Taft planning commission recommends zoning and specific-plan changes to implement housing-element programs
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Summary
The commission voted 5-0 to recommend City Council approve zoning ordinance amendment 2025-16 and Specific Plan Amendment 2025-17 to implement 23 housing-element programs (2023–2031), including updates for ADUs, removal of constraints, and incentives for housing production; staff found the changes CEQA-exempt (§15061(b)(3)).
The Taft Planning Commission on Dec. 3 unanimously recommended that the City Council approve a package of zoning and specific-plan amendments intended to implement programs in the city's certified 6th-cycle housing element.
Planner Jenna Chilingarian told commissioners the proposals (Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2025-16 and Specific Plan Amendment 2025-17) would implement 23 housing programs organized across areas such as removal of constraints, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and housing production incentives. Chilingarian noted the housing element was adopted Aug. 19, 2025, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development issued a finding of substantial compliance on Aug. 22, 2025.
Chilingarian said the amendments are primarily programmatic and policy updates required to meet state law and RHNA obligations; staff recommended a finding that the project is exempt from CEQA under the "general rule" at §15061(b)(3) because the amendments would not cause a direct physical environmental effect. Commissioners asked about existing ADUs located on property lines; Chilingarian responded that existing ADUs would become legal nonconforming and that replacement units must meet current setback requirements if demolished.
A commissioner moved to adopt the resolution recommending City Council approval and to find the project exempt under CEQA; the motion passed by a 5-0 roll call vote. The item now advances to the City Council for final action.
