City of Gonzales
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 20, 2025
FROM: Taven Kinison Brown, Community Development Director THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Activity Report
HOUSING
The Vista Lucia Specific Plan. City staff is working with LAFCo staff to assemble the application for the annexation proposal.
The Housing Element. In early October, City staff will meet with Placeworks Inc. to kick-off the new scope of work to develop the implementation programs for the 6th Cycle Housing Element. Placeworks’ assistance to the city is being paid through our REAP 2.0 Grant administered through AMBAG.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Staff is shaping a Shop Local Program to highlight the existing businesses and services in the community.
Freeway Electronic Sign. Ground breaking for this anticipated construction has been delayed for uncertainties and delays arising in PG&E’s schedule to add a new power pole and transformer. November may be the soonest we can expect a groundbreaking event.
Zoning Code Enhancements for the Industrial District. To leverage economic development and increased investment in our Industrial District, staff is preparing to amend the Conditional and Permitted uses table for industrial area land uses in the City Code. Items under consideration include:
• Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses to support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions elsewhere in the City.
AGENDA
ITEM
6 • Retail uses that are business and resident-serving, which are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects. • Medical services, such as may be characterized by an “Urgent Care” facility that would complement industrial safety, without need for travel elsewhere. • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units attached or detached. Would allow assured on-site security with immediate response. Strengthens business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
Staff anticipates Planning Commission consideration of these zone code changes in November, and City Council consideration in December.
BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY
From September 1, 2025, to September 26, 2025 (26 reporting days) the City issued 6 permits for reroofs, roof-mounted solar, and a change out of a heat pump. The estimated value of improvements was $71,296.00
CODE ENFORCEMENT
The City continues to meet with property owners, inspect potential violations and start documentation to progress to remedies. Reported activities included an unattended refrigerator near the curb with doors on, and reports of a BBQ business operating out of a home with unsanitary conditions.
CITY BUSINESS LICENSES
Through the end of July, City staff completed the record keeping for the annual business license renewals required of business who serve the City. Staff has refreshed departmental practices and record keeping approaches and are utilizing the new software program previously purchased by the City. City staff will be directly engaging with businesses operating without a business license.