El Centro council debates targeted downtown housing; staff to begin master plan in August

City staff presented an informational discussion on allowing residential uses in the downtown commercial zone and on next steps for a downtown master plan.

Community Development Director Angel Hernandez told the council the city previously allowed upper‑story residential with a conditional use permit in 2008 but that a 2017 urgency ordinance and later general‑plan actions removed those allowances. Hernandez said staff is exploring limited, accessory residential and mixed‑use options — focusing on the Broadway corridor between 4th and 8th streets — and noted key constraints: seismic retrofitting and fire‑sprinkler upgrades for older buildings, parking requirements (staff noted one space per unit was historically required), and potential incompatibility with long‑standing nonconforming uses such as mechanics and nightclubs.

Councilmembers generally favored a phased approach rather than a citywide change. Several members urged starting with privately owned vacant parcels on Broadway where new construction or modest infill would be most feasible; others emphasized pilot blocks, clear design standards, and attention to crime and homelessness mitigation. Hernandez said the city plans to retain a consultant and begin downtown master‑planning work in August 2026 with a roughly 12‑month schedule; the master plan will generate recommended zoning text changes, design standards and implementation steps.

Staff also described parallel efforts to activate downtown — including a pilot for mobile food vendors at sites such as the Starkfield parking lot, Swarthout lot and 8th & Vine — as part of the city's revitalization, and said vendor operations would coordinate with the health department and parks & recreation.

No formal action was requested; the council provided direction to proceed with a targeted, phased planning approach and greater public engagement.