Trinity County advances zoning updates to pursue state Pro Housing designation and funding

The Trinity County planning division presented proposed revisions to Title 17 on Nov. 18 to bring zoning into compliance with the county—s certified housing element and to position the county to receive California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Pro Housing designation and associated PIP funding.

Assistant planner Angel Chapel said the changes respond to a list of noncompliant areas identified in the housing element (program HE-3) and include updated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) language and an optional ADU bonus that would award additional pro-housing points when certain criteria are met. Chapel said HCD sent a letter identifying a noncompliant ADU ordinance and requested either repeal or a compliance timeline; staff said the board—s direction to pursue the pro-housing designation keeps the county on track to resolve that concern.

Drew and planning staff outlined a timeline: introduce/waive reading now, return for second reading and codification (target December), then bring a pro-housing resolution and PIP application in January so HCD receives the application with time for its 60-day review. HCD—s incentive program is reimbursement-based and staff noted the county can refine proposed uses during contracting.

The board voted unanimously to introduce the Title 17 amendments and to proceed with the pro-housing designation application and PIP planning work.

Outcome: Title 17 amendments introduced; staff to finalize code changes for second reading and to submit the county—s pro-housing designation application and concurrent PIP proposal for HCD review.

Next steps: Final adoption via second reading and adoption of pro-housing resolution in January; staff to return with program-use proposals for PIP funds and to coordinate interdepartmental contracting for reimbursement-based grants.