Housing Element Survey Results & Study Session

In June, the City launched the Housing Element Values Survey, which was open through July 31 and received 743 responses. The goal of this survey was to gain a better understanding of community values and priorities, which will be used as a foundation for future conversations about possible strategies to utilize in the Housing Element.

The City Council and Planning Commission will hold a virtual Study Session about the Housing Element Update on Tuesday, August 31 at 5:00 p.m. The Study Session will include an overview and discussion of the current understanding of the community’s values and priorities. Part of this discussion will be based on the survey results. The Study Session will also include a review of possible strategies, policies, and housing opportunity sites for the next Housing Element. 

You can view the Study Session Agenda on the City website and join the meeting using Zoom or by calling in:

• Webinar URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86503408022
• Webinar ID: 865 0340 8022
• Call In: 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833

1. Do you live and/or work in the City of Saratoga?
   • I live in Saratoga, but work elsewhere: 38.8% (288) 
   • I live and work in Saratoga: 17.6% (131)
   • I live in Saratoga and I am retired/ do not currently work: 42.7% (317)
   • I work in Saratoga, but live somewhere else: 0.9% (7)
   • No response: 0
2. If you live in Saratoga, how long have you lived in the City?
   • 0-2 years: 3.3% (24)
   • 2-5 years: 7.5% (55)
   • 5-10 years: 10.7% (79)
   • 10-20 years: 18.8% (139)
   • 20+ years: 59.8% (441)
   • No response: 5
3. How old are you?
   • 18 years or less: 0.8% (6)
   • 19-25 years: 1.0% (7)
   • 26-30 years: 0.8% (6)
   • 31-40 years: 5.4% (40)
   • 41-50 years: 18.3% (135)
   • 51-60 years: 23.6% (174)
   • 61-70 years: 26.8% (197)
   • 71-80 years: 16.7% (123)
   • 81 years or more: 6.5% (48)
   • No response: 7
4. Select the type of housing you reside in: 
   • Single Family Home: 94.5% (699)
   • Attached Home (Townhouse, Duplex): 2.3% (17)
   • Multifamily Home (Apartment, Condominium): 2.4% (18)
   • Accessory Dwelling Unit: 0.1% (1)
   • Other: 0.7% (5)
   • No response: 3
5. Are you a renter or owner? 
   • Renter: 3.5% (26)
   • Owner: 96.5% (713)
   • No response: 4
6. Are you satisfied with your current housing situation?
   • Yes: 95.9% (708)
   • No: 4.1% (30)
   • No response: 5
7. Does the range of housing options currently available in the City of Saratoga meet your needs?
   • Yes: 89.8% (658)
   • No: 10.2% (75)
   • No response: 10
8. If you live in Saratoga, why did you choose to live here? Select all that apply.
   • Quality of housing: 69.5% (511)
   • Neighborhood safety: 65.9% (484)
   • Quality of schools: 62.9% (462)
   • Scenery: 57.3% (421)
   • Proximity to work: 29.3% (215)
   • Family/friends: 24.2% (178)
   • Recreation/amenities: 22.0% (162)
   • Shops, dining, etc.: 16.2% (119)
   • City services: 9.8% (72)
   • Other: 13.3% (9)
   • No response: 8
9. As the City plans to meet the State mandate to plan for more than 1,700 new housing units, which types of additional housing would you be willing to accept in the City of Saratoga? Select all that apply.
   • Single Family Homes: 82.3% (595)
   • Housing for Seniors: 57.8% (418)
   • Townhomes: 51.3% (371)
   • Condominiums (Owned): 47.2% (341)
   • Duplex, Triplex, etc.: 32.1% (232)
   • Apartments (Rented): 21.0% (152)
   • Housing for Students: 18.8% (136)
   • Other: 8.7% (63)
   • No response: 20
10. Please rank the following based on how important they are to you and your family, with 1 being the most important and 8 being the least important. (Average ranking calculated based on number assigned to each ranking position)
    1. Preserving the current character of single family neighborhoods, as much as possible.
    2. Limiting growth in hillsides and areas at risk for wildfire.
    3. Preserving existing commercial locations, such as shopping centers with grocery stores.
    4. Retaining a practice of generally limiting buildings to 2 stories.
    5. Creating mixed-use (commercial/office and residential) projects in the community.
    6. Providing a diverse range of housing types to meet the varied needs of people at all income levels.
    7. Building housing for older adults or students.
    8. Requiring construction of affordable units as part of housing development projects. 

No response: 33

1. Preserving the current character of single-family neighborhoods, as much as possible: 59.7% (424)
2. Limiting growth in hillsides and areas at risk for wildfire: 13.1% (93)
3. Retaining a practice of generally limiting buildings to 2 stories: 5.4% (38)
4. Preserving existing commercial locations, such as shopping centers with grocery stores: 5.4% (38)
5. Creating mixed-use (commercial/office and residential) projects in the community: 4.9% (35)
6. Building housing for older adults or students: 1.4% (10)
7. Providing a diverse range of housing types to meet the varied needs of people at all income levels: 7.8% (56)
8. Requiring construction of affordable units as part of housing development projects: 2.3% (16)

Housing Allocation Appeal Due Soon

As a reminder, comments on Regional Housing Allocation (RHNA) appeals are due to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) by Monday, August 30. In July, the City Council appealed Saratoga's RHNA of more than 1,700 new homes to be built in Saratoga between 2023 and 2031. ABAG received 28 appeals from Bay Area jurisdictions, which included 6 appeals from Santa Clara County. The community can submit comments on appeals to RHNA@bayareametro.gov.

Reducing Wildfire Risk Webinar

Breakthrough research has shown that the majority of homes destroyed by wildfire are first ignited by embers and small flames. Register today for a free Santa Clara County Fire Department online workshop on August 31 at 6:30 p.m. to learn about hardening your home and reducing wildfire risks within the 5-foot buffer around your home. 

Movie Night Photos

Thanks to everyone who joined the City of Saratoga to watch The Wizard of Oz at Movie Night on Friday, August 20! Photos from the event are available on the City's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofSaratoga

End of Summer Music Fest

Join the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce for the End of Summer Music Fest on Sunday, September 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wildwood Park. Register for the free event to enjoy live music, food, and fun! 

Saratoga Power Lunch

Join Mayor Yan Zhao for Saratoga Power Lunch on Tuesday, September 14 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. This month, the Mayor will discuss drought conditions with Kirsten Struve, Valley Water Assistant Officer for Water Supply. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/lunch to register for upcoming webinars, submit questions, and watch recordings of previous events.

Defensible Space & Trees

Maintaining defensible space on your property has never been easier. Permits to remove dead or fire-prone trees are free. Property owners in the Wildland Urban Interface can also apply for a permit to remove trees that cannot be maintained with defensible space standards. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/fire for more information on defensible space, fire prevention, and tree removal permits.

Apply to Serve on a City Commission!

Volunteering for a City Commission is a great way to learn about the City, give back to the community, and explore your interests in a new way. The City is currently accepting applications for the Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Art Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, and Traffic Safety Commission. Learn more and apply at www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac 

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