City Council approves zoning amendments for 2024 housing element implementation

The Lafayette City Council convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the implementation of the city’s housing element and associated zoning text amendments. The meeting began with a brief acknowledgment of the 2024 traffic calming program, followed by a transition into public hearings.

City staff presented the first item concerning the housing element, which had been certified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development in March 2025. This certification allows the city to proceed with implementing approximately 60 programs outlined in the housing element. Senior Planner Stephanie Cervantes detailed the proposed zoning text amendments aimed at aligning local regulations with state laws and enhancing housing definitions.

The amendments included updates to definitions related to family structures and farmworker housing, as well as the introduction of a new classification for boarding houses. The council discussed the implications of these changes, emphasizing that the updates were primarily to ensure compliance with state regulations and to clarify existing definitions.

Further revisions were proposed for various chapters of the zoning ordinance, including the removal of outdated code sections and the incorporation of new classifications for supportive housing and emergency shelters. Notably, the council addressed the prohibition of boarding houses in the city, which was clarified to prevent future issues.

During the discussion, council members raised questions regarding specific amendments, such as the removal of certain findings related to reasonable accommodations and the height limits for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Staff clarified that while height limits exist under the ADU ordinance, the amendments were intended to streamline regulations in accordance with state law.

The council also reviewed a summary table designed to simplify the understanding of permitted uses within different zoning districts. This table, previously used as a handout, is now being incorporated into the zoning ordinance for better accessibility.

After addressing all agenda items, the council moved to public comment but received no input from the community. Following this, the council voted to adopt the staff recommendations with minor amendments discussed during the meeting, including clarifications on the definition of vacant lots and a proposal for cross-referencing ADU height regulations.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of the proposed amendments, marking a significant step in the city’s efforts to enhance housing policies and comply with state requirements. The council plans to continue discussions on these matters in future meetings, with the next reading scheduled for July 28, 2025.