County-Initiated Amendments to the Ventura County NCZO to Implement Program HE-H (RHD Zone Ordinance Amendment) of the 2021-2029 Housing Element;

The County of Ventura has amended Articles 2, 4, 5, and 9 of its Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance to revise regulations for the Residential High Density (RHD) zone in alignment with state housing goals under Government Code section 65583.2(c). These amendments update affordability requirements to ensure a mix of housing for extremely low, very low, low, and moderate income households, with income thresholds defined at 5%, 10%, and 20% of the Area Median Income, and mandate that affordability restrictions remain in force for 45 to 55 years. Developers may now comply with affordable housing obligations through several alternatives to onsite construction, including donating land valued at 15% of total development costs, acquiring existing affordable units, or proposing an equivalent action that delivers comparable community benefit, all of which must be approved by the Planning Director. A legally binding affordable housing agreement must be recorded on the property title to enforce these obligations long term, and equity sharing agreements are required for for-sale units to preserve affordability. The amendments also revise development and site design standards to clarify density expectations and incorporate objective, measurable criteria, including architectural requirements such as two distinct roof forms, vertical façade breaks every 25 feet, compatible exterior materials, screening of mechanical equipment, and fully enclosed trash enclosures. Development must comply with evacuation route setbacks and safety requirements, especially in dam inundation zones, and fencing is restricted in designated access or safety areas. Zoning clearance now requires the submission of a development plan and an affordable housing agreement as mandatory components of the application, with inspections and approvals administered by the Ventura County Planning Division. The RHD zone’s purpose has been aligned with the General Plan, and its land use matrix has been expanded to permit water production, storage, transmission, and distribution facilities on par with other residential zones. The update includes new definitions for key terms used throughout the ordinance, and while no federal contract clauses or procurement-specific terms apply, the County of Ventura is the lead agency, with Jerilyn Hollis, Case Planner, serving as the primary point of contact for compliance inquiries and applications submitted to the Planning Division at 800 South Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA 93009.