The Woodland Planning Commission voted to recommend City Council adopt a set of minor amendments to Title 17 of the City Municipal Code intended to improve clarity, consistency and usability of the city’s zoning code. Staff said the changes are a follow‑up to the comprehensive zoning update adopted in 2024 and are designed to address issues that arose during implementation.

Assistant planner Anna Canales told commissioners the primary goals were to add clarifying definitions, correct textual discrepancies and ensure conformance with state law. "The primary purpose of the proposed amendments...is to support efforts to improve clarity, consistency, and usability of the zoning code," Canales said.

Key proposed changes described by staff included:
- Accessory structures: raising the maximum size limit for accessory structures from 30% to 75% of the primary building’s floor area in some situations to allow larger detached garages or workshops on older, larger‑lot properties while relying on existing lot coverage, height and setback rules to protect neighbors.
- Residential care facilities: treating small residential care facilities (six or fewer residents) as residential uses consistent with California law, while proposing a cap of 12 residents for large residential care facilities in lower‑density residential zones; medium‑ and high‑density zones and certain mixed‑use/downtown zones would continue to allow larger facilities without a cap.
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs): removing the separate utility‑connection requirement that can raise costs, clarifying emergency access standards and directing staff to confirm full compliance with state ADU law before the ordinance goes to council. Staff noted they received a letter from the California Housing Defense Fund and will review its points with the city attorney.

Planning staff recommended the commission find the ordinance exempt from CEQA and forward Resolution PC25‑09 and the draft ordinance to City Council. The staff report says public notice was published in the Woodland Daily Democrat on July 31, 20 days before the meeting, in line with AB 2904 procedures described by staff.

Commissioners asked detailed questions during the public hearing. One commissioner asked how flagpole heights were determined; staff said they aligned flagpole height with accessory structure height limits and will review whether to adjust a proposed 16‑foot maximum. Another asked about drive‑through fast‑food siting; staff said existing guidance limits drive‑throughs in many areas to locations within roughly 600 feet of freeway interchanges or within specific mixed‑use corridors. Commissioners also discussed public art review processes and whether a subcommittee should vet major mural proposals before they reach the full commission.

After discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved a recommendation that City Council adopt the proposed ordinance, with an explicit instruction that staff verify ADU ordinance compliance with state law before the item is presented to council. Staff said the item is tentatively scheduled for City Council consideration on Sept. 16.