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Newman approves rezoning and general plan changes to add higher-density housing sites
Summary
Council approved one general plan amendment redesignating nine properties for high-density residential use and introduced a rezoning ordinance to implement multifamily zoning on eight of them.
The Newman City Council approved a general plan amendment and introduced a zoning ordinance to increase allowable housing density on multiple properties as part of Program 1.9 of the sixth-cycle housing element.
Planning staff described a package of nine general plan amendments and eight rezones intended to enable development at a minimum of 20 units per acre on selected parcels, moving several sites from single-family or medium-density designations to high-density residential. “Most of these are, either low density or medium density, residential. We're gonna redesignate those to high density residential,” a staff member said during the presentation. The staff presentation identified sample locations including Inyo, Prince Street, 407 Hills Ferry and L Street.
Staff said two property owners contacted the city after receiving notice and supported the changes for their properties. The staff also told the council that the city had already completed California Environmental Quality Act review as part of the housing element process and that no additional CEQA actions were necessary for these map and plan changes.
During public comment, homeowner Marshall Croom asked whether high-density meant duplexes or apartment buildings and raised questions about traffic access at a site off Bluebonnet. The staff member said development access would be reviewed with potential restrictions, including limiting access over railroad tracks.
The council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution 2025 approving General Plan Amendment 2025-01 to redesignate the identified properties to high-density residential. The council also voted 5-0 to introduce an ordinance to rezone the eight parcels to an R-3 multifamily zoning district; final adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for a subsequent meeting.
Why it matters: The actions implement Program 1.9 of the city's housing element and increase the capacity for multifamily housing on specific parcels, a step taken to meet state housing requirements.
