Logo courtesy of the City of Galt

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley has revised its zoning regulations to comply with California housing laws governing residential development, emergency shelters and other housing uses.

The City Council finalized two ordinances Oct. 19, including extensive amendments required under the city's 2022-2030 Housing Element.

The changes follow public concerns raised before the council over the state's growing influence on local land-use decisions. The debate reflects a divide between California's efforts to address housing shortages and homelessness and residents' desire to retain control over development in their communities.

The broader ordinance revises 13 existing zoning chapters and adds six more, addressing 10 housing programs. It allows emergency shelters in designated commercial areas and supportive housing in districts permitting multifamily residences, subject to applicable standards, officials said. Other provisions update regulations for accessory dwelling units, commonly called backyard apartments, employee housing, residential care facilities and density bonuses for qualifying developments.

Principal Planner Christopher Smith reported that several deadlines for complying with state requirements had passed. Failure to comply can jeopardize Gridley's eligibility for housing and infrastructure grants and expose the city to legal consequences, he said.

In a separate action, the council removed an additional three-foot side-yard setback requirement for each story of a residential building. City planning officials said the restriction complicated construction of two-story homes on smaller lots and contained ambiguous language about how setbacks should be measured.

Existing standards based on lot width remain in effect, along with other residential building requirements.

Both ordinances were introduced Sept. 21 following public hearings and received unanimous council approval before final adoption. They establish rules for future housing applications but do not authorize any particular development.

The changes take effect Nov. 18.