Planning commission recommends zoning code changes to secure full state housing‑element compliance

The Carson Planning Commission voted 8‑0 to recommend that City Council adopt a zoning text amendment to revise Phase 1 zoning code provisions so the city can obtain full, unconditional certification of its housing element by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

Senior planner Makena Alexander told commissioners the proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA ZCC02‑25) would modify development regulations in residential and mixed‑use districts (sections cited in staff materials) to do two things: (1) clarify a minimum density requirement of 20 dwelling units per acre for residential development on specific sites identified in the city’s housing element inventory that were designated to address very low and low income needs; and (2) add a discrete incentive — a 5% reduction in interim development impact fees — for multifamily residential projects on those same sites that include at least 20% affordable units for lower‑income households. Alexander said the fee reduction would be in addition to other eligible fee credits or exemptions and the application/approval process would mirror the city’s existing demolition fee credit procedures (Carson Municipal Code §11‑800) though projects need not include demolition to qualify.

Staff framed the amendments as required by HCD to secure full compliance with state housing element law and to ensure consistency with the 2040 General Plan and the city’s adopted Phase 1 zoning update. Alexander said HCD accepted the proposed changes in April and asked the city to adopt final code amendments to avoid a conditional determination.

The commission asked clarifying questions about the relationship between the minimum‑density requirement and the fee reduction. Staff and the assistant city attorney clarified the two are separate: the minimum density is a zoning requirement for eligible sites; the 5% fee reduction is an additional financial incentive and not an exchange for lower density. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. The commission voted to adopt staff’s recommendation by roll call; the motion carried 8‑0.

If City Council adopts the ordinance as recommended, the amendments will apply to the Phase 1 zones described in staff materials and enable the city to request full, unconditional certification of its housing element from HCD. The resolution number referenced in the staff report packet is 25‑2885.