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Selma council adopts housing code amendment to meet state requirements; councilors press for broader public notice
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 2025-03 amending local development rules tied to priority housing sites to satisfy the housing element program; members and residents urged expanded notice beyond the 300-foot standard and staff said the item must be completed this month to meet California HCD compliance.
The Selma City Council approved the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025-03 on April 15, amending municipal code section 1123(d) to add development regulations for priority housing sites tied to the city’s housing element. City staff told the council the action needs to be completed by the end of the month to meet compliance requirements with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
City Manager Keith told council members staff had followed state noticing procedures, including certified mail to property owners and publication practices where required. He said there were six prior meetings with the planning commission and four public hearings related to the housing element and associated rezones. “Consideration of this item needs to be completed by the end of this month for us to meet our compliance criteria with the state, Department of Housing and Community Development,” he said.
Several council members and residents pushed for better public outreach than the minimum legal requirements. Council Member Avalos and others asked whether notices could extend beyond the statutory 300-foot radius to reach adjacent neighbors; staff said that is legally and procedurally feasible but would be best adopted as a consistent council policy because broader notice is more costly. Staff also suggested posting a sign on affected properties and including expanded outreach in the next housing element cycle.
The council moved and seconded the item and approved Ordinance 2025-03 by roll call. Staff said it can prepare a cost estimate and policy language for expanded noticing to consider in the next housing element update, which occurs every eight years.
Council members emphasized the local stakes: approval of the housing element and associated code updates enables eligibility for some grants and development projects tied to housing production.
Staff will return with any required administrative follow-up to ensure the city remains compliant with HCD deadlines and with a cost estimate for broader outreach if council wishes to pursue that option in the future.
