National City Planning Commission Considers Rezoning For Mixed Use Development

A significant discussion unfolded at the National City Planning Commission meeting on August 18, 2025, as officials considered a proposal to rezone properties back to mixed-use from residential. This move aims to address the ongoing housing crisis in California, with National City reportedly lagging behind in meeting its housing needs.

The properties in question were previously zoned for commercial or mixed use before being rezoned to residential in 2011. The current proposal seeks to revert this zoning, allowing for a mix of residential and commercial developments. The city is facing a daunting target of 5,438 additional housing units, and recent reports indicate that National City is near the bottom in terms of permitted units compared to other jurisdictions.

Commissioners raised concerns about the adequacy of public outreach regarding the rezoning. Staff confirmed that they followed state law by notifying property owners and occupants within 300 feet of the proposed changes, as well as publishing notices in local newspapers. However, questions about the effectiveness of this outreach were highlighted, particularly regarding community engagement.

Parking emerged as another critical issue during the discussions. With the proposed development consisting of five units, concerns were voiced about the existing parking challenges in the area. The applicant plans to provide six parking spaces, but state law limits the city’s ability to enforce minimum parking requirements, raising questions about the adequacy of this provision.

The commission ultimately moved forward with a resolution to approve the zoning change, emphasizing the need for the project to align with the city’s general plan and zoning ordinance. As National City grapples with its housing crisis, this rezoning proposal represents a crucial step towards increasing housing availability and addressing community needs.