Council introduces ordinance to raise allowed housing densities in mixed-use zones

The council voted to introduce an ordinance amending Title 16 of the municipal code to implement two programs from the city's adopted housing element. Planning Manager Andrew Perez summarized the changes: residential-only projects in the trafficway mixed-use zone could be allowed up to 25 dwelling units per acre; three other mixed-use zones (gateway mixed use, Fair Oaks mixed use and office mixed use) would receive a 10-unit-per-acre density increase for residential-only projects. The amendments would lower the permitting threshold for certain residential-only projects from conditional use permits to minor use permits, with minor use permit decisions handled by the community development director and subject to architectural-review-committee recommendations and appeal.

Perez told the council that these changes align maximum residential densities between mixed-use and residential-only projects and that project-level CEQA review would still apply to discretionary minor use permits when triggers like more than 20 peak-hour trips are exceeded. He added that development-impact fees would still apply and that conditions of approval could be imposed when appropriate.

Following staff presentation, a council motion to introduce the ordinance passed on roll call. Council members who spoke in favor praised the clarity of the staff report and supported the amendment as an implementation step for the housing element.

Vote: The motion to introduce the ordinance and find it exempt under CEQA passed on a roll call vote; staff will return with final ordinance language and any required findings for adoption at a future meeting.

What happens next: Staff will prepare the final ordinance for subsequent readings and return it to council for final action; permit applications under the new thresholds will continue to be subject to project-level environmental and circulation review.