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Staff outlines zoning changes to implement Benicia’s 2024 housing element
Summary
City staff told the planning commission it will propose multiple zoning code amendments this year to implement the 2024 housing element, including higher allowed residential density on specified parcels and relaxed single‑family standards; draft ordinances are expected by August 2025.
A city staff member told the Benicia Planning Commission that the city’s 2024 housing element — certified by the state last year — requires the council to adopt a set of zoning amendments in 2025 to keep the element certified and facilitate housing production.
"So as you know, in 2024, the city adopted this housing element, which was certified by the state," the staff member said, and described a plan to bring four code amendments linked to the housing element and two additional amendments needed to comply with recent state law changes.
The presenter identified Program 2.06 as a central piece: it asks the city to increase permitted density on specific parcels adjacent to minor arterials in the Southampton neighborhood and to build on existing state‑law provisions allowing multiple units and accessory dwelling units. Staff described changes to single‑family zoning standards that would permit additional floor area and modest height increases when units meet setbacks, and cited examples of relaxed building coverage (staff discussed moving a current 40% maximum toward about 55% on some parcels to allow up to four units).
Staff said the objective of the package is to enable housing consistent with state law while minimizing neighborhood disruption. Draft amendments are expected to be released in August 2025, with commission hearings in September or October and city council hearings in October or November 2025.
The presentation emphasized that the amendments are intended to keep the housing element certified and to provide specific zoning paths for infill housing on identified opportunity sites.
