Gonzales council adopts 6th-cycle housing element, updates zoning code

Staff read the ordinance title and the City Council adopted the second reading and final approval of the city’s updated housing element and implementing zoning amendments. Lede: The Gonzales City Council on Aug. 18 adopted ordinance 2025-152 to approve the city’s new sixth-cycle housing element and a package of zoning-code amendments intended to comply with state housing law. Nut graf: The ordinance amends multiple chapters of the municipal code — including definitions, site plan permits, density bonus, permitted uses and parking — and adds new chapters for reasonable accommodations, an affordable housing overlay, local education agency lands, employee housing, licensed residential care facilities, and transitional/supportive housing. Staff described the action as the conclusion of a multiyear effort to bring the city into compliance with state requirements. Body: During the meeting, a staff member read into the record the ordinance and summarized that the item completed “a long, long, long several years of effort.” The ordinance was advanced on first reading Aug. 4; the Aug. 18 action constituted the second reading and adoption. The formal motion — moved and seconded from council — passed on a voice vote with council members saying “Aye.” No public speakers commented on the item during the public hearing; staff noted no Zoom or email comments. The ordinance’s implementing changes include amendments to chapters identified by staff (examples listed in the presentation) and an amended zoning map to align with the general plan. Ending: The council also approved an implementation contract referenced on the consent calendar; staff said the combined package will bring the city into compliance with state housing law. Council did not discuss specific development proposals during the hearing.