Stockton Planning Commission Meeting – February 22, 2024

The Stockton Planning Commission met on February 22, 2024, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of three consent calendar items, public testimony on property zoning issues and building permit challenges, and informational presentations on the Shape Stockton zoning and housing efforts and the 2023 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports. The commission also elected new officers for the upcoming year.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission approved minutes from the October 12, 2023 meeting (5-0, with Commissioner Brenda Jones recusing) and the October 26, 2023 meeting (6-0).
• Tra Vigne West Time Extension (P23-0345): Approved a second one-year time extension for the approved Vesting Tentative Map. Motion carried 6-0.
• Tra Vigne East Time Extension (P24-0010): Approved a second one-year time extension for the approved Vesting Tentative Map. Motion carried 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Suzie Bowers and Tim Pryor (representing property owner Roger Hahn at 1777 South Argonaut Street): Expressed frustration that the property was rezoned from industrial to general commercial without their knowledge, resulting in new requirements (prohibition of chain-link fencing, elimination of a driveway, mandatory sidewalk installation) that create hardship. They requested a stay of implementation and consideration of a grandfathered non-conforming use status.
• Roger Hahn (property owner): Stated his family has owned the property since the mid-1970s and asked to work with staff to resolve the issues while preserving the existing industrial use.
• Selena Orihuela: Raised concerns about the building department's handling of a permit for a property at 235 San Joaquin Street. She reported being given conflicting information and delays in obtaining occupancy approval after a neighbor built over an exit door. She requested assistance to expedite the process.

Discussion Items

• Informational Item 8.1 – Status of Shape Stockton Zoning and Housing Efforts: Matt Diaz, Advanced Planning Manager, presented an update on the city's comprehensive planning initiative (Shape Stockton), which includes updates to the Housing and Safety Elements, a Citywide Housing Action Plan (HAP), three Neighborhood Action Plans (Cabral, Little Manila/Gleason Park, South Airport Corridor), a Development Code overhaul, and Design Guidelines update. Key points included:
  • The Housing and Safety Elements are expected to be brought to the commission for recommendation in March/April 2024 after state review.
  • The Development Code draft is nearing completion but will follow adoption of the Housing Element.
  • Staff is conducting final outreach workshops; attendance has been low, but feedback is being incorporated.
  • The city has achieved Pro-Housing Designation from the state, improving grant eligibility.
• Informational Item 8.2 – 2023 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports: Matt Diaz also presented the required annual progress reports. Highlights included:
  • For the 2015-2023 housing cycle, the city issued approximately 610 residential permits in 2023, averaging 545 units per year over the cycle (total ~4,035 units), falling short of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 11,824 units. The city maintains adequate land capacity (over 22,000 units) to meet the next cycle's RHNA of about 12,000 units.
  • Staff noted that market conditions (not governmental constraints) are the primary barrier to housing production, and the city has streamlined processes (e.g., multifamily housing is permitted ministerially).
  • No action was taken; the reports will go to City Council in March/April 2024.

Key Outcomes

• Election of Officers: The commission elected Terry Hull as Chairperson and Gurneel Boparai as Vice-Chairperson for the next 12 months. Both motions passed 6-0. They will assume their seats at the next meeting.
• Consent Calendar Approval: All three consent items were approved as listed above.
• Staff Direction: Staff will follow up with public commenters on zoning and building issues; continued outreach for upcoming workshops was encouraged.

The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM.