: -0 -380 units Surplus: °585 +160 units t N 600 530 ° = 400 id205 200 0 <30% AMI 30-50% AMI a Households at income level ARental housing units affordable to income level Surplus: +640 units 1,130 50-80% AMI Shortfall: -430 units 660 M23 >80% AMI +/- The difference between number of households in the income group and the number of rental units Sources: US HUD, 2015-2079 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 15Q & US HUD, 2075-2079 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 14B). Figure 11 below shows the PSRC's displacement risk map — most of Port Orchard is considered low risk, but downtown and the Bethel and Sydney corridors have a moderate risk of displacement from new housing development or redevelopment. Downtown and the Sydney Ave. corridor area also have a higher share of BIPOC households as shown earlier in this report. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 8 Figure 11. PSRC Displacement Risk Map for Port Orchard and Surrounding Communities Port Orch PSRC Displac Br 6E�F A�RJ Legend Q Part Orchard City Li Part Orchard UGA Roads State Highway Collector / Arterial Local Road Water Bodies PSRC Displacement - Higher 0 Moderate 0 Lower Sources: PSRC Displacement Risk Map. Figure 12 below shows the PSRC's opportunity index for Port Orchard and surrounding areas. Most of Port Orchard has a low opportunity index, but the Mile Hill area has a moderate opportunity rating. Port Orchard's low opportunity index is based on low scores for economics, health, and transportation. The poor score for health opportunity also impacts the moderate opportunity neighborhoods in Port Orchard. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 9 Figure 12. PSRC Opportunity Index Map for Port Orchard and Surrounding Communities Sources: Puget Sound Regional Council Port Orchard PSRC Opportunity Index I Bremerton City , / ,•fir NEW �r r .., 41 In Port Orchard there is a sharp racial divide in income distribution. Citywide, 42 percent of households make above 100 percent AMI — this includes 52 percent of Asian households, 45 percent of white households, 32 percent of Hispanic/Latino households, 18 percent of Pacific Islander households, and less than 3 percent of Black/African American households. Whilejust 10 percent of households make below 30 percent AMI, 50 percent of Black households and 71 percent of Pacific Islander households fall into that category. Over 80 percent of households that make more than the median income are white. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 10 Figure 13. Port Orchard Count of Households by Income and Race, 2019 Hispanic American or Indian or Black or Latino Alaska African (of any Pacific Not Income Category (% of AMI) Native Asian American race) Islander White Reported* All Number Extremely Low -Income (!530% AMI) 10 80 60 100 505 65 820 Very Low -Income (30-50%) 30 - 95 - 380 30 535 Low -Income (50-80%) 85 75 100 15 730 (5) 1,000 Moderate Income (80-100%) 15 - 70 - 550 5 640 Above Median Income (>100%) 150 4 155 25 1,755 91 2,180 Total for published estimates 290 159 480 140 3,920 186 5,180 Percentage Not Reported Extremely Low -Income (:530% AMI) 0% 1% 10% 7% 12% 62% 8% Very Low -Income (30-50%) 0% 6% 0% 18% 0% 71% 6% Low -Income (50-80%) 0% 9% 8% 10% 2% 73% -1% Moderate Income (80-100%) 0% 2% 0% 11% 0% 86% 1% Above Median Income (>100%) 0% 7% 0% 7% 1% 81% 4% * The category "Other (including multiple races, non -Hispanic) " is supporessed in source data(CHAS 2015-2019 Table 1) Sources: US HUD, 2015-2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 1) & US HUD, 2015-2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 8) Figure 14. Port Orchard Distribution of Households by Income and Race or Ethnicity, 2019 Asian Black or African American Hispanic or Latino (of any race) Pacific Islander White All 29% 5% 21% 52% 47% 3% 15% 32% 11% 19% 14% 45% • % ' % 19% 12% 42% Extremely Low- Very Low- Low -Income Moderate Income Above Median Income Income (50-80% AMI) (80-100% AMI) Income (:530% AMI) (30-50% AMI) (>100% AMI) Sources: US HUD, 2075-2019 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 1). 18% Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 11 Between 2015 and 2020, the percentage of households making above the median income decreased from 49 percent to 42 percent. This may be due to increases in the Countywide Area Median Income which has outpaced increases in household incomes in the city. This decline has disproportionately impacted Asian and Black households in Port Orchard. The share of Asian households making above the median income dropped from 69 percent in 2015 to 52 percent in 2020. Among Black households, it dropped from 53 percent in 2015 to 3 percent in 2020. While 50 Black households made above the median income in 2015, by 2020 just 4 Black households earn over 100 percent AMI. Figure 15. Port Orchard Percentage of All Households by Income Category and Race (2010-2014 vs. 2015-2019) All HniiQPhnldc 2015 2020 0' Asian 2015 1 16% 16% 2020 29% Black or African American 2015 2020 Hispanic or Latino (any race) 2015 2020 ' . Other Race 2015 IM 48% 2020 White 18% 8% 19% 12% 5% 11 % 0% 23% 9% 21% 0% 2015 18% 2020 19% Extremely Low- Very Low - Income Income (!530% AMI) (30-50% AMI) 8% 14% 49% 42% 69% 52% 53% 47% 3% 40% 15% 32% 48% 1302% 36% 48% 45% Low -Income Moderate Income Above Median (50-80% AMI) (80-100% AMI) Income (>100 % AMI) Sources: US HUD, 2075-2079 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) (Table 7). Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 12 Policy Evaluation Based on the above analysis, there is room for improvements to policies in Port Orchard to reduce racially disparate impacts, and the data was used to inform the next steps of the racially disparate impacts assessment process — evaluating and revising policies that reinforce historical patterns of segregation, displacement, and inequitable outcomes. Taking a proactive approach in shaping policy to address these challenges will benefit all Port Orchard households as they City seeks to build a more equitable future. Based on guidance provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the following policy evaluation framework was used to evaluate Port Orchard's existing Housing Element policies: The policy is valid and supports meeting the identified housing needs. The policy is needed and S addresses identified racially disparate impacts, displacement and exclusion in housing. Supportive The policy can support meeting the identified housing needs but may be insufficient or does not A address racially disparate impacts, displacement and exclusion in housing. Approaching The policy may challenge the jurisdiction's ability to meet the identified housing needs. The policy's C benefits and burdens should be reviewed to optimize the ability to meet the policy's objectives while Challenging improving the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens imposed by the policy. The policy does not impact the jurisdiction's ability to meet the identified housing needs and has no NA influence or impact on racially disparate impacts, displacement or exclusion. Not applicable Goal/PolicyExisting Existing l .. / Policy # Assessment Goal 1. Ensure that the City's housing stock responds to changes in desired housing types based on demographic trends and population growth. Policy HS-1 Identify a sufficient amount Approaching This policy will help Consider adding of land for housing, ensure that the City has language that directly including but not limited to the capacity to increase addresses the need for government -assisted the variety of housing culturally -responsive housing, housing for low- to ensure that different housing to meet the income families, segments of the needs of households of manufactured housing, population are color. multifamily housing, group adequately served. homes, and foster care However, it does not facilities. specifically address the housing needs of racially marginalized groups. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 13 Policy HS-2 Support the development of Supportive Utilizing innovative a variety of housing types, planning techniques including apartments, and increasing townhomes, mixed -use efficiency in order to (residential and other uses) ensure that a variety of and live -work development, housing types can be small -lot and zero lot line built in the city will help single-family homes, and lower barriers for manufactured homes, as households of color and well as traditional single- increase opportunities family homes, through for more affordable innovative planning, homeownership. efficient and effective administration of land and building codes, and, where available, applicable financial assistance. Policy HS-3 Monitor official and Approaching Monitoring population Consider specifying that estimated population and and development the City will monitor housing data to ensure trends can help ensure population and zoning and development that the City is demographic data to regulations reflect market producing an adequate ensure that zoning not demand. supply of housing. only reflects market However, it would be demand, but that even more effective to regulations are monitor demographics successfully reducing along with population racial disparities citywide. to ensure that specific racial and ethnic groups are not being shut out of the city's housing market. Goal 2. Ensure that housing is affordable and available to all socioeconomic levels of Port Orchard residents. Policy HS-4 Adopt zoning and Supportive Increasing zoning development regulations flexibility to allow for a that will have the effect of variety of housing types minimizing housing costs at all affordability levels and maximizing housing will help lower the options. barriers to entry, especially if these regulations apply to historically segregated neighborhoods. