The City of Blue Lake 2019-2027 Housing Element Update - Implementation Program HI-14 (Multi-Family or MF combining zone)

The City of Blue Lake is implementing Program HI-14 of its 2019–2027 Housing Element Update by amending Title 17 of its Municipal Code to establish a new Multi-Family (MF) combining zone, designated as Section 17.20.070. This amendment permits multi-family residential development by-right on qualifying sites within the Residential Multiple-Family (R-3), Mixed-Use (MU), Opportunity (O), and Planned Development Residential (PD-R) zones, with the initial application limited to a single one-acre parcel in the Powers Creek District identified by APN 025-201-023. The change is mandated by state housing law to meet 6th Cycle Housing Element requirements and requires a corresponding zoning map update. Development under this new zone must achieve a density of 16 to 20 units per acre, subject to adjustments under the State Density Bonus Law, and in mixed-use developments, at least 50% of the square footage must be reserved for residential use. Any restrictions from the underlying zone that would prevent 100% residential use are overridden. Projects that dedicate at least 20% of units as affordable to lower-income households are eligible for principal-permitted status and are exempt from Site Plan Approval by the Planning Commission. All new construction or renovations must comply with the objective design standards of the principal zone. The action is tied to environmental compliance under CEQA, with mitigation measures in place for hazards, water quality, biological resources, and cultural concerns, including an inadvertent discovery protocol with the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria. No federal procurement clauses, pricing structures, or contract administration details are applicable, as this is a local land use planning action under municipal authority, coordinated by the City Planner Garry Rees, with public review completed and final approval granted in December 2025.