By Phillip Pesola–
The Citrus Heights Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday regarding several proposed amendments to the city’s zoning code, addressing housing, parking and food trucks.
The 38-page agenda packet for the upcoming Feb. 8 meeting outlines the proposed changes, with a staff report citing compliance with recently passed state laws as the reason for the changes.
Affordable Housing Incentives. In light of the passage of AB 2334, any 100% low-income housing project classified as a “Very Low Vehicle Travel Area” is proposed to be allowed unlimited density as well as a height increase of three stories or 33 feet.
Parking Requirements. The zoning code would be updated to reflect AB 2097, which stipulates that the city cannot require parking as part of any development project within one-half mile of a public transit corridor that offers fixed-route bus service at intervals of 15 minutes or less during peak commute times.
A map provided by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments indicates that the applicable area within Citrus Heights would roughly extend outward a half-mile on either side of Sunrise Boulevard. This change would not affect existing contracts with the city to provide public parking, or requirements for handicapped parking spaces and charging spaces for electric vehicles.
Accessory Dwelling Units. Changes to state laws relating to accessory dwelling units include clarification that front yard setbacks cannot be applied to an attached or detached unit if it would prohibit the construction of a unit that is at least 800-square-feet with four-foot side and rear yard setbacks. Also, the height limit for detached units would increase from 16 to 18 feet, with an additional two feet, if needed, to align roof pitch with the primary dwelling.
Food Trucks. SB 946 prohibits the city from imposing time limits on temporary vending operations, including food trucks and mobile merchandise stands, which are operating within the public right-of-way. The city currently allows temporary vending for up to 180 days per year without a permit, and the zoning code would be updated to reflect that this limitation does not apply when operating in the public right-of-way.
Other proposed changes to the code include minor clarifications and additions or expansion of definitions used.
If the Planning Commission approves the changes as recommended by Planning Division staff, the ordinance changes will be presented to City Council for final approval.
The commission’s Feb. 8 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at City Hall, located at 6360 Fountain Square Drive. Comments from residents can be made during the meeting or can also be sent in advance to planning@citrusheights.net, with each written comment to be read aloud during the meeting by the secretary.