Taft planning commission gets update on 2023–2031 housing element; no action taken

The City of Taft Planning Commission on May 7 received an informational study-session update on the city’s draft 2023–2031 housing element and its review status with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

Planning Director Mark (last name not specified) told commissioners the draft housing element has completed multiple rounds of review with HCD and other stakeholders and that the city has submitted a third draft for HCD and public review. “I think we’re close to the finish line,” Mark said, describing roughly two dozen comments received across reviews and saying the staff had addressed about half of them in the current draft.

The housing element matters because HCD certification is required for the city to demonstrate compliance with state housing law and to maintain eligibility for certain funding. The planning director said the most substantive revisions are in Chapter 9 (goals, policies, objectives and programs), where staff added new and expanded programs to accelerate housing production and expand outreach.

Key points from the presentation

- Timeline and review history: The draft was completed in June 2024 and posted for an initial public review June 12–July 12, 2024. HCD provided early comments on Aug. 19, 2024; the first formal submittal to HCD occurred Sept. 5–Dec. 5, 2024. Staff held a workshop Dec. 12, 2024, and a follow-up call with HCD on Dec. 17, 2024. The second formal submittal ran March 14–May 14, 2025; HCD returned comments April 29, 2025. The city posted the current (third) draft for public review beginning May 1, 2025, with an anticipated HCD review window ending July 1, 2025, though staff expects a shorter turnaround if remaining items are minor.

- Number and handling of comments: Mark reported roughly two dozen comments across reviews and said staff had addressed about a dozen of those in the current draft; the remainder are under review.

- Major substantive changes: Staff said the single largest set of edits is in the goals/policies/programs chapter (Chapter 9). New or revised items include an expanded suite of programs addressing: city acquisition and development of government-owned and large-lot properties; updated sites-inventory assumptions (staff used a 70% of maximum density assumption, consistent with Shafter and Wasco); clearer analysis of nonvacant/infill site potential (including accessory dwelling units); and updates to processing and permitting timelines to provide greater certainty to developers.

- Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) and targeted programs: Staff said HCD asked the city to ensure equitable distribution of housing effort across the city and highlighted Central Taft for metrics that require attention. To respond, staff added Program 10, a Central/West Taft neighborhood revitalization effort that packages rehabilitation, code enforcement, rental assistance, fair housing services and housing production streamlining in targeted geographies (Central Taft, West Taft and some parcels along Highway 33).

- Farmworker/employee housing and surplus land: The draft reflects state requirements that agricultural zones accommodate employee and farmworker housing; staff also referenced the state Surplus Land Act as a mechanism to encourage government agencies to make land available for housing.

- Public outreach and participation: Staff added Program 5r, a biannual public meeting series and broader outreach intended to engage non-English-speaking communities (in coordination with Faith in the Valley) and local providers such as the Mission of Kern County and the building trades. Staff described the workshops held to date and said the housing element page on the city website hosts all drafts and notices.

- Next steps and possible schedule: Mark outlined a potential local schedule with a Planning Commission review on July 2, 2025, a City Council review on July 15, 2025, and a final Council certification hearing on Aug. 5, 2025, subject to HCD’s review and a formal HCD certification letter once the city transmits the final adopted document.

Commissioner remarks and concerns

Commissioners praised staff for progress and outreach. One commissioner cautioned that formal committees can make it harder for the public to participate; planning staff said the intent of Program 5r is broader, biannual outreach and workshops rather than a restrictive standing committee. Several commissioners emphasized the need to recruit developers and community stakeholders to advance housing production locally.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (April 16 special meeting): Motion to approve made and seconded; roll-call votes recorded as Commissioner Daven — yes; Commissioner Johnson — yes; Vice Chairman Schertz — yes; Chairman Livingston — yes. Outcome: approved.

- Adjournment: Motion and second recorded; meeting adjourned after voice vote (“Aye”).

What was not decided

The planning commission did not take any formal action on the housing element at this meeting; the item was a study session/information item only. No motions to adopt or certify the housing element were made.

Where to find materials

Staff said every draft and the public-noticing materials are posted on the City of Taft Planning and Development website under the housing element tab, and that future updates and the city’s annual progress reports will be posted there once the element is certified.

Next steps

Staff will await HCD’s next letter on the third draft, complete any follow-up revisions, and return to the Planning Commission and City Council per the tentative schedule if no further major changes are required.