HomeMy WebLinkAboutZone Text Amendment PresentationCity Council
03/23/2026
Item J
Zoning Code Amendments
Implementing the adopted
Housing Element
Background
City Council adopted the 2021–2029 (6th Cycle) Housing Element on
October 27, 2025.
Housing Element includes State-mandated programs to:
-Remove regulatory barriers to housing
-Promote housing for all income levels and special needs groups
-Maintain housing affordability
-Further fair housing
HCD (Feb. 26, 2026 letter) requires timely implementation to maintain
compliance.
Proposed Zoning Code Amendments
(Key Programs)
Program 1q – Farmworker Housing
-Allows employee/farmworker housing (≤6 persons) by right in residential zones.
-Adds farmworker housing as a defined residential use.
Program 2a – Density Bonus Streamlining
-Transfers review authority from Planning Commission to Community Development
Director.
-Updates ordinance to align with evolving State Density Bonus Law.
Program 2g – Commercial Density Bonus
-Facilitates partnerships between commercial and affordable housing developers.
-Allows incentives (e.g., increased density, height, FAR, reduced parking) when
affordability thresholds are met.
Proposed Zoning Code Amendments
(Key Programs)
Program 3h – Minimum Unit Sizes
-Reduces minimum unit size to 500 sq. ft. across residential zones.
-Updates Surfside standards and aligns ADU/JADU provisions.
Program 3j – Parking Standards
-Reduces parking requirements:
-Studios/1-bedroom: from 2 spaces → 1 space per unit
-Maintains higher requirements for larger units
-Intended to promote smaller, more affordable units.
Planning Commission Review
February 2, 2026: Commission considered ordinance but no
recommendation due to 2–2 tie vote.
Commission role is advisory only.
Emergency shelter provisions removed and to be addressed separately.
Recommended Action
Introduce and approve Ordinance 1725 to implement
Housing Element programs and comply with State
housing law.