Taft planning commission reviews proposed zoning changes to ease housing constraints

The City of Taft Planning Commission on Jan. 8 reviewed a package of proposed zoning ordinance changes intended to remove local barriers to housing development, including smaller minimum unit sizes in several residential zones, revised front-yard setback rules, an updated definition of "family," and the start of a rewrite of rules covering residential care facilities. The commission did not vote on the ordinance changes at the special meeting.

Planning Director (title: Planning Director) told commissioners the amendments stem from the city's housing element "removal of constraints" work and are intended to make more housing feasible in Taft. "We're looking at another set of zoning ordinance amendments, that were, derived out of the housing element preparation process," the Planning Director said. The director also told the commission, "We're not acting on it tonight," indicating the item was for review and feedback rather than final approval.

Why it matters: the package is part of the city's state-required housing element work to reduce regulatory barriers that can limit housing supply. Several proposed numeric changes would directly affect where and how small housing units can be built in Taft.

Key proposals discussed

- Minimum unit sizes: The draft would lower minimum single-family unit sizes in RS and R-1 zones to 850 square feet (matching the manufactured-home minimum in the…