Soledad to consider 61-unit Orchard Lane planned development; council first reading set Oct. 1

Soledad City staff presented a proposed planned-development vesting tentative map for a 4.05-acre infill site above Orchard Lane Park that would create 61 housing units and go to the City Council for a first reading of ordinance No. 773 on Oct. 1.

Arianna, a city staff member, told the ad hoc committee the application would be processed as a planned development because the proposal asks for waivers from property-development standards and requires ordinance approval. "The action that will be taken on October 1 is the first introduction and reading of the ordinance," Arianna said during the presentation.

The project proposes 61 total units: 37 small-lot single-family homes and 24 multifamily units on a site the presenter said is in the R-3 zoning district. Staff said the development is designed to advance the city's housing goals and to help meet state RHNA obligations by prioritizing higher-density infill on underused land.

Why it matters: the proposal requests reductions in standard development rules — including setbacks, minimum lot area, on-site open space and parking — that would enable smaller lots and a higher unit yield than typical subdivision standards. Staff recommended the council approve the original 61-unit plan, arguing it better balances housing objectives and flexibility under the city's housing element and general plan.

Key details and staff recommendations - Site and unit mix: 4.05 acres; 61 units total (37 small-lot single-family; 24 multifamily). - Zoning/density: R-3 zoning; presenter…