Salinas planners outline three‑phase zoning code update; commissioners raise parking concerns for West Area

Salinas planning staff on Oct. 1 presented a multi‑year approach to updating the city’s general plan and zoning code and described a public‑engagement program; commissioners pressed staff about parking and street‑width standards for the West Area specific plan as tentative subdivision maps move toward consistency review and eventual Planning Commission recommendations to City Council.

The study session was led by Chairperson McKelvey Day, who opened the Planning Commission meeting and introduced staff. Jonathan Morrison, senior planner, reviewed the hierarchy of planning documents and the schedule for the zoning code update and public engagement. “We’re starting the first phase,” Morrison said, describing the initial work to bring the code into compliance with recent state law changes.

Why it matters: The general plan and zoning code determine land uses, development standards and the procedures developers follow to submit tentative maps and building permits. Changes to the code affect future housing supply, street design, parking supply and the timing of projects that are already in the pipeline, including multiple West Area tentative maps that staff said are in review.

Staff presentation and the three phases

Morrison described the planning hierarchy — state and federal law, local general plan, specific plans, municipal code and implementing ordinances — and said the city will coordinate updates across those levels. He noted the…