King City Planning Commission continues ordinance to allow victim service transitional housing amid occupancy concerns

King City’s Planning Commission on Feb. 3 continued consideration of an ordinance to amend the City’s R-2 zoning to allow victim service provider transitional housing, directing staff to return with a revised draft addressing commissioners’ concerns about occupancy and neighborhood suitability.

The ordinance, introduced by Planning Technician Esmeralda Alvarez, would amend Chapters 17.01 and 17.14 of the King City Municipal Code to permit transitional housing operated by victim service providers in medium‑density residential zones. Staff said the change advances the City’s 2023–2031 Housing Element goal to facilitate emergency shelters. Staff also stated the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3) and related provisions.

Commissioner Teri Storelli pressed staff on whether the City or the zoning code could limit household size. “Are we opening it up where we could end up with 20 people in a house?” Storelli asked, expressing concern about overcrowding and whether homes in R‑2 areas are equipped for larger households. Planning Technician Esmeralda Alvarez replied that victim service provider transitional housing specifically targets organizations serving survivors of domestic violence, and she noted that an outright permitted use generally applies to six or fewer occupants under state standards. Community Development Director Doreen Liberto said the City examined whether to impose a local cap but said state law constrains local limits and that program funding typically controls household size: “The funding that they get will limit the number,” Liberto said.

Chief Building Official Mark McClain told the commission that state‑adopted building and housing codes apply and that code enforcement duties reduce the risk of overcrowding. “All occupancies have to comply with that so overcrowding isn't going to occur because I have to enforce it,” McClain said.

Staff clarified that the ordinance’s definition of eligible operators includes nonprofit, government and faith‑based organizations; entities outside that definition would not qualify. Director Liberto said the City must permit the use in order to meet Housing Element requirements and that the specific site for any provider has not been disclosed.

Commissioners did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting. Commissioner Storelli moved, and Commissioner David Mendez seconded, to continue the public hearing to the next regular meeting and to direct staff to prepare an ordinance that incorporates the commission’s comments, including clarifications on occupancy, operations and compatibility with residential neighborhoods. The motion carried 4‑0.

Votes at a glance • Motion to excuse Commissioner Margarita Lopez: moved by Commissioner Teri Storelli; seconded by Commissioner Steve Wilson; carried 4‑0. • Motion to approve Jan. 20, 2026 minutes: moved by Commissioner Steve Wilson; seconded by Commissioner Teri Storelli; carried 4‑0. • Motion to continue the ordinance and direct staff to revise the draft: moved by Commissioner Teri Storelli; seconded by Commissioner David Mendez; carried 4‑0.

The commission closed the hearing and adjourned at 6:27 p.m. Staff will return the revised ordinance for further consideration at a future regular meeting.