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Council amends municipal code to comply with state housing rules; R4A density corrected and 20% affordable projects allowed by right
Summary
The council introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance amending Galt Municipal Code chapters 18.12 and 18.16 to align the R4A zoning district with state requirements for permit-by-right affordable housing and to correct the maximum density to 30 dwelling units per acre; the motion passed 4–0.
The City Council on March 2025 voted 4–0 to introduce and waive first reading of an ordinance amending chapters 18.12 and 18.16 of the Galt Municipal Code to implement Housing Element Program HEK.
Amy Mendez, interim community development director, told the council the city must align its zoning with Government Code section 65583 and comply with a letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). HCD had concluded the city’s earlier R4A zone did not provide “by-right” development for projects that include at least 20% deed-restricted affordable units because the prior text allowed planning-commission design review — a discretionary permit that prevents by-right status.
Mendez said the ordinance corrects a missed density figure (raising the R4A maximum from 24 to 30 dwelling units per acre) and implements the statutory requirement that residential projects in R4A that include a minimum of 20% affordable housing comply with the city’s residential design standards but not be subject to discretionary design review. She said non-affordable projects in the zone may still require design review.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on Feb. 13 and recommended council approval. No members of the public commented during the council public hearing on the item. Mayor Sean Farmer and three councilmembers — Pratten, Reid and Rodriguez — voted aye when the council adopted the motion to introduce and waive first reading; the motion passed 4–0. Staff said additional housing element implementation items will be brought to council over the coming year.
