Commission forwards zoning changes to set minimum densities in multi-family zones to meet housing-element deadlines

The Placerville Planning Commission on May 19 voted unanimously to forward zoning ordinance amendment ZOA 26-03 to the City Council. Staff said the amendment implements housing element program A-5 by establishing minimum densities in multi-family zones and adjusting parcel-size and conditional-use rules to meet state requirements.

Planning staff told the commission the amendments would set minimum density floors of four dwelling units per acre in R2, eight units per acre in R3, and 12 units per acre in R4; reduce minimum parcel areas in R3 (from 6,000 to 5,000 square feet) and R4 (from 6,000 to 4,500 square feet); remove single-family dwellings as a conditional use in multi-family zones; and require professional offices only as part of mixed-use projects in R3–R5. Staff said the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) issued a letter of inquiry in December 2025 and the city must complete several programs by August 31 to comply with the housing element schedule.

"This amendment is required as part of the housing element and ensures compliance with state housing laws and removes regulatory barriers to multi-family housing," staff said.

Commissioners had minor drafting suggestions (for example, adding development-standard language to a different subsection for clarity) and then voted 3–0 to forward a recommendation of approval to City Council with a small modification to add a subsection covering minimum parcel-area standards in section one of the proposed ordinance.

The commission recorded no public comments at the hearing; staff cited CEQA exemptions (common-sense exemption and ministerial project exemptions) and noted the amendment does not authorize specific construction but sets objective standards. The item will now be considered by the City Council.