Addendum to Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Ferndale Land Use and Safety Element Updates (SCH #2023020217)

Adopt the Addendum to the certified Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR); adopt of amendments to the Ferndale Zoning Map and Ferndale Zoning Ordinance. The Proposed Project includes amendments to the Ferndale Zoning Map for 31 parcels to ensure consistency with the adopted General Plan Land Use Element and Land Use Map, as well as text amendments to multiple articles of the Ferndale Zoning Ordinance. The proposed amendments to the Ferndale Zoning Ordinance include updates to definitions, permitted uses, and development standards to ensure consistency with the 2024 General Plan Land Use Element and current State housing law. Key changes include revised definitions for employee housing, dwellings, and family; the addition of "flag lot" standards; and the relocation and clarification of certain terms. The ordinance removes obsolete zones (e.g., RS, R4, CAG) and updates residential zones (R2 and R3) to permit multiple dwellings and dwelling groups. Commercial zones (C1 and C2) are amended to allow residential uses above ground floor by right, and on the ground floor with a use permit. Employee housing is added as a permitted or conditional use in several zones and combining districts. The amendments also modify yard, height, and density standards, introduce new objective design criteria, and make technical corrections throughout Articles 3–7. These updates support implementation of the Housing Element, compliance with changes in State laws, and reflect current land use needs across the City of Ferndale.