Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing - CASE NO. 2026-0053 (GPA, ZTA) - A Request to Implement a Comprehensive Zoning Code Update by Amending Title 17 (Land Use Ordinance) to Modernize, Reorganize, Clarify Land Use Regulations, and Ensure Consistency with the General Plan and State Law; Two Corrections to the Text of the Land Use Element in the General Plan; and Amend Chapter 16.04 in Title 16 to Clarify Procedures and Streamline Subdivision Map Processes and the Addition of Chapter 16.14 for Small Urban Housing Projects Consistent with State Law.
End
• Staff Report
• Comments or Presentation from Applicant (If Applicable)
• Comments from Appellant (If Applicable)
• Mayor and City Council Questions for Staff
• Public Comments
• Mayor and Council Member Discussion
• Council Action
From: Richard Rojas Jr., Community Development Director
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Alice Tieu, Associate Planner
____________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
The Planning Commission recommends that the Mayor and City Council:
A. Adopt a Resolution entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CORRECTIONS TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE WESTMINSTER GENERAL PLAN FOR THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA”; and
B. Introduce an Ordinance for first reading entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND READOPTING TITLE 17 (ZONING CODE), AMENDING CHAPTER 16.04 RELATING TO SUBDIVISION MAPS AND ADDING CHAPTER 16.14 RELATING TO DIVISION OF LAND FOR SMALL URBAN HOUSING PROJECTS,” read by title only and waive further reading.
end
BACKGROUND
The City last completed a comprehensive update of its Zoning Code in 2010. In 2016, the City adopted an updated General Plan that established a new long-term vision for the community and introduced new land use designations, including mixed-use designations for designated areas of the City. An EIR was prepared and certified for this General Plan update.
The City subsequently initiated a comprehensive Zoning Code update and divided the project into two phases. Phase 1 was completed in 2022 and focused primarily on implementing the General Plan mixed-use land use designations, which were required as a condition of certification of the City’s Housing Element, which was certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development in March 2023. Phase 1 established the mixed-use zoning districts and development standards, amended the Zoning Map to implement the mixed-use land use designations, and amended the Zoning Map to implement the residential land use designations for consistency with the General Plan. The remaining provisions of the Zoning Code are being addressed as part of Phase 2. In early 2026, the City Council also updated the Land Use Element of the General Plan Amendment to increase residential densities in the mixed-use zones and expand the mixed-use boundaries to implement the Mixed-Use Economic Analysis presented to the Council in September 2024. Zoning standards in the Mixed-Use Zoning District were also amended at this time. Addendums to the General Plan EIR were prepared separately for the Phase 1 code update, the Housing Element update, and the mixed-use expansion project in early 2026.
Over the past year, staff has advanced Phase 2 through a comprehensive modernization and clarification effort intended to improve regulatory clarity, streamline development review, expand housing opportunities, and better align the City’s regulations with current development practices and state law. While this broader effort has been underway, the City has also initiated and completed several targeted Zoning Code amendments addressing topics that warranted more immediate attention. These amendments addressed the Density Bonus Ordinance, accessory dwelling units, billboard regulations, and mixed-use zoning development standards as mentioned above.
These targeted amendments address areas of the Zoning Code that have become increasingly important as development practices, market conditions, and state requirements have evolved. Collectively, the completed, ongoing, and proposed amendments are intended to establish a clearer, more efficient, and user-friendly regulatory framework while maintaining appropriate standards to protect community character, public health and safety, and neighborhood compatibility.
A separate effort will address the City’s sign code regulations. This effort was decoupled from the Phase 2 update due to its complexity. The sign code update is also progressing and will be brought to public hearings in early 2027.
PROJECT SCOPE
While the comprehensive update to Title 17 (Zoning Code) represents the primary component of Case No. 2026-0053, the project also includes limited amendments to Title 16 (Subdivisions) and the General Plan. Title 16 will be amended to update Chapter 16.04 to clarify procedures and streamline the tentative map process. In addition, a new Chapter 16.14, Division of Land Map for Small Urban Housing Projects, will be added to establish procedures for processing qualifying small urban housing projects consistent with state law.
The project also includes two limited text corrections to the General Plan to ensure that the appropriate zoning districts are identified as implementing zones for the Industrial and Public/Semi-Public Facilities land use designations. These corrections are intended to ensure consistency between the General Plan and the Zoning Code and do not otherwise modify the General Plan’s land use designations or policies.
