Council advances housing text amendment but removes ministerial approval provision after close debate

Fresno City Council on June 19 moved forward on a broad land-use text amendment (P24-00794) intended to ease conversions of office and vacant parcels to residential uses and to add other pro-housing measures, but the council removed the item's proposed expansion of ministerial approvals after extensive public comment and a split vote.

The afternoon hearing drew large public turnout: speakers from homeowners'associations, long-term residents of neighborhoods such as Sierra Sky Park and West Herndon, and planning and economic development groups all addressed the council. Residents warned that a blanket, citywide ministerial approval would curtail public notice and local input and could allow large increases in density and height near long-established neighborhoods. Business…