Planning Commission backs housing-element implementation amendments (Program LL) and flags a typographic fix

On Dec. 11 the Emeryville Planning Commission voted to recommend City Council approve a package of planning-regulation amendments implementing Program LL of the Housing Element (2023'2031). Planning staff said the Housing Element contains roughly 45 implementation programs and that Program LL includes eight implementing actions to remove constraints and add or clarify use types.

Staff described key changes: adding employee housing as an explicit use; permitting residential care facilities in additional zones; adding agricultural/worker housing per state requirement; permitting emergency shelters in the MUR zone; creating separate categories for smaller multiunit types (3'4 units) to enable permitted uses in additional areas; and allowing mobile/manufactured homes in the RM zone. Staff said two items that would change the FAR map require General Plan amendment notifications and will return in the spring after the 90-day notice period.

Vice Chair Rob Henley identified a typographic error in the draft code language (a section that read "accommodations for 6 of fewer persons" should read "6 or fewer persons"); staff acknowledged the typo and said it would be corrected. Commissioners noted much of the package responds to state law and that local discretion is limited for many changes.

Commissioner Rivera moved and Commissioner Gould seconded to recommend approval to City Council; the motion passed on a roll call vote with Commissioner Small absent. Staff indicated the items will go to council in January with a second reading in February and become effective 30 days after adoption, where applicable.