The San Gabriel Mountains as seen from Monterey Park (File Photo – cityofmontereypark)
Monterey Park voters will decide in the November 2026 General Election whether to amend the city’s Land Use and Urban Design Element through the proposed HOME Housing Overlay measure.
By News Desk
The measure would create an option for the city to establish flexible “housing overlays” that would allow residential and mixed-use development on vacant or underutilized commercial and industrial properties.
According to information provided by the city, the proposal follows community feedback calling for additional housing, economic revitalization and efforts to reduce blight in commercial and industrial areas.
The proposal would not apply to existing residential zones. The measure specifically excludes R-1 and R-2 residential areas and states that existing residential zoning would remain unchanged. It also maintains Monterey Park’s citywide prohibition on data centers.
Under the proposal, a housing overlay would not automatically approve development on a property. Activating an overlay for a specific parcel would require discretionary City Council approval, public input, environmental review and applicable protections, according to information provided by the city.
The measure also states that public safety, parks and open space would be considered as part of the process.
What Voters Will Consider
The ballot measure asks voters whether to amend the Monterey Park Land Use Element to maintain existing residential land-use restrictions and local control, continue the prohibition on data centers, and allow limited residential uses in underutilized industrial and commercial/office areas.
The proposed ballot language states that the measure would provide housing, attract businesses and improve the local economy while requiring public input and environmental protections.
The city says voter approval is required because Measure JJ, approved by voters in 2020, prevents the City Council from independently updating the city’s land use map to address housing mandates and post-pandemic commercial vacancies.
Residential Neighborhoods
The measure’s information states that residential neighborhoods would remain outside the proposed housing overlays. Existing residential zoning would not be increased or otherwise changed under the proposal.
Data Center Prohibition
The measure would not change Monterey Park’s existing citywide prohibition on data centers. Information provided by the city states that the prohibition would remain in effect if voters approve the housing overlay measure.
Community Meetings
The city will host a virtual informational presentation about the HOME Housing Overlay ballot measure on Monday, Sept. 21, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Residents may participate through the Zoom app on a smartphone, tablet or web browser at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81686845446.
Residents may also participate by telephone by calling 1 (669) 444-9171 or 1 (253) 205-0468. The meeting ID is 816 8684 5446; callers should press # when prompted.
The city said future community engagement meetings will be announced as dates and times become available.
Monterey Park voters will ultimately decide whether to adopt the proposed amendment in the November 2026 General Election.
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