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Planning commission recommends zoning changes to implement Arroyo Grande housing element
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Summary
The commission voted to recommend city council adopt code amendments to expand residential uses and increase allowable densities in several mixed-use zones, and to allow some 100% residential projects to be reviewed as minor use permits rather than conditional use permits.
The Arroyo Grande Planning Commission on Feb. 17 recommended that city council adopt ordinance amendments to implement two housing-element programs that would expand residential uses and raise density caps in multiple mixed-use zoning districts.
Andrew Perez, the city’s planning manager, told the commission the city’s 2020–2028 housing element requires an inventory of sites and programs to meet regional housing needs. He said Program A0.1-2 would allow multifamily residential uses in the Trafficway Mixed Use Zone at densities up to 25 dwelling units per acre and change review from conditional use permits to minor use permits for those residential projects. Perez said Program A10-2 proposes similar density increases for Gateway Mixed Use, Fair Oaks Mixed Use and Office Mixed Use districts and would move 100% residential projects in those zones to minor use-permit review at the higher densities.
On project review, Perez explained that a minor use permit remains discretionary, will continue to be reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee, and is appealable to the planning commission and city council. He also cited PRC §21080.085, explaining that environmental review is not required for zoning changes that implement a certified housing element.
Commissioners asked for scope clarifications: staff estimated roughly 20–25 parcels in the Trafficway Mixed Use District could be affected and said the changes can be revisited in upcoming general-plan amendments. Commissioners speaking in favor described the amendments as a reasonable step to reduce governmental barriers to housing production.
Commissioner (speaker 4) moved that the commission adopt a resolution recommending city council approve the ordinance amendments implementing programs A0.1-2 and A10-2 and find them exempt from further CEQA review; the motion was seconded and approved by roll-call vote with all voting commissioners present in favor.
