Soledad planning panel backs zoning amendments to implement state housing rules

SOLEDAD, Calif. — The Soledad Planning Commission on Thursday recommended that the City Council adopt a set of zoning amendments aimed at meeting state housing requirements and accelerating local housing production.

Senior Planner Ariana Mora told the commission the package — carried by Resolutions 2025‑08, 2025‑09 and 2025‑10 — removes regulatory barriers, implements the city’s six‑cycle housing element and aligns local code with state law. "These ordinances are intended to remove regulatory barriers, facilitate infill and affordable housing development, streamline local developments, and increase home production across all levels," Mora said.

The amendments include several substantial changes. Ordinance 776 would add residential care facilities as permitted uses in all zoning districts that allow housing and revise reasonable accommodation procedures to make it easier for qualifying applicants to access housing consistent with fair‑housing law. The package would also allow condominiums by right in R‑1, R‑1.5, R‑0.2 and R‑3 zones (previously requiring conditional use permits).

Under the R‑2 (medium density) changes staff proposed, density ranges would be adjusted: planning staff described a new minimum of nine dwelling units per acre and proposed an upper limit that would allow higher density than the prior 12‑units‑per‑acre cap. The R‑1 (single‑family) minimum lot size for new subdivisions would be reduced from 6,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet to support smaller‑lot subdivisions.

Ordinance 777 revises accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules. The chapter title would change from "secondary residential units" to "accessory dwelling units." Owner occupancy would remain required only for JADUs (junior ADUs); properties could host one JADU and one ADU per lot; accessory structures suitable for conversion would be grandfathered; ADU height and setback rules would be clarified; and parking rules would be revised so attached ADUs generally would not require parking while detached ADUs may require one on‑site space, with exemptions when a property is within a half‑mile of a transit stop. Mora said the city’s new circulator bus increases the number of properties that may qualify for the transit exemption.

Staff also highlighted the procedural path: PlaceWorks prepared the code edits using a REAP 2 grant (identified in the staff presentation as $79,985 from MBAG) to support the work; certain items (density bonus and ADU amendments) may require subsequent state submission to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) after local approvals.

On environmental review, staff said the package is covered by an addendum to the general plan housing element and that no further CEQA analysis is required unless an individual project triggers additional review.

Following staff presentation and a discussion focused largely on on‑site parking implications and front‑yard setbacks, a commissioner moved to approve the three resolutions as presented. The motion passed on a 3‑0 roll call with two commissioners absent. The Planning Commission will forward its recommendation to City Council for final action.

The commission’s review is part of the city’s broader effort to meet regional housing targets and update local regulations to conform to state housing laws.