Not yet decided: on September 23, 2026 the Planning Commission voted 5 to 0 to recommend a change that would make the zoning density limit control on lots in four neighborhood designations, even where the General Plan allows more homes. The City Council has not voted yet.
What the city is deciding
The Planning and Historic Preservation Commission voted 5 to 0 on September 23 to recommend a General Plan text amendment, according to draft minutes. The General Plan sets land use policies, while zoning supplies more detailed development rules. Staff says the amendment would clarify which zones implement each designation and make their maximum density, the number of homes allowed per acre, take precedence.
Where and who it affects
The proposal covers Traditional Neighborhood, Suburban Very Low, Suburban Low and Suburban Moderate designations across the city. Staff counts 40,876 parcels within them, including approximately 100 vacant, developable parcels with the greatest potential for future development.
The amendment would not change any individual parcel’s land use designation or zoning designation. The documents do not identify how many vacant parcels are near a particular street.
What it could mean for your property
The practical difference is which density limit applies when the General Plan and zoning disagree. Staff says developers can currently use the General Plan density even where the zoning allows fewer homes.
The report gives a concrete example: Traditional Neighborhood allows up to eight homes per acre, while Very Low Residential zoning allows two. On a hypothetical 9.75 acre lot with that zoning, staff says a developer could apply for 78 homes under the General Plan instead of the 20 allowed by the zone.
Those figures describe density limits, not a guaranteed construction total. Staff says street dedications, building types, parking and easements can reduce the actual number of homes a lot accommodates.
Application timing also matters. The draft minutes record the Planning Director explaining that applicants may freeze applicable standards under state law before submitting their application.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- Is the property within one of the four covered designations?
- What maximum density does its zoning allow?
- Has an applicant frozen earlier development standards for the property?
What happens next
The Commission’s recommendation goes to the City Council, which makes the final decision. As of October 12, the documents do not show a Council hearing date or decision. The Commission minutes remain marked draft.