Alhambra’s zoning code update will guide building permits for new housing, including height and setbacks between single family homes and multi-family developments (Photo – Ari G. Arambula)
Officials Will Brief Residents in Two-Part Public Hearing.
By Ari Gutierrez Arambula
The City of Alhambra Planning Department is making a wholesale update to the local guidelines for everything from parking requirements, where to build, how high, and how close to adjacent structures including single family homes.
A Two-Part Public Hearing
City officials will brief residents on the proposed zoning code changes in a two-part public hearing to be held on Monday, August 7, 2023. An opportunity for public comments will follow on Monday, August 21, 2023. (See City Planning Commission Agenda for Zoom log in)
City staff spent 12 months debating the proposed zoning code with the City’s Planning Commission. A pair of dueling code changes will be presented to the City Council for consolidation into a final version after public input. The new zoning code will guide Alhambra’s growth for the next 20-30 years.
75’ Hi Rise Condos, Boundary Changes and More
The city’s staff is proposing to increase height restrictions to 75’ (10 stories). It also plans to extend the boundary for the Downtown Central Business District east to Granada Avenue. Setbacks will be reduced, parking lots rezoned. The city has posted a list of properties that will be affected directly by rezoning.
Recent changes in state laws will allow residential development on main commercial thoroughfares throughout the city. There are also new allowances for converting commercial use buildings into residential or mixed use, and to build with less restrictions in areas near transportation hubs. The city’s inclusionary housing ordinance could also be strengthened to assure development of long term affordable housing with streamlined permitting. A new “by right” policy is proposed to allow the director of planning to approve some permits without public hearings.
For more information on the proposed zoning code changes, including a list of properties affected, see alhambracodeupdate.com To submit public comments in writing, cite the agenda item and email to lmyles@cityofalhambra.org.
[This article has been updated to include a new meeting date. August 7, 11:50 pm]
It seems like City Staff is getting big rewards from developers. They are so eager to allow developers do whatever they want, and think they can change zoning the way they please without any regards from its citizens.
Sure, and while the staff gets big rewards the city gets a non-compliance letter from the State for not meeting its RHNA goals. Maybe the city staff needs more gift cards from developers?