PROJECT ANALYSIS
Title 17 (Zoning Code) represents the primary component of the comprehensive code update. The zoning code is used by the planning department to regulate uses and development standards within the City, as well as provide procedures for land use and development permits. The proposed amendments will reorganize, clarify, modernize, and streamline the Zoning Code; address outdated or conflicting regulations; implement applicable Housing Element programs; ensure consistency with state law; and update land use and development standards to better reflect current development practices and the City’s planning objectives. Combined, these changes are intended to make the Zoning Code easier for residents, developers and staff to understand and interpret.
Key amendments to Title 17 include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) State Law and Housing Element Implementation
A) State Law Compliance
A key objective of the comprehensive Zoning Code update is to ensure that the City’s land use regulations are consistent with current state law. Changes have been made to update the existing Zoning Code to be compliant with state law.
Examples include:
Cottage Food Operations. The City’s existing home-based business regulations prohibit food preparation and sales from a residence. However, the California Homemade Food Act requires local jurisdictions to allow qualifying cottage food operations to prepare, package, and sell certain foods from a private home. Accordingly, Section 17.400.075 (Home-Based Businesses) is proposed to be amended to expressly allow cottage food operations and establish appropriate operating standards to minimize potential impacts on surrounding residential properties.
Family Day Care Homes. The zoning code currently requires an administrative use permit for all large family day care homes where a full-time resident provides care and supervision for 7 to 14 children while family home day cares with 6 or fewer children are permitted by right, as well as compliance with development standards such as open space requirements. However, the State currently requires that local agencies permit both small and family day care homes as a residential “use by right” and the City cannot impose development standards not already established by the State.
Accessory Dwelling Units and SB 9. The State Legislature has made yearly changes to the laws that regulate both Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and SB 9 projects. Changes have been made to these code sections which incorporate the recent changes. The changes in the ADU ordinance include those changes which will take effect in January of 2027.
B) Housing Element Implementation
The City’s adopted Housing Element includes programs requiring amendments to the Zoning Code to increase opportunities for the development of market-rate, affordable, lower-income, and special-needs housing. The proposed Zoning Code implements these programs through several amendments, including the following:
Low Barrier Navigation Centers. Low-barrier navigation centers will be permitted by right in areas zoned for mixed-use.
Transitional and Supportive Housing. Transitional and supportive housing will be permitted by right in allowed residential and mixed-use zones subject to the same standards as a residence of the same type in the same zone. Currently, the Westminster Municipal Code requires a conditional use permit for transitional and supportive housing serving seven or more people. The proposed amendments will remove this requirement where necessary to comply with State law.
Employee Housing. The proposed Zoning Code distinguishes “employee housing” from “agricultural worker housing” and clarifies the applicable standards. Employee housing serving six or fewer employees will be treated in the same manner as a single-family residence, consistent with State law.
Building Height in the R-4 Zone. The maximum building height in the R-4 (Multiple-Family Residential) zone will be increased to accommodate three-story residential development, consistent with the General Plan’s Residential High Density land use designation and the City’s Housing Element objectives.
2) Reorganization and Clarification of the Zoning Code
The Zoning Code will be reorganized and clarified to improve usability and make regulations easier for residents, property owners, businesses, applicants, and City staff to locate, navigate, understand, and administer. Key organizational changes include the following:
A) Master Land Use Table
Currently, the tables showing the uses permitted within a zone are located in the zoning district chapters of the code. The proposed zoning code will consolidate these tables into a single master land use table. This will allow users to identify where a particular land use may be permitted throughout the City without having to review multiple sections of the Zoning Code.
B) Consolidation of Residential Standards
The existing Zoning Code places certain residential uses and development standards among provisions regulating unrelated commercial uses. For example, provisions addressing SB 9 development, accessory dwelling units, home-based businesses, and single-family residential development are in a distinct chapter alongside provisions addressing uses such as service stations and food service carts.
The proposed Zoning Code will reorganize these provisions so that residential uses and standards are consolidated within the residential zoning provisions. This reorganization will provide a more logical structure and make applicable regulations easier to locate and understand.
C) Clarification of Code Text
Existing Code provisions that are ambiguous, conflicting, or difficult to interpret have been revised for clarity and consistency. Changes to this effect have been made throughout the code and help provide clarity to issues such as setbacks, definitions, height, and open space requirements.
