Change of Zone 2200063, Ordinance No. 348.5055 – Riverside County Land Use Ordinance, Agricultural Employee Housing

Riverside County is proposing a text amendment to Ordinance No. 348, the Land Use Ordinance, to create streamlined ministerial approval processes and standardized development criteria for qualifying employee housing projects, specifically targeting Polanco Parks and agricultural worker housing. This change aligns with state laws under Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5, 17021.6, and 17021.8, which support affordable workforce housing in rural and agricultural areas by reducing regulatory barriers. The amendment will update zoning classifications and definitions to ensure conformity with state requirements and facilitate faster project approvals without the need for discretionary review. Additionally, a standardized Agricultural Employee Housing Covenant template will be adopted to govern the terms and conditions of these developments, ensuring long-term affordability and compliance with housing goals. Administration and oversight of the covenant will be delegated to Housing and Workforce Solutions, granting them authority to monitor compliance, enforce terms, and manage ongoing obligations for approved projects under Health and Safety Code Section 17021.8. This delegation is intended to improve efficiency and consistency in enforcement while ensuring that developments continue to serve their intended purpose of providing housing for agricultural employees. The change represents a strategic effort by Riverside County to address workforce housing shortages in key agricultural regions by removing bureaucratic delays and establishing clear, state-compliant guidelines that support both community needs and regulatory standards.