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Council introduces zoning updates to meet state housing-element requirements
Summary
Holtville City Council introduced Ordinance No. 500 on first reading to amend the zoning code for compliance with the state's 2021–2029 housing element, covering accessory dwelling units, density bonuses and constraints on multifamily and supportive housing; the introduction passed unanimously.
The Holtville City Council held a public hearing and introduced on first reading Ordinance No. 500, a package of zoning-code updates intended to implement goals and policies in the city's 2021–2029 housing element and to satisfy conditions set by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for certification.
Planning staff told the council the ordinance updates address recent state law changes affecting accessory dwelling units (ADUs), density bonus provisions and regulatory constraints on multifamily development, emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing and residential care homes. Staff said some provisions had not been updated since 2014 and that recent state changes — including an Assembly bill effective Jan. 1 — require the city’s zoning code to conform to current California Government Code standards.
Members of the public spoke in favor of updating the code. Brian Vega, who identified himself as a housing commissioner for the region, urged the council to consider how zoning changes can encourage new development and increase housing supply. Planning staff said the item had been reviewed at the Planning Commission in November 2024, which recommended approval of the proposed amendments.
Councilmembers voted unanimously (5-0) to introduce Ordinance No. 500 for first reading and to forward the item for formal adoption at a future meeting. Council action starts the statutory process for zoning changes; staff said the items will return for a second reading and final adoption after required noticing and any state coordination.