The nonconforming use and nonconforming structures code sections have also been amended to simplify and clarify requirements. For example, currently the zoning code allows nonconforming uses to be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or more restricted classification. The term “more restricted classification” is highly subjective and difficult for staff to determine the appropriate use allowed. As a result, this provision has been removed, and an existing nonconforming use may continue provided it has not been discontinued for one year or more. However, the establishment of new nonconforming uses on the property would be prohibited.
The nonconforming structures section has also been revised to improve clarity, simplify the requirements, and make the regulations easier to navigate and administer. Currently, the Zoning Code requires site improvements based on the type and value of construction work proposed. Specifically, certain improvements are triggered when the estimated cost of construction equals or exceeds 10 percent of the structure’s replacement value but is not less than $57,000. These criteria are complex and can be difficult to interpret and apply consistently. To address these issues, the proposed code replaces the construction valuation thresholds with a more straightforward approach based on the square footage of building additions. This change is intended to provide clearer, more objective standards for determining when site improvements are required, while simplifying the review process for both applicants and City staff.
3) Update and Modernization of the Land Use Table
The City’s permitted land use tables have been consolidated into a single land use matrix, with classifications updated to comply with state law, implement the Housing Element, reflect current land uses, and advance City planning goals. Some uses have been removed from one or more zones (Attachment 6, Redlined Land Use Matrix Chart). Existing uses that are no longer permitted become legal non-conforming uses under proposed Section 17.610.015. They may continue unless abandoned for more than one year. Structures containing them may be maintained but not expanded or substantially improved.
A) State Law and Housing Element Compliance
The land use matrix has been updated to address housing for lower-income households and populations with special housing needs, consistent with State law and the City’s Housing Element, as discussed above, to comply with State law and implement the City’s Housing Element. In addition, non-storefront retail cannabis delivery uses are also proposed to be permitted in the M1 and M2 zone in accordance with State requirements.
B) Furthering the City’s Long-Term Objectives
The Mixed-Use land use matrices have been revised to favor active, pedestrian-oriented uses that suit the zone’s mostly small parcels. Automobile-oriented uses, including drive-ins and drive-throughs, vehicle and parts sales, and large retail stores, would no longer be permitted there. Self-storage facilities would also be prohibited in all commercial and industrial zones.
C) Contemporary Land Uses
The updated matrix adds or clarifies newer uses that the existing tables do not clearly address, including racquet sports facilities, escape rooms, breweries and wineries with tasting rooms, arcades (including claw machine arcades), 3-D printing and manufacturing, and coworking spaces. Depending on the zone and potential impacts, each would be permitted by right or with a conditional use permit. All of these uses can already be approved under existing categories. Pickleball clubs, for example, have recently been approved as indoor entertainment facilities. Listing them by name tells operators clearly that these uses are allowed in Westminster.
4) Reducing Barriers and Streamlining Processes
The City’s zoning code includes regulations and discretionary review processes which create unnecessary barriers for certain types of businesses. The proposed update simplifies these requirements and streamlines the review process for uses with limited land use impacts.
Key changes include the following:
A) Conditional Use Permit for Late Night Operations
Currently, businesses within 150 feet of residential properties that operate from midnight to 6 a.m. are considered late-night business operations and require a conditional use permit (CUP). This requirement can apply to businesses such as coffee and donut shops that open before 6:00 a.m. or restaurants that remain open after midnight.
The proposed Code revises the late-night operations regulations so that serving customers during these hours would no longer require a CUP. Instead, the regulations would focus on businesses operating noise-generating equipment between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., when there is greater potential to impact nearby residential uses.
B) Coffee Houses/Tea Houses
The existing Zoning Code establishes specific operating hours and other restrictions for cafés, coffee houses, and tea houses. Coffee houses and tea houses are generally limited to operating between 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday without the approval of a conditional use permit. Due to these restrictions, a coffee shop or bubble tea house would be required to obtain a CUP to operate outside of those time windows.
The existing regulations also contain operational requirements that are either addressed through applicable Building and Safety regulations or are no longer necessary to specifically regulate these establishments. Accordingly, the existing café, coffee house, and tea house ordinance are proposed to be repealed in their entirety. These establishments would instead be regulated in the same manner as other similar food and beverage establishments.
