Report Prepared by: Leah Brown, Senior Planner, Development Service Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Statutory Exemption, Amending the Housing Element of the General Plan, and Introducing a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Complete the Regional Housing Needs Allocation Requirements for Compliance with the State Housing Laws
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a Resolution amending the Housing Element of the General Plan and introducing a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to comply with State Housing Laws.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-44 a resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adopting General Plan Amendment #24-06, Amending the housing Element of the General Plan. And Environmental Review #26-0068 (Statutory Exemption); and
B. Adopting General Plan Amendment #24-06; and,
C. Introducing Ordinance 2594, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Amending Ordinance No. 2577, and adopting environmental review #26-0068 (Statutory Exemption); and,
D. Adopting Statutory Exemption Section 15162; and,
E. Directing staff to submit the adopted Housing Element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Sections 200, 405, and 1105.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Year 2026/27 Adopted Goals and Priorities, Housing and Homelessness.
DISCUSSION
California Housing Element law requires every jurisdiction to prepare and adopt a housing element as part of its General Plan. State housing element requirements are framed in Government Code, Sections 65580 through 65589, Chapter 1143,...
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