Municipal Code Amendments – Housing Element Program 20 Implementation

The City of Sonoma is implementing Municipal Code Amendments for Housing Element Program 20 to facilitate the development of affordable housing. This initiative involves adopting an ordinance to amend the City's Zoning Code (Title 19) through various text additions and amendments. The primary objective is to allow developments by right, pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(i), for specific sites identified in the Housing Element's Appendix A, provided that at least 20 percent of the units are designated as affordable for lower income households. This action is designed to accommodate the lower income Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) previously identified in past housing elements in accordance with state law. The project is managed by the City of Sonoma Community Development Department, with Jennifer Gates serving as the Community Development Director and primary point of contact. Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the project has been issued a Notice of Exemption, as it is determined that no significant environmental impact is expected. The performance of these amendments is centered within the City of Sonoma, California.