Agenda Item Wording:
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Subdivision streamlining ordinance discussion - Provide staff direction toward initiating a zone text amendment within Visalia Municipal Code Title 16 (subdivision ordinance) based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, changes in planning and zoning law; consistency with zoning ordinance changes; streamlining of subdivision review. This item is scheduled for the Work Session; if not completed, it may be continued during the Regular Session portion of this meeting.
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Agenda Date: 03/02/2026
Prepared by:
Jarred Olsen, AICP, Principal Planner, jarred.olsen@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4449
Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, paul.bernal@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4025
Department Recommendation:
Receive staff report and presentation and provide staff with direction on a subdivision streamlining ordinance.
Summary:
The State of California Housing and Community Development Department ("HCD") is encouraging local agencies to find ways to reduce government constraints on the supply of housing, and is offering grants to local agencies that qualify for a "Prohousing Designation" by HCD. In seeking ways to facilitate housing by reducing "barriers" to housing developments, staff has identified methods to streamline the subdivision mapping process and would like Council's input and direction on whether to prepare an ordinance to implement some or all of these methods. Staff is seeking direction from Council on the following:
1. Would Council support an amendment to the subdivision ordinance to subject the following types of subdivisions to a streamlined process?
a. Residential tentative maps of 80 lots or 80 units or less, that do not require a General Plan Amendment, annexation (prezone), change of zone, conditional use permit, variance, or a planned unit/residential development permit ("other discretionary permits").
b. Non-residential tentative maps (i.e., parcel maps for commercial/industrial developments),...
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