C) Other Minor Land Uses with Limited Impacts
The proposed Zoning Code reduces review requirements for uses that generally have limited land use impacts. Arcades, escape rooms, racquet sports facilities, and restaurants with an ancillary bar or lounge would require an administrative use permit (AUP) rather than a CUP. This allows the City to still mandate Conditions of Approval for these types of projects but eliminates the cost of a full conditional use permit and, due to a public hearing not being required, allows these types of businesses to gain approval 4-6 weeks sooner.
Certain uses that currently require an AUP would also be permitted by right, including day spas/medical spas and research and development uses in the C-M zoning district.
In addition, new Section 17.525.015 would establish a streamlined ministerial review process for eligible housing development projects consistent with state law.
5) Modernize and Simplify Development Standards
The Zoning Code update simplifies, clarifies, and modernizes development standards to support the City's planning goals. Attachment 3 contains a more comprehensive list of the proposed amendments. Some of the key changes are summarized below.
A) Front Yard Setbacks
The update reduces front setbacks and encourages commercial and industrial projects to place parking behind buildings. It also stops measuring setbacks from the street centerline, which removes the special rules for larger streets, State Highways, Beach Blvd, and Westminster Blvd.
|
Zone |
Current Front Setback |
Proposed Front Setback |
Notes |
|
R1 |
Varies (50 ft to street centerline, or 20 feet whichever is less, plus special street provisions) |
Varies (50 ft to street centerline, or 16 ft whichever is less, plus special provisions apply). |
|
|
R2-R5 |
Varies (same as R1) |
Varies (50 ft to the street centerline, or 10 feet, whichever is less, plus special provisions). |
|
|
Commercial |
Varies (50 ft to the centerline, plus special provisions) |
5 ft min, 15 ft max |
Maximum keeps the streetscape consistent. Landscaping not required, which leaves room for outdoor dining. |
|
Industrial |
Same as commercial |
10 ft min, 20 ft max |
Front setback must be fully landscaped, except the driveway. |
B) Side and Rear Setbacks
|
Standard |
Current |
Proposed |
|
Commercial side setback along a street or public right-of-way |
10 ft |
7 ft |
|
Commercial and industrial rear setback next to residential zones |
25 ft |
20 ft |
C) Minimum Lot Sizes
Minimum lot sizes are increased to create more viable development sites.
|
Zone |
Current |
Proposed |
|
Commercial |
6,000 sq ft |
10,000 sq ft |
|
CM and M1 (Industrial) |
10,000 sq ft |
15,000 sq ft |
|
M2 (Industrial) |
7,200 sq ft |
15,000 sq ft |
D) Open Space for Residential Development
The current code requires 250 square feet to 500 square feet per unit in R2 to R5 zones with R5 requiring the least amount of open space. The proposed code prescribes open space requirements based on the size of the development. The current code does not separate private and common open space. The proposed code sets requirements for each type and adds minimum dimensions so the space is usable. Common open space must measure at least 15 feet in every direction and must be at least 600 square feet. The proposed zoning code also prescribes open space requirements based on the size of the development.
|
Project Size |
Unit Location |
Private Open Space (per unit) |
Common Open Space (per unit) |
|
1-9 units |
Ground floor, R2 |
250 sq ft |
- |
|
1-9 units |
Ground floor, R3-R5 |
150 sq ft |
- |
|
1-9 units |
Upper floor, R2-R5 |
100 sq ft |
- |
|
10+ units |
Ground floor, R2-R5 |
100 sq ft |
80 sq ft |
|
10+ units |
Upper floor, R2-R5 |
80 sq ft |
80 sq ft |
E) Parking
Current parking rules are outdated. Ride-sharing and online shopping have reduced the need for on-site parking. The update reflects these trends, simplifies the rules, and gives more flexibility.
