Fullerton council adopts zoning changes to clear path for shelters, navigation centers and supportive housing

The Fullerton City Council on March 18 adopted Ordinance No. 3340, revising Title 15 of the city zoning code to remove local constraints and align definitions and permitted uses for emergency shelters, low-barrier navigation centers, supportive housing, group homes and manufactured housing with the city’s housing element and state law.

Planning staff presented LRP 2024-10 and told the council the amendments are intended to ‘‘remove constraints to the development of manufactured homes, supportive and transitional housing’’ and to bring local code into compliance with state requirements. The presentation listed five housing types covered by the update and noted changes to where those uses would be allowed, including permitting several shelter-related uses in the C-3 zoning district where multifamily housing is allowed.

The ordinance alters a handful of local development standards. Most notably, the parking requirement for emergency shelters was changed from a beds-based formula to one based on the number of employees per larger shift; new standards for supportive housing (up to 50 units in the city theater zone) and low-barrier navigation centers were also added. Staff said the amended emergency-shelter definition explicitly includes other interim interventions such as navigation centers, bridge housing and respite/recuperative care.

During council questions, staff said the city compared its proposed language with surrounding jurisdictions and that the proposed changes generally reflect state minimums while adding limited local standards intended to clarify implementation. Asked how large group homes would be regulated, staff said state licensing often defines operating requirements and that the city is notified when state-licensed facilities propose new sites. The city retains the ability to submit notices of opposition to state applications when appropriate.

The council voted on the ordinance after closing the public hearing. The roll call recorded ayes from Councilmember Valencia, Councilmember Zara, Mayor Pro Tem Charles and Mayor Jeong; the motion passed and the clerk read Ordinance No. 3340 into the record.

The ordinance is intended to help Fullerton meet housing-element goals and to remove zoning obstacles for several types of housing and interim shelter interventions. Staff said additional implementation details and administrative procedures will be handled through department review and subsequent permits where needed.