SPARC votes to remove affordability requirement for 12‑unit project at 620 South Central Avenue

The Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee (SPARC) voted unanimously on Dec. 10, 2025 to revise the conditions of approval for the two‑story, 12‑unit project at 620 South Central Avenue, removing the prior 2021 requirement that the development be operated as affordable housing.

Staff said the project was originally approved in September 2021 with an affordability commitment and related concessions — a parking reduction and a one‑foot side‑setback deviation — because the then‑applicant proposed the building as affordable housing. Cynthia, a city staff member who presented the item, told the committee the current owner, Hagerty Enterprises LLC, purchased the plans and property but could not make the project “pencil out” as affordable and therefore requested that the affordability condition be removed so the project can proceed as market‑rate housing. "They've already been through multiple rounds of plan check and this will also deliver 12 new housing units, which are much needed in the city of Lodi," Cynthia said.

Staff also told the committee that state law change (Assembly Bill 2097) has eliminated minimum off‑street parking requirements for many residential projects that are within a half‑mile of a major transit stop or along high‑quality transit corridors, meaning the earlier parking reduction tied to affordability is now moot. Staff said the previously approved one‑foot side‑setback deviation for the infill site remains appropriate and should be reaffirmed under the revised conditions.

Member Hamilton moved that SPARC approve the revised conditions for application PL 202017 to remove the affordability requirement, reaffirm the previously approved street side setback deviation, and acknowledge that parking minimums are no longer applicable pursuant to AB 2097; Member Woll seconded. Roll call votes were recorded in which all four voting members indicated "yes," and the motion passed 4‑0.

During discussion, several committee members pressed staff on how an affordability commitment had been written into the 2021 approval. Staff said the prior staff report and consultants included the affordability language because the then‑applicant had proposed the project as affordable housing; staff acknowledged that the city does not currently have an inclusionary ordinance that would allow the city to compel an affordability requirement, and said the condition should not have been framed as mandatory for future owners. City staff also explained that the building permits were kept active through ongoing plan review and were recently updated to current code.

Two members of the public spoke to the project. Bill Savino said neighbors had opposed the project in 2021 due to on‑street parking pressure, truck access and concerns about homelessness near the site, and reiterated that he and nearby residents did not support the project at that location. A second resident said development was preferable to a vacant lot that attracts calls for police and fire service. Both comments were recorded for the public record.

The committee’s action leaves all other approved design, materials, and siting elements unchanged; staff said the project remains consistent with the general plan and MCO zoning. Staff also noted the project was previously found exempt from CEQA under the categorical exemption that applies to infill projects (CEQA Section 15332). Staff indicated they will continue to provide packet materials and consultant findings to the committee ahead of future meetings when possible.

SPARC staff said the next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026, when they expect to consider a senior housing project.