Trinity County planning commission backs Title 17 zoning updates to pursue HCD pro‑housing designation

Trinity County Planning Commission on Oct. 23 voted 5-0 to support Resolution PC 2025-11, directing staff to pursue zoning-code changes tied to the county's recently certified housing element and to seek the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) pro‑housing designation.

Staff said the draft Title 17 changes implement commitments in the county's seventh‑cycle housing element and are intended to make Trinity County eligible for Pro Housing Incentive Program funds. Assistant Planner Angel Chappell said, "The pro housing designation will open up funding opportunities which align with program HE‑1." Consultant Ryan of Minter Harnish added that "these are updates that the county committed to in the housing element strictly for compliance with state law."

The commission's discussion focused on how the draft code treats supportive housing and whether the zoning language should refer explicitly to health‑sector licensing limits such as bed counts and levels of care. Commissioner Fall said, "My understanding is that supportive housing for those target populations is limited to 6 beds or less," and pressed staff for clearer direction so local residents and applicants understand which licensing and inspection requirements apply.

Staff explained the difference between zoning and licensing: zoning determines where a use may occur while separate state and county health, behavioral‑health and building codes set licensing, care‑level and occupancy limits. Staff said the housing element language and HCD review guided placement of group homes and residential care definitions: small residential care and small family day care were shown as "6 or less" while group homes/residential care of "7 or more" were separately defined in the draft. Staff said they will confirm whether the same bed thresholds specifically apply to supportive housing and check with HCD and relevant state health licensing agencies.

The motion that passed asked staff to recommend expanded language in the draft resolution and Exhibit A clarifying that "health and safety codes" includes matters beyond structure—such as level of care and number of beds—to guide applicants and the public. Commissioner Fall moved the motion; Commissioner McIntosh seconded. Roll call recorded ayes from Commissioners McIntosh, Fall, Flights, Harper and Chair Barrett.

Staff noted the certified housing element and related materials are available on the Planning Division website and on trinity2050.com and said they will coordinate with county counsel and state agencies where necessary. Staff also flagged that pursuing the pro‑housing designation is intended to position Trinity County to apply for Pro Housing Incentive Program funds once HCD approves the designation.

The commission did not adopt the Title 17 amendments at this meeting; the vote sent a recommendation supporting Resolution PC 2025‑11 to the board process (and asked staff to revise language to address the health/licensing clarification).