Development News for Fresno, California

Fresno Planning Commission Considers Text Amendment for Streamlined Housing Project Approvals

The planning commission considered a text amendment application (P261326) to modify the development code. This amendment aims to allow streamlined, ministerial approval for qualifying housing projects that comply with Program 9 of the city's 2023-2031 housing element. The changes are intended to ensure the development code aligns with California Government Code and maintains a compliant housing element, specifically facilitating by-right development for projects meeting affordability criteria on identified sites. The amendment affects several zone districts (RM2, RM3, CMX, RMX, CR, DTN, DTG, and DTC) but does not alter existing zoning. Qualifying projects will undergo a zone clearance process without discretionary review by the director, planning commission, or city council. Environmental assessment determined the project exempt from SQA.