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Lompoc council rezones downtown parcels to high‑density housing, excluding one contested lot
Summary
The council approved General Plan and zoning changes on several vacant Ocean Avenue parcels to add high‑density housing capacity tied to the city’s housing element; one parcel (1406 E Ocean) was excluded after debate about traffic and adjacent veterinary services.
The Lompoc City Council voted on June 16 to reclassify several vacant parcels on West and East Ocean Avenue from commercial to high‑density residential to increase the city’s inventory of buildable housing sites. Planning staff said the changes are city‑initiated and intended to bolster the land supply needed to meet regional housing targets.
The adopted action converts 1220 West Ocean and 1308/1316 East Ocean to R‑3 (high‑density residential with a planned‑development overlay). Council debated including a fourth parcel (1406 East Ocean) but ultimately left that lot in its existing commercial designation after nearby business owners raised concerns about traffic and compatibility with an established veterinary clinic.
Planning staff said the parcels are vacant and, if developed, could count toward Lompoc’s RHNA (regional housing needs allocation) targets. Council members noted the state monitors municipal progress on housing; failing to demonstrate adequate buildable land can expose a jurisdiction to state oversight or “builder’s remedy” approvals. Supporters said the rezones add realistic infill options; opponents and adjacent business owners cited traffic safety and long‑standing community uses and urged more targeted mitigation.
Council passed the motion (4‑1). Staff said the item will be reflected in future housing‑element tracking and that the council will revisit the housing inventory in upcoming sessions.