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 14 Policy HS-5 Support the development of Approaching Support for the Add language to this housing and related services development of policy that specifies that are provided by housing and services for support for regional regional housing programs targeted populations housing programs and and agencies for special will help to reduce agencies that serve needs populations, housing inequity in Port communities of color. especially the homeless, Orchard. However, this children, the elderly, and goal should include people with mental or support for agencies physical disabilities. that serve communities of color. Policy HS-6 Consider reducing N/A permitting fees for development which provide affordable housing as defined by the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) section 200-120-020. Policy HS-7 Consider the creation of N/A zoning and other land use incentives for the private construction of affordable and special needs housing as a percentage of units in multi -family development. Policy HS-8 Consider adopting N/A incentives for development of affordable multi -family homes through property tax abatement in accordance with 84.14 RCW, focusing on designated mixed -use local centers with identified needs for residential infill and redevelopment. Goal 3. Encourage the clustering of new housing developments in designated mixed -use Centers where residential uses are co -located with commercial uses. Policy HS-9 Implement minimum N/A residential density requirements in centers of local importance in order to Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 15 increase land and infrastructure efficiency. Policy HS- Encourage the development N/A 10 of vertical multi -family housing above ground floor commercial uses within centers of local importance. Policy HS- Encourage the development Approaching Ensuring that there is a Because this policy is in 11 of a mix of housing types variety of housing in service to a goal of within walking and bicycling areas that are walkable increasing housing distance of public schools, or bikeable can help to options in designated parks, transit service, and reduce inequities mixed -use centers, it is commercial centers related to access. not clear whether this applies to other walkable, bikeable neighborhoods near schools, jobs, and other amenities. Encouraging a variety of housing types in all walkable and amenity -rich neighborhoods would more directly address the racially disparate impacts of past housing policies. Goal 4. Promote the efficient provision of municipal infrastructure and services to new housing developments. Policy HS- Require that new housing N/A 12 developments occur concurrently with necessary infrastructure investments. Policy HS- Establish an orderly process N/A 13 of annexation informed by the need for infrastructure investments that will ensure levels of service to new residential areas are not diminished. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 16 Goal 5. Promote the efficient use of residential land in order to maximize development potential. Policy HS- Implement zoning and N/A 14 development regulations which encourage infill housing on empty and redevelopable parcels. Policy HS- Allow the development of Approaching Increasing the number Consider replacing the 15 residential accessory of accessory dwelling phrase "sufficient public dwelling units (ADUs) and units, both attached facilities" to more precise detached accessory dwelling and detached, will help language that does not units (DADUs) in increase housing result in the exclusion of appropriate residential areas opportunities in low- ADUs in high - with sufficient public density neighborhoods. opportunity facilities to adequately serve However, "sufficient neighborhoods. additional residents. public facilities" does not appear to be well defined, and could be used to exclude some neighborhoods from this type of gentle density. Policy HS- Consider increasing Approaching Increasing maximum Consider adding the 16 maximum housing densities housing densities can phrase "across all and implementing minimum help reduce barriers to neighborhoods" to make housing densities in entry in historically it clear that historically appropriate areas. exclusive exclusive neighborhoods neighborhoods. do not remain out of reach for households of color. Goal 6. Formulate and implement "Neighborhood innovative development regulations and character" is vague design standards that maintain and language specifically strengthen neighborhood character. called out by the Department of Commerce for allowing some neighborhoods, typically those that are lower -density, to be preserved as they are rather than open to a wider variety of kmmt development types. The City should determine what makes these Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 17 neighborhoods attractive and unique and re -word this goal to reflect that, while ensuring that maintaining neighborhood character is not used to exempt these neighborhoods from necessary growth. Policy HS- The City shall identify formal Challenging While identifying formal Consider factors other 17 neighborhoods throughout neighborhoods does than building types and Port Orchard, with not necessarily have styles when boundaries based on negative impacts on characterizing building types and styles, racial disparities, neighborhoods, such as history, topography, school