The Modesto City Council gave final approval Dec. 2 to Ordinance 3803, amending section 25-3-9 of the city zoning map to rezone a roughly 4-acre parcel at 3401 North McClure Road from highway commercial to low-density residential. Jessica Hill, director of community and economic development, presented the staff report describing the final reading and the project's intent.

Hill told the council the rezoning would permit development of about 38 single-family homes on the site and said the project is intended to serve homebuyers who make under 80% of area median income. "The project ultimately will serve low income households who make under 80% of the area median income and will be sold for homeownership," Jessica Hill said.

Public comment at the consent-item hearing included a mix of support for protecting farmland and calls for higher-density housing. Milt Treeweiler urged the city to "save and preserve" prime farmland in Stanislaus County and suggested more infill and higher-density options in appropriate locations. Several public commenters recommended the city prioritize higher-density and mixed-use development rather than additional single-family zoning.

Council members had no substantive questions of staff and moved to approve the ordinance. Vice Mayor Bavaro moved the final adoption, Council Member Wright seconded, and the council carried the measure unanimously in a roll-call vote.

The ordinance rezones the property to low-density residential and is tied to a development concept described in staff materials; city staff noted the target buyer income level and approximate unit count but did not present a detailed site plan during the final reading. Implementation steps include updating the zoning map and any associated ministerial permits or subsequent entitlement processes required to build the homes.

Because the item was adopted as the final reading of the ordinance, the zoning map will be updated to reflect the change; staff indicated the project will be pursued under relevant housing and development rules in subsequent steps.

The council also approved multiple consent items earlier in the meeting, including contract amendments and project acceptances that were read and approved as part of the consent calendar.