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Colfax council adopts zoning changes to implement 2021 housing element
Summary
The Colfax City Council voted unanimously Nov. 13 to adopt zoning-code amendments required by the city's 2021 housing element, including allowances for employee housing, low-barrier navigation centers and a definition for single-room occupancy units.
The Colfax City Council on Nov. 13 adopted an ordinance amending the city's zoning code to implement provisions of the 2021 Housing Element, including new definitions and changes to how certain housing types are allowed.
Planning consultant Kathy Pease told the council the amendments respond to the state review of the housing element and include new definitions for employee housing, single-room occupancy units and low-barrier navigation centers. "Low barrier navigation centers ... are allowed by right through Assembly Bill 101. We can't require a use permit," Pease said during her presentation.
The changes make employee housing permitted in residential and mixed-use districts, allow low-barrier navigation centers (temporary shelters with onsite services) by right in multifamily and mixed-use zones, and add a definition for single-room occupancy (SRO) units, which Pease said the draft defines as housing rented for 30 days or more. Pease described SROs as typically small units with shared kitchens and bathrooms intended to increase affordable housing options.
Pease also told the council the proposed amendments are consistent with an addendum to the environmental impact report for the 1998 general plan and that the city will report the changes to the California Department of Housing and Community Development as required.
Council members moved and seconded the ordinance; the motion carried with all in favor. The motion record in the meeting shows the council approved the zoning-code amendments without recorded dissent.
Pease said the changes will help the city meet state requirements and reporting obligations tied to the housing element. The ordinance text sets where the newly defined uses are allowed and whether a conditional use permit is required for particular housing types.
Council members asked clarifying questions during the hearing, including whether SROs overlap with the short-term rental ordinance (Pease said they do not: SROs are intended for rental terms of 30 days or more while short-term rentals are under 30 days).