Retail, Services, and Restaurants
|
Use |
Current Requirement |
Proposed Requirement |
|
Standalone retail and service |
1 space / 250 sq ft |
1 space / 300 sq ft |
|
Shopping centers, 100,000 sq ft or less |
1 space / 250 sq ft |
1 space / 300 sq ft |
|
Shopping centers, over 100,000 sq ft |
1 space / 300 sq ft |
1 space / 300 sq ft |
|
Restaurants in shopping centers, 100,000 sq ft or less (13+ seats) |
Up to 20% of the center at the retail rate; above 20% at 1 space / 100 sq ft |
1 space / 300 sq ft |
|
Restaurants in shopping centers, over 100,000 sq ft (13+ seats) |
Up to 25% of the center at 1 space / 300 sq ft; above 25% at 1 space / 100 sq ft |
1 space / 300 sq ft |
|
Standalone restaurants |
1 space / 100 sq ft |
1 space / 200 sq ft |
|
Take-out restaurants (12 or fewer seats) |
1 space / 250 sq ft |
1 space / 300 sq ft |
|
Outdoor dining |
Extra parking (1 space / 100 sq ft) if the area is more than 25% of the restaurant floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less |
Extra parking (1 space / 100 sq ft) only if the area is over 1,000 sq ft |
Residential
The proposed code sets separate standards for multi-family projects with an average size under 1,250 square feet and those at 1,250 square feet or more. Units over 1,250 square feet are often townhome-style units, which often have three or four bedrooms and are suited for families with older children or multi-generational housing. Units of less than 1,250 square feet are normally apartment style units and require less parking than townhome units. The code will be updated to reflect this need.
|
Use |
Current |
Proposed |
|
Multi-Family Dwellings (Average square footage 1,250 square feet or more) |
1 or fewer bed- 1 enclosed space and .50 open space per unit 2 bedrooms - 1 enclosed garage space and 1 off-street open space per unit 3 or more bedrooms - 2 enclosed garage spaces per unit and .50 off-street, open spaces per unit |
1 or fewer bedrooms - 1 enclosed space and .50 open space per unit 2 bedrooms - 2 enclosed spaces and .50 open spaces per unit 3 or more bedrooms - 2 enclosed garage spaces per unit and 1 off-street open space per unit |
|
Multi-Family Dwellings (Average square footage less than 1,250) |
See above. Same as multi-family dwellings with average square footage of 1,250 square feet or more. Current code does not distinguish by size. |
1 or fewer bedrooms - 1 enclosed garage space and .25 open space per unit 2 bedrooms - 1.5 enclosed garage spaces and .25 open space per unit 3 or more bedrooms- 2 enclosed garage spaces per unit and .25 off-street open space per unit |
Permit Procedures and Administration
New procedures have been added regarding housing development projects. All projects that are ministerial under state law or that the City determines qualify for a CEQA exemption will be decided by the Director, with the right of appeal to the Planning Commission and then City Council. Other projects will continue to be brought before the Planning Commission with the right of appeal to the City Council. In all cases, if there are multiple applications with different levels of review, everything will be processed together. The projects which require only a ministerial zoning clearance have been clarified.
The appeal period has been uniformly shortened to 10 days to keep consistent with state law relating to appeals on subdivisions. The only appeal period that remains at 15 days is an appeal from a decision on a Map Act extension, which is specified by state law.
Title 16 Subdivision Text Amendments
In addition to amendments to Title 17, the comprehensive code update includes amendments to Title 16 (Subdivisions) to clarify and streamline development review approval processes.
Maps. Chapter 16.04 will be amended to streamline and clarify the review of maps, especially parcel maps. Parcel maps involving the subdivision of land or condominium airspace into four or fewer parcels would be subject to administrative review and would no longer require Planning Commission approval, unless it was being processed with an application that did require Planning Commission review. The Chapter is also updated to increase the life an approved map to 48 months in accordance with State law.
Small Urban Housing Projects. The Code Update will also add Chapter 16.14, Small Urban Housing Projects, to implement the State’s Starter Home Revitalization Act (Government Code Section 66499.41 et seq.). Under state law, qualifying residential projects consisting of up to 10 parcels and 10 residential units are subject to ministerial approval within 60 days, provided that applicable eligibility requirements, including density and maximum unit size requirements, are met.
General Plan Amendment
The General Plan Amendment includes two minor text corrections to the Land Use Element to ensure consistency between the identified zoning districts and their corresponding General Plan land use designations.
First, the Commercial-Industrial (CM) zoning district will be listed under the Industrial land use designation rather than the Regional Commercial designation. The existing Zoning Code already identifies the CM zoning district as consistent with the Industrial land use designation. This amendment corrects the Land Use Element accordingly.
Second, the Cemetery zoning district will be listed under the Public/Semi-Public Facilities land use designation rather than the Park/Open Space designation. Cemeteries are already identified as an allowable use within the Public/Semi-Public Facilities designation. This amendment corrects the Land Use Element to identify the Public/Semi-Public Facilities designation as the appropriate designation implemented by the Cemetery zoning district.
