Hanford Planning Commission recommends 2024–2032 housing element, cites HCD conditional sign-off

The Hanford Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council adopt the 2024–2032 multi-jurisdictional housing element and approved Planning Commission Resolution 2026-07.

The recommendation followed a staff presentation explaining the state law basis for housing elements and the city’s share of the regional housing needs allocation (RHNA). "The housing element is mandated by section 65580 through 65589 of the California Government Code," the staff member said, and the plan was submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review. Staff said the document was submitted on May 4 and that HCD issued a conditional certification.

Why it matters: the housing element directs zoning and planning actions the city must take to demonstrate the ability to accommodate its assigned housing units under state law. Staff told commissioners that, of the 9,428 RHNA units assigned to Kings County, Hanford’s allocation is 5,547 units, with targets distributed by income: 685 extremely low, 1,369 very low, 993 low, 1,066 moderate and 2,119 above-moderate units.

What staff presented: the housing element includes a parcel-level land inventory and an analysis of residential capacity that counts vacant parcels, some nonvacant parcels with redevelopment potential and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Staff described program chapters intended to address constraints and implement goals, including code compliance, housing rehabilitation, preservation of at-risk affordable housing, density-bonus implementation, farmworker housing, emergency shelter strategies and affirmative fair housing measures.

Commission discussion and questions focused on the appendices and map labels. A commissioner asked about the numeric labels on maps; staff explained those are census tracts and gave a brief explanation of tract sizing and purpose. The staff member also described the land-inventory approach and the assumptions that underlie capacity counts.

Public comment and recognition: Mayor Mark Keiras spoke during the public-comment period and urged the commission to recognize staff for the housing element work. "She's a rock star," Mayor Mark Keiras said of Gabriel Myers, whom he credited for carrying the burden of the project.

Next steps: staff told the commission the target City Council adoption date is May 19 and that, if the council adopts the housing element and associated resolutions, the element will be incorporated into the 2035 general plan. The commission’s recommendation sends Resolution 2026-07 and the housing element to the City Council for that consideration.

The commission closed the hearing and adjourned without further action on other matters.