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El Centro approves zoning change to allow small accessory commercial uses in R‑3 multifamily zones
Summary
The council unanimously approved a text amendment that will allow accessory commercial uses inside qualifying multifamily properties subject to conditional use permit review and a 1,000‑square‑foot cap to protect neighborhood character.
The City Council voted 5–0 to adopt a zoning ordinance text amendment that will permit certain accessory commercial uses in R‑3 multifamily zones, provided the use is subordinate to an existing primary use and is approved through a conditional use permit.
Community Development Director Angel Hernandez told the council the amendment would allow small retail shops, specialty restaurants and offices up to 1,000 square feet inside institutional or multifamily properties that already hold a conditional use permit. Hernandez said the intent is to enable adaptive reuse of existing structures — for example, a small cafe inside a church or a break room converted to neighborhood‑serving retail — while protecting residential character.
"It would permit retail, shops, specialty restaurants... and small offices that do not exceed 1,000 square feet," Hernandez said. He emphasized that the amendment would not authorize standalone commercial development in residential zones and that each accessory use would require discretionary review to ensure compatibility, parking, signage and aesthetics are appropriate.
Staff said the planning commission held a public hearing on Jan. 20, 2026, and recommended approval; the council found the amendment consistent with the general plan and exempt from environmental review before voting to adopt the change.
