Agenda Item Wording:
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Ordinance Adoption - Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-04 to amend Visalia Municipal Code Title 16 (Subdivisions) to implement a streamlined process for small and simple maps, citywide.
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Agenda Date: 06/15/2026
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: Staff recommends that the Visalia City Council conduct a second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-04 amending Visalia Municipal Code Title 16 (Subdivisions).
Summary:
On June 1, 2026, the City Council held a public hearing to consider Ordinance No. 2026-04, which seeks to streamline the subdivision review and approval process for small and simple maps.
No persons spoke in opposition at the City Council meeting, and Council voted (4-0) to conduct the first reading of and to introduce Ordinance No. 2026-04 with a 160-lot threshold.
The second reading of the ordinance is the final action the City Council takes in order for Ordinance No. 2026-04 to take effect. Following the second reading and Council adoption, the ordinance will go into effect 30 days following adoption of the ordinance.
Background Discussion:
This request, to amend the Subdivision Ordinance to streamline small and simple maps, was initiated by the Council on March 2, 2026. Consistent with the City's General Plan's Housing Element Policy 5.8, which states, "The City shall work to remove governmental constraints to housing development" staff has identified a potential avenue to reduce governmental constraints to housing developments by streamlining the subdivision process. Qualifying maps that meet applicable City of Visalia standards would have a presumption of approval and could be approved by City staff. The public would still be notified of the proposed maps, have the opportunity to review the proposed maps, and s...
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