Hearing to Consider Zoning Ordinance Amendments

As part of the City’s ongoing 2023-2031 Housing Element implementation, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 6 p.m., the City of Walnut Creek’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the following Zoning Ordinance Amendments: 

• Faith-Based ADUs – Per Housing Element Program H.2.Q, the City is proposing amendments to the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance to allow ADUs on faith-based properties. These properties include churches, mosques, synagogues, and other facilities for religious worship. ADUs are currently allowed only on properties with a single-family or multi-family dwelling. Due to timing constraints, this amendment will focus on faith-based ADUs. Staff will bring forward further amendments to address all applicable state ADU laws later this year, pursuant to a separate Housing Element program.
• Density Bonus Ordinance Update – Per Housing Element Program H.2.R, the City is proposing amendments to its Density Bonus Ordinance (DBO) to conform to state density bonus law. As required by state law, the DBO grants additional residential density and other incentives to qualifying affordable housing projects. The DBO has not been amended in several years and needs updating due to various changes in state density bonus law. 

The Housing Element is the City’s plan for meeting its housing needs at all income levels. The Planning Commission will only be making recommendations to the City Council (not decisions) on the above items. On June 4, 2024, the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendations and decide whether to introduce these amendments for adoption on June 18, 2024. 

The City invites your input on these amendments. To provide feedback or for further information, please contact Aaron Sage, Principal Planner, at sage@walnut-creek.org or 925-943-5899, ext. 2232. Further details including draft ordinances will be provided in the agenda staff reports, which will be available no later than Friday, May 3 at 5 p.m., at the City’s Meeting Agendas page. 

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