The Tracy City Council on Dec. 2 introduced a package of ordinances meant to implement the city’s housing element and align municipal code with state law.

Planner Brianna Alameda told the council the ordinances largely codify state requirements already in effect: qualifying housing streamline review (eligible projects subject to ministerial review and CEQA exemptions), objective design standards for multiunit and mixed‑use housing, updated rules for community care facilities (residential care up to six people treated as single‑family units), ministerial processing for transitional and supportive housing, and a new article defining low‑barrier navigation centers and emergency shelter standards. Alameda said, “Everything I’m mentioning tonight is already currently in effect. It’s already required by the state. Nothing is new, and everything’s currently happening. We’re just finally coming up to speed and putting it in Tracy’s code.”

Staff also presented a related package to increase residential density ranges (medium and high density ranges increased to match state guidance) as part of Phase 1b of implementation. City staff framed the changes as compliance with state housing law, describing objective design standards, decision deadlines for qualifying projects and limitations on discretionary review where state law requires ministerial processing.

Council voted on motions to waive first readings and introduce the ordinances on roll call. Staff repeatedly noted CEQA findings that the actions are not a project under CEQA §15378, and that, if a project, exemptions such as §15061(b)(3) may apply.

The introductions do not finalize zoning changes; ordinances were introduced and will return for subsequent readings and adoption. Staff said a separate workforce housing project is planned to start in spring 2026 to consider inclusionary and workforce‑housing specifics.