City discusses Hidden Grove's affordable housing obligations under new ordinance

In the quiet chambers of the Loomis Planning Commission, a pivotal discussion unfolded regarding the future of affordable housing in the community. As members gathered on January 29, 2025, the air was thick with anticipation over the implications of recent ordinances and their impact on local development projects.

At the heart of the conversation was the Hidden Grove project, which had been submitted before the adoption of a new ordinance on March 8, 2022. This timing raised questions about whether Hidden Grove would be required to include affordable housing in its plans. The answer, as clarified during the meeting, was nuanced. While Hidden Grove is not bound by the new ordinance, it does have a designated site within its project for affordable housing. This means that, despite the ordinance's timing, the developers are still obligated to produce affordable housing due to their project's specific proposal and adherence to state law.

The discussion then shifted to future projects, particularly one proposed on Sierra College Boulevard. Commission members explored when new applications would fall under the ordinance's requirements. It was established that any project application filed after the ordinance's enactment would be subject to its stipulations, including the obligation to provide affordable housing.

Another critical topic was the introduction of a new in-lieu fee, which is designed to ensure that developers contribute to affordable housing initiatives even if they do not include such units in their projects. The fee, already outlined in the ordinance, was a focal point of the meeting as members considered its implications for ongoing and future developments. The commission emphasized that while they were not altering the existing ordinance, establishing this fee was essential for clarity and consistency in negotiations with developers.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that Loomis is at a crossroads, balancing the need for development with the pressing demand for affordable housing. The decisions made in these chambers will shape the community's landscape for years to come, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and responsible growth. The Loomis Planning Commission's discussions serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in urban planning and the importance of thoughtful dialogue in addressing community needs.