El Cajon City Council approves zoning code amendments for housing and emergency units

The City of El Cajon Council meeting on April 22, 2025, focused on significant zoning code amendments aimed at aligning local regulations with state housing laws and addressing emergency housing needs.

One of the primary discussions revolved around proposed amendments to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. These changes will eliminate parking requirements for ADU developments and allow for closer proximity to property lines, in accordance with new state laws. The amendments also clarify that fire sprinklers are not required in the primary dwelling when adding ADUs. This alignment is part of ongoing efforts to streamline housing development in the city.

Additionally, the council discussed modifications to emergency housing regulations. Currently, properties can host up to six emergency housing units. The proposed changes would allow for an increase to eight units after a year of operation without code violations, and potentially ten units if the initial eight operate without issues. This adjustment aims to enhance the city’s capacity to address housing emergencies while ensuring compliance with building codes.

Another key topic was the procedural changes regarding public hearings for housing developments. State law limits local governments to five public hearings per project that meets all applicable standards. The proposed amendments would allow city council members to move unresolved public hearings from the planning commission to the council after two hearings, facilitating a more efficient decision-making process.

The council also reviewed annual fee adjustments for various city services, including building permits and fire department fees. Notably, the city clerk proposed eliminating a fingerprinting fee, while other fees were adjusted based on the costs of service delivery.

In conclusion, the council unanimously adopted the proposed zoning code amendments and fee adjustments, signaling a commitment to enhancing housing availability and streamlining processes in El Cajon. The next steps involve implementing these changes and monitoring their impact on the community.