Newman council adopts zoning ordinance to implement housing element Program 1.2

The Newman City Council on July 8 adopted an ordinance amending Title 5 of the municipal code to implement Program 1.2 of the city’s sixth-cycle (2023–2031) housing element. The council conducted a second reading and voted 3–0 with two members absent to adopt the ordinance.

City staff told the council the amendments add or clarify zoning standards to permit a range of housing types, including transitional and supportive housing and single-room occupancy units, and adjust parking standards to align with state housing requirements. “California law does require us to adopt a housing element, and we did that in November of last year,” City staff said during the presentation, noting the revisions are intended to keep the city in compliance and maintain eligibility for grant funding.

The ordinance had been introduced at a prior meeting and referred to the Planning Commission for review. Staff said a public hearing was held at the June 24 meeting and the council previously voted to introduce the ordinance. At the July 8 meeting a council member said they opposed the state dictating local development policy but felt compelled to adopt the changes because state funding is conditioned on compliance.

The motion to adopt the ordinance was moved and seconded at the meeting; the council recorded the motion as carrying 3–0 with two members absent. Staff was authorized to publish a summary of the ordinance as required by law.

The ordinance updates City of Newman zoning code language in Title 5 to implement Program 1.2 of the housing element; staff said the changes include allowances for transitional housing, supportive housing, single‑room occupancy and adjustments to parking rules. No amendments to the introduced ordinance were reported during the July 8 vote.