- a weekly column published in the Pioneer Press

Part of Siskiyou County’s planning efforts includes what is called a “Housing Element.” This planning document is currently being updated. A first draft has been completed and is being sent to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for comment. After revisions, the document will be presented and released to the public for their input.

Siskiyou County does not have a redevelopment agency. It relies upon the private sector to develop units with assistance from state and federal funding sources. The county does compete for limited Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds through a statewide program. Resources are allocated first to infrastructure, (sewer and water,) then outreach and housing assistance. Great Northern Corporation administers many of our grant programs.

Using the census and other statistics, our population was described in the Housing Element by relevant characteristics. It seems that:

• As of the 2000 census, we had 44,301 people in Siskiyou County
• We had 16,140 jobs
• Most of our households have an income in the range of $15 – $49,999 with a median income of $29,530
• 56.7% of our population lives outside of our cities
• 69.8% of our households are made up of related family
• Average household sizes are decreasing as our population ages
• 84.9% of non-family households are made up of 1 person
• 48.1% of family households are 2 persons; 20.7% - 3 persons; and 18.3% - 4 persons
• 10.1% of households are headed by a female and 67% of these also have a dependent minor child
• 67.2% of households are owners and 32.8% renters

Next, the document looked at existing housing. {It was determined that grant funds are needed to do an assessment of the condition of existing housing.):

• :68.7 % of our housing is “single family detached”
• 18.5% of housing is in mobile homes
• 12.3% of housing is ten or less years old; 38% was constructed prior to 1959
• The average sale price for a home in Siskiyou County in 2002 was $149,000 (varies significantly by location.)
• The median rent in the county is $471

The element then looked at the relationship of existing housing to the needs of the population. “Affordable housing” costs no more than 30% of income for rent and utilities:

• Current housing size does not meet the needs of large families (5+)
• 42% of renters in the county pay more than 30% of their income for rent
• 40.2% of non-senior adults pay more than 30% of their income on housing; 59.5% of seniors pay more than 30%
• Current financing requires substantial contributions of equity
• Land and construction costs in many areas of the county are high relative to income

Next, the element looks at barriers to closing housing gaps that might be influenced by county policy:

• There are 15,042 parcels and 58,028 acres of private land that are zoned for, and physically able to, support additional housing
• Multi-family housing can be built on 1,066 of these parcels
• The capacity of community services districts for water and sewer is limiting
• County health standards for a septic tank require a minimum parcel of 2.5 acres, which is limiting
• Building after 2002 must comply with the 1997 UBC with 2001 Amendments – the county does not impose additional local regulations

Finally, the document discusses what the county can do to help close the gaps:

• Encourage, support and facilitate the process for developers of affordable housing
• Seek additional rental assistance, down payment assistance and funding for housing through state or federal programs
• Seek funding for housing rehabilitation and mobile park maintenance
• Seek funding programs and work with local faith-based organizations to establish an emergency housing shelter
• Conduct public outreach efforts to the public to inform them of available housing programs