Roseville moves forward with Sierra Vista low-income apartments

Roseville officials last week approved an agreement for the 192-unit Sierra Vista Apartments, an affordable rental housing project on Upland Drive. Located on seven acres at 4950 Upland Drive, Sierra Vista will bring 192 low-income apartments, according to the report. The plan includes 91 low-income units, 79 very low-income flats, 20 extremely low-income apartments and two manager units. With a community building and other amenities on 7.17 acres, the project includes a state density bonus of 16 units. The development will have a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging from 625 to 1,065 square feet. "These units will serve a range of local housing needs, including members of the local workforce, families, young couples, single households and seniors with low and very low incomes," said Roseville analyst Suzanne Acrell in her report. "Workers in these units could hold jobs ranging from employment in the service industry, local teachers, office assistants, custodians, store clerks and others who are likely to have job opportunities in Roseville." Officials said earlier this year construction was scheduled to begin next January with plans to open the complex next July. The site includes 259 parking spaces. As qualified affordable housing, the plans get "non-discretionary ministerial approval." No general fund will be used in the development, officials said. The City Council in 2021 established objective design standards to streamline affordable housing projects, staff said. The ODS were adopted to comply with state housing laws. Qualified projects get a special permit and can bypass standard design review, public notice and hearings, and go straight to engineering and permit review, staff explained. A qualifying project includes no less than 20 percent affordable to lower-income households. The Roseville Council last year approved a $571,850 loan to Greek Orthodox Housing Corporation to develop and manage the property. The money came from a federal community block grant. The affordable housing agreement is to regulate and restrict the rents, occupancy, operation and management of the project to ensure affordability for 55 years. Without discussion, the City Council unanimously approved the agreement Oct. 1 during the non-controversial consent agenda.