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Fairfield planning manager departs; interim manager to lead ADU ordinance updates and general plan implementation
Summary
Mr. Atkinson announced Melee Shehan's departure to Walnut Creek and that he is serving as interim planning division manager; staff will bring zoning ordinance amendments to update ADU rules to comply with state law and will begin phase two of general plan implementation with consultant Ascent.
Mr. Atkinson, speaking as the interim planning division manager, told the commission that longtime staffer Melee Shehan left the City of Fairfield in April after more than 11 years to take a promotional position with the city of Walnut Creek. "We appreciate all the great work that Melee did over the years," he said, and noted that more information would be provided about the permanent planning division manager appointment.
Atkinson said the planning division currently has one vacancy. He previewed upcoming items for the commission, including election of chair and vice chair for fiscal year 2026'27, appointment of a commission member to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) committee, and a Brown Act presentation planned for later in the summer.
On housing policy, Mr. Atkinson told the commission that the city's existing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations do not comply with recent state law changes and that staff will bring a zoning ordinance amendment package later in the summer or early fall for the commission's formal recommendation to the city council. He also said the city retained Ascent, an environmental design and planning consulting firm, to assist with phase two of general plan implementation, which will include creating new zoning districts, land-use regulations and development standards to align the zoning ordinance with the general plan.
Commissioners thanked Melee Shehan for her service and welcomed Mr. Atkinson in the interim role. The commission adjourned to its next meeting on June 24, 2026.
