Newman council approves first reading of zoning changes to implement housing element program

Newman City Council on June 24 introduced an ordinance amending Title 5 (zoning) to implement Program 1.2 of the sixth-cycle 2023'2031 housing element, a change officials said is required to maintain state certification. The council approved the first reading by a 3'1 vote with one member absent.

City staff presented the ordinance as a package of zoning amendments that incorporate state definitions and remove regulatory barriers to a range of housing types. "This is a series of amendments to our zoning code ... to permit zoning for a variety of housing types," said Michael (city staff), who summarized the proposed changes and said legal counsel had reviewed the draft.

The ordinance would add state-aligned definitions for terms including "emergency shelter," "low-barrier navigation center," "single-room occupancy" and "supportive and transitional housing." It would allow supportive and transitional housing by right in all zoning districts where multifamily and mixed-use are permitted and remove a minimum lot-size requirement for lots created on or after June 1, 2025. The staff presentation noted the city's existing minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet and said the general plan already targets residential densities generally in the 3'6 units-per-acre range.

Other specific provisions described in the presentation include: setting a minimum density of 20 units per acre in the R-3 (multifamily) zone and no longer allowing new single-family construction in the R-3 district; permitting second-story residential uses in commercial districts administratively rather than by use permit; adopting reduced parking standards consistent with state guidance for multifamily housing; allowing single-room-occupancy units in commercial and professional office zones; establishing parking requirements for emergency shelters consistent with AB 139; and permitting larger residential care facilities (seven or more residents) where small residential care facilities are allowed.

Staff repeatedly framed the ordinance as implementing state housing law and the city's adopted housing element. Michael said the amendments are necessary to avoid potential decertification by the state, which he said could lead to penalties, loss of grant eligibility and, in extreme cases, state takeover of land-use control.

The council opened the item for public comment and, seeing none, moved to introduce the ordinance. The roll call for the first reading showed three votes in favor and one opposed; the ordinance will return for subsequent hearings and a final vote in a future meeting.

The ordinance text and public hearing materials were presented at the June 24 meeting and are scheduled for additional review before final adoption.