Pacific Grove council introduces zoning changes to address state housing department comments

City planning staff presented targeted zoning-code changes the council agreed to introduce so the city can respond to California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) comments and move toward housing-element certification.

John Biggs, community development director, told the council staff proposes minimum-density requirements of 20 dwelling units per acre in R-3, C-1 and C-2 zone districts and submitted an addendum to the city’s certified environmental-impact report under the California Environmental Quality Act to keep the analysis consistent with state law. He said the planning commission reviewed the changes at a special meeting and recommended introduction of the ordinance so the package can be sent back to HCD.

Council members asked clarifying questions about whether single-family homes would still be allowed in those districts. Biggs responded that the minimum density applies to multifamily dwelling units and that single-family homes remain permissible within the zone districts.

Council moved to introduce the ordinance and acknowledge the CEQA addendum so the documents can be resubmitted promptly to HCD; the motion carried on roll call. Council members said they support moving the housing-element cleanup forward to obtain certification.

Next steps: staff will finalize ordinance language for a subsequent hearing and transmit the updated materials to HCD for review and certification.