Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Councilors, residents debate housing capacity and planning approach; staff cites certified housing-element numbers
Summary
Residents urged Mission Viejo to allow more vertical development and affordable units; staff said the city’s certified housing element identifies about 2,217 zoned affordable units and that two active housing applications are in process.
Multiple public commenters urged the council to consider broader planning options to expand housing supply. Tom Moore told the council the city is not "built out," urged more entry-level housing and proposed the urban core area near Castle Creek and the city center as opportunities for additional housing.
City staff reminded the council and the public that Mission Viejo has a certified housing element and that the element identifies approximately 2,217 affordable units the city has zoned for. Staff said there are two active housing applications and another pending application moving through the process. Council discussion emphasized that the housing element is one element of the broader General Plan — which includes economic development and public-safety elements — and that the General Plan provides a 20-year statutory framework for city direction.
Councilors also discussed permitting process improvements and the potential for midyear budget or programmatic adjustments to boost economic development or retail recruitment; staff said permitting is now online and they will check in with the Planning Director to see whether additional streamlining is needed.