categorizing these those already named in locations, commercial neighborhoods by this policy (topography, development, and other building types and proximity to schools, relevant features of the styles can be a way of etc.). environment. continuing historical patterns of exclusion. Policy HS- Consider programs to N/A 18 preserve or rehabilitate neighborhoods and areas that are showing signs of deterioration due to lack of maintenance or abandonment. Policy HS- Consider commercial Challenging As noted above, Consider utilizing more 19 building design standards "neighborhood precise language to that establish and protect character" is vague and ensure that this policy neighborhood character. typically used to does not entrench past preserve a historically patterns of segregation entrenched rather than and allows for forward -looking view of multifamily housing a city's identity. throughout city Requiring that new neighborhoods. commercial buildings (potentially including multifamily or mixed - use housing) conform to these standards is a barrier to future growth and to remedying historical patterns of racial and economic segregation. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 18 Policy HS- Seek federal, state, and N/A 20 other funding for the renovation and maintenance of existing housing stock Policy HS- Provide information and Challenging The preservation of Ensure that this policy 21 assistance to property historical and cultural does not direct city owners of historically resources is not directly resources to the significant housing to at odds with reducing preservation of entire encourage preservation of racial exclusion. neighborhoods that seek these cultural resources. However, the exclusion from zoning designation of low- reforms. density neighborhoods as historic districts has been used in cities throughout the country to preempt zoning reforms that would allow a wider variety of housing. Goal 7. Improve the time associated with processing and approving proposed development while ensuring housing and design standards are suitable for maintaining an efficient, attractive, and safe housing supply. Policy HS- Streamlining the permitting N/A 22 process for development by implementing policies and procedures that reduce the length of time involved in plan approval. Goal 8. Provide on -going support to Rather than referencing homeowners to preserve, maintain, and vague goals like "quality improve their properties in order to and character of enhance the quality and character of neighborhoods" consider neighborhoods and the overall City. more specific language. This could include "to help people stay in their homes and neighborhoods and increase resident health AN and safety." Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 19 Policy HS- Consider developing N/A 23 programs that encourage and assist property owners to improve the quality and aesthetics of their housing units. Goal 9. Ensure that future residential development protects and maintains natural ecosystems and critical areas, including wetlands, streams, and wildlife habitats. Policy HS- Consider developing and Supportive Allowing flexible 24 implementing flexible development standards development standards for will help preserve housing being proposed in critical areas without the vicinity of critical areas limiting housing to meet both the goals of growth. housing targets and environmental protections. Policy HS- Encourage energy efficient N/A 25 housing types that conserve non-renewable energy and help minimize impact on air quality and climate. Policy HS- Prioritize residential growth Approaching It is best practice to Consider adding a clause 26 in centers of local prioritize residential to the end of this policy importance. growth in the areas best that acknowledges that suited for density, like all neighborhoods will mixed -use centers of have to accommodate local importance that some level of growth. have access to transit, jobs, schools, and other services. However, the City should ensure that these are not the only places where residential growth can occur. Goal 10. Monitor population growth rates to ensure that the City is accommodating its share of regional growth as allocated in the Countywide Planning Policies. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 20 Policy HS- If the City's growth rate falls N/A 27 below 2.1 percent annual growth, the rate at which the City would need to grow at in order to hit its 2036 growth target, the city should consider adopting reasonable measures such as reducing adopted transportation levels of service, impact fees, or accelerating growth related projects within the City's Capital Improvement Program. Policy HS- If the City's growth rate N/A 28 increases from the 2.5 percent growth rate experienced from 2013- 2015, the City should consider adopting reasonable measures including increasing transportation level of service standards, impact fees, or delaying projects within the City's Capital Improvement Program. Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan I Racially Disparate Impacts Analysis Page 21