These amendments are intended to correct existing inconsistencies in the Land Use Element and do not change the underlying General Plan land use designations.
PROJECT MEETINGS
Planning Commission Study Session
At its September 2, 2026 meeting, the Planning Commission held a study session on the Zoning Code update. Staff asked for input on three policy questions: (1) building setbacks, (2) parking requirements, and (3) options to streamline to support commercial activity.
The Commission supported moving buildings closer to the street, stating that reduced setbacks better connect development with activity along major streets. It also stressed keeping landscaping in front setbacks, especially for industrial development. The Commission also supported more flexible parking standards, but preferred to reduce requirements gradually so the effects on commercial properties could be monitored. Lastly, the Commission supported removing unnecessary barriers to business but was concerned about dropping conditional use permit requirements. Staff explained that the change would mainly cover uses that have historically raised few concerns in discretionary review. More intensive uses, or uses more likely to cause impacts or compatibility problems, would still need a conditional use permit.
City Council Informational Sessions
Following the Planning Commission study session, staff met with City Council members individually or in pairs to review the Zoning Code update, covering the material presented to the Planning Commission plus front yard driveways. Council members supported placing buildings closer to the street, allowing more parking flexibility, and removing barriers to commercial activity. They recognized the need for parking, especially as more ADUs are built, but wanted to balance it against neighborhood appearance.
Planning Commission Public Hearing
On October 21, 2026, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Phase 2 Zoning Code update and voted 3-2 to approve it with one change. Under Section 17.210.015.B.2, single-family homes with an ADU would be allowed nine additional feet of driveway pavement instead of five. The change appears in Attachment 2 (Exhibit C) and Attachment 5. Both dissenting Commissioners still supported the project. Vice Chair Anderson had moved to approve it as presented, but that motion was not voted on because the substitute motion passed. Chair Wolbert supported the project but objected to amending the ordinance at the last minute through a motion. The Planning Commission meeting staff report and resolution are provided in Attachments 9 and 10.
City Council Hearing Noticing
A Notice of Public Hearing was published in the local newspaper on November 5, 2026, for a mandatory minimum 10-day public notice. The notice was also posted at City Council Chambers, City Hall, and Community Services. Information pertaining to the Zoning Code update and a copy of the draft zoning codes are available online and at City Hall.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project is exempt from CEQA under Guidelines Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning). The Zoning Code update modernizes development standards, reorganizes the code, ensures compliance with state law, and makes non-substantive corrections to the General Plan for internal consistency. It does not increase density or intensity beyond what the General Plan allows. The General Plan Amendment will keep the land use districts consistent with the Zoning Code and Zoning Map. The changes to the Land Use Element and Title 16 are also exempt under Section 15061(b)(3), because it can be seen with certainty that they will have no physical effect on the environment. The analysis is included as Attachment 4.
FISCAL IMPACT
This action is legislative in nature; no discernable fiscal impact would result from the adoption of the proposed amendments.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The comprehensive Zoning Code Update includes minor corrections to the General Plan Land Use Element, amendments to Title 16, and the repeal and readoption of Title 17 (Zoning Code) of the Westminster Municipal Code. Collectively, these amendments will improve consistency among the General Plan, Housing Element, and Municipal Code while reorganizing, clarifying, modernizing, and streamlining the City’s zoning regulations.
Overall, the update is intended to enhance customer service experience by creating a more user-friendly Zoning Code. These improvements will make the Zoning Code easier for residents, businesses, property owners, developers, and City staff to understand, navigate, and administer.
The Planning Commission’s reviewed the proposed amendments and made a recommendation to the City Council to approve the draft City Council resolution for the General Plan Text Correction Amendment and the draft City Council ordinance for the proposed amendments to Title 16 and Title 17 (Attachments 1 and 2). The draft code sections are exhibits to the draft City Council ordinance. Additionally, for each review, redlined versions of the code amendments and the land use matrix are included as Attachments 5 through 8.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City Council Draft Resolution No. XXXX
2. City Council Draft Ordinance No. XXXX
3. Key changes to the Development Standards Table
4. CEQA Guidelines 15183 Report Environmental Compliance Checklist
5. Redlined Zoning Code Amendment
6. Redlined Land Use Matrix Chart
7. Redlined Chapter 16.04
8. Redlined Chapter 16.14
9. Planning Commission Staff Report (Without Attachments)
10. Planning Commission Resolution #26-012
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager