Staff outlines housing element draft, schedule and workforce‑housing efforts; Missouri Gulch/RFQ and Field of Dreams site highlighted
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Summary
Planning staff presented the first administrative draft of the county's housing element, reviewed timeline to submit to HCD and listed programs (workforce housing overlay, ADU incentives, Mariposa Creek Parkway site). Commissioners encouraged a proactive approach to temporary/permanent housing innovations and asked staff to consider including
Planning Department staff presented the administrative draft of Mariposa County’s housing element and the timeline for adoption at the Planning Commission meeting on May 2.
Staff described the housing element as a required, periodic document that demonstrates the county’s capacity to plan for housing and access state housing programs. Key draft features include an inventory of potential housing sites, goals and policies (including affirmatively furthering fair housing), and program proposals such as a workforce‑housing overlay and incentives for ADU production.
Staff outlined a tentative schedule: return to the Planning Commission for further review in June (including a joint meeting with the Ag Advisory Committee), submit to Housing and Community Development (HCD) for the statutory 60–90 day review period, then bring a final version to the Board of Supervisors in late summer or fall. Staff said doing the housing element alongside the development code update facilitates consistent implementation of new rules and grant eligibility.
Staff also described active projects and potential sites. The county will issue an RFQ for the Missouri Gulch workforce housing project with the goal of attracting private developers; staff said a published RFI had already drawn interest. Staff noted the Field of Dreams parcel had its deed restriction removed in 2025 and is being evaluated for future uses, including affordable or workforce housing. Staff reiterated that surplus‑land rules and state processes constrain how county‑owned parcels can be marketed or disposed of.
Commissioners urged staff to be explicit about the county’s intent to pursue non‑traditional housing (for example, permanent tiny homes or RV‑based housing options) in the housing element so the county’s direction is on the record prior to final HCD review. Staff said they will consider that approach but must balance legal/CEQA constraints and state statutory requirements.
Ending: Staff will continue refining the housing element, incorporate feedback from the Planning Commission, publish redline drafts, and proceed with the schedule to submit to HCD and return for final hearings in mid‑to‑late 2025.