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Planning commission receives training on how 'uses' work in the zoning code; ADU standards to be considered in update
Summary
Staff presented a zoning‑code education session explaining permitted, accessory, conditional and prohibited uses and previewed the comprehensive code update; Assistant Director Vince Velasco said ADU standards will be reviewed in the draft expected early summer and announced Workshop No. 3 on March 18.
The Santa Fe Springs Planning Commission received a zoning‑code education presentation March 9 that reviewed how 'uses' are defined and regulated in the municipal code and previewed the city’s comprehensive zoning code update.
Assistant Director of Community Development Vince Velasco said the update aims to modernize how uses are organized—moving toward use tables, consolidating definitions, and distinguishing permitted (by‑right), accessory, conditional and prohibited uses. Velasco highlighted that many existing code categories date to the 1960s and use outdated terminology (examples cited in the presentation included blacksmith and tinsmith shops, ice manufacturing and coin‑operated amusements). He described evaluation criteria for the update—traffic, noise, density, height and consistency with the general plan—and emphasized the need to balance streamlining with public protections.
Commissioners asked about cadence for future code updates and parity for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) standards between attached and detached ADUs. Velasco said updates historically have been ad hoc; the draft comprehensive update is expected early summer and will include ADU standard revisions that reflect state minimums and local considerations. Velasco also announced Workshop No. 3 for the zoning code update on March 18 at 6 p.m. at the city library.
The session was informational; there was no formal action taken on the code update at this meeting.
