Perris planning commission backs ‘no net loss’ density-bonus framework to comply with state law

The Perris Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend that the City Council adopt a zoning code text amendment establishing a “no net loss” density-bonus program intended to ensure the city does not reduce its baseline residential capacity in violation of Senate Bill 330.

The proposal would add Chapter 19.89 to Title 19 of the Perris Municipal Code and create a residential-unit bank — a ledger that records residential capacity removed by rezoning so equivalent capacity can be relocated elsewhere in the city, often with a density bonus for receiving sites. Rafael Garcia, a planner with the city, told the commission, “Senate Bill 330 prohibits cities from downsizing, the overall residential land use intensity of a property.”

City staff described two compliance options under SB 330: (1) concurrent up‑zoning of another property to replace lost capacity, or (2) creation of an ordinance and unit bank that allows developers to transfer units into a ledger and deploy them at…