The National City Council convened on September 16, 2025, to discuss several key zoning amendments aimed at enhancing local development and housing options. The meeting began with a proposal to amend the municipal code regarding maximum building heights and stories in the MXC1 and MXD1 zones. Acting Director of Community Development, Martin Reeder, presented the staff report, highlighting that the current limit allows for a maximum height of 50 feet and three stories. The proposed change would increase this limit to four stories while maintaining the same height restriction.

Reeder explained that this adjustment would facilitate the construction of a multi-family project at 303 Highland, which has been seeking to build four stories within the existing height limit. The change is expected to help meet the city’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers without altering other design guidelines. The Planning Commission had previously reviewed and recommended approval of this amendment.

Following the presentation, the public hearing was opened, but no speakers came forward. A motion was made and seconded to close the public hearing, which passed unanimously. The council then voted to introduce the ordinance for the proposed change, which also received unanimous approval.

The meeting proceeded to the next agenda item, which involved a public hearing on a general plan amendment and zone change for properties located on East Sixteenth Street. The applicant sought to rezone a vacant property from RS2 (Residential Single Family) to MXC1 (Minor Mixed Use Corridor) to allow for the construction of a five-unit multi-family building. Reeder noted that the area has a history of mixed-use development, with existing nonconforming uses such as a daycare and liquor store.

The proposed project aims to bring these nonconforming uses into compliance while addressing the city's housing needs. The council discussed the necessary changes to both the general plan and zoning maps, emphasizing the importance of increasing the housing stock in the city. The Planning Commission had also reviewed this proposal and recommended its approval.

After a detailed discussion, the council moved to certify the environmental document associated with the zone change request and approved the general plan amendment. The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of these zoning changes in supporting local development and housing initiatives.