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Council adopts housing-code updates to implement state housing element; council keeps local preferences and targeted inclusionary options
Summary
The City Council approved code amendment 21-006 to implement the certified housing element, clarifying reasonable-accommodation procedures, removing subjective development standards, adding minimum densities in some zones, and allowing local preferences and specific-plan 15% inclusionary options; public commenters urged prioritizing affordability and preserving neighborhood character.
San Juan Capistrano City Council on April 7 introduced and unanimously approved ordinance amendments (code amendment 21-006) intended to implement the citycertified housing element and align local code with state requirements.
Planning Manager Laura Stokes presented a comprehensive staff report outlining proposed changes across multiple municipal-code sections. Key staff recommendations included:
- Codifying reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in Title 1 so requests are processed under a clear, written procedure rather than ad hoc practice.
- Removing subjective standards that previously created inconsistent interpretations and replacing them with objective development standards where feasible, including specific changes in the Mission Residential District (revised second-floor setbacks and a lowered allowed height from 35 to 25 feet in that district).
- Permitting manufactured housing in the Mission Residential District and…
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