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Planning commission forwards code amendment allowing four stories (no height increase) in MXC‑1 and MXD‑1 zones
Summary
The commission recommended that City Council amend tables in Title 18 to change the permitted number of stories in MXC‑1 and MXD‑1 from three to four while keeping the 50‑foot maximum building height and existing density/FAR limits; commissioners said the change improves consistency and helps small/sloped infill sites.
The National City Planning Commission on Aug. 18 voted unanimously to recommend a text amendment to the municipal code that would increase the permitted number of stories in MXC‑1 and MXD‑1 zones from three to four, while leaving the numeric maximum building height at 50 feet and existing density and floor‑area‑ratio limits unchanged.
Assistant Planner Sophia Depew told commissioners the current rules permit up to 50 feet in height but only three stories, creating an inconsistency because the California Building Code’s story and ceiling measures can yield more stories within the same overall height. Staff said allowing four stories without increasing the 50‑foot cap would give applicants more flexibility—particularly on sloped lots—without increasing density (48 dwelling units per acre) or floor area allowances. The amendment was initiated by the commission at its July 21 meeting.
Public commenter Doyle Morrison said adding a story could create higher density without additional parking and said he opposed the change for that reason. Staff and commissioners noted the ordinance does not change the numeric density or FAR; rather, it provides an option to build up instead of out and could enable additional on‑site parking or open space in some designs.
Vice Chair Castle moved—seconded by Commissioner Sanchez—to adopt a resolution recommending City Council introduce and adopt the code amendment (Res. 2025‑12). The motion carried unanimously. Staff will forward the commission’s recommendation to the City Council for final action.
