Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Soledad introduces three zoning ordinances to align local code with state housing law
Summary
The council introduced (first reading) three zoning ordinances — Nos. 776, 777 and 778 — to align the municipal code with the 6‑cycle housing element and 2025 state ADU/density bonus law; staff will review a written CalHDF comment letter and return for second reading in January.
The Soledad City Council on Dec. 17 introduced three ordinances to revise the zoning code and implement the city’s 6‑cycle housing element.
Consultant Amy (PlaceWorks) summarized the three measures: Ordinance 776 makes multiple updates (reasonable‑accommodation procedures for disabilities and updates to allowed uses); Ordinance 777 revises accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules to match 2025 state requirements (including relaxed parking for attached ADUs and higher allowable ADU heights) and removes outdated owner‑occupancy mandates for most ADUs; and Ordinance 778 updates the density‑bonus provisions to reflect larger state bonuses and additional eligibility categories.
Amy told the council that state law changes frequently and the proposed ordinances incorporate 2025 statutory updates and implement grant goals to facilitate infill and affordable housing. The planning commission reviewed and recommended the ordinances in November, with questions mainly about ADU parking incentives and possible fee deferrals for ADUs that provide on‑site parking.
Councilmembers asked detailed questions about parking (where the city currently cannot require parking for attached ADUs under state law), whether incentives could be used to encourage homeowners to add parking, and how ADU rules apply to manufactured housing. Amy and staff said they will explore incentives (fee waivers or expedited guides) but cannot impose parking requirements that conflict with state law. The council also asked staff to verify fire sprinkler and building‑code conformance for ADUs in manufactured housing contexts.
The city attorney noted receipt of a four‑page letter from CalHDF alleging technical problems with the ADU language; staff will post and analyze the letter and return with a response before the January second reading. The council voted to introduce and waive the reading of titles; adoption is scheduled for a subsequent hearing in January.
