ORDINANCE NO. 2025-155
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GONZALES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 12.56 SUMMARY
OF ZONING DISTRICTS AND PERMITTED USES OF TITLE 12,
PART 3 ZONING DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, the California Constitution, authorizesthe City of Gonzales (“City”) in Article XI, Section 7 to make and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws; and
WHEREAS, Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district. Notations of “C” mean that a particular use within a district designation requires a Conditional Use Permit, “P” indicates a Permitted Use, “T” indicates a requirement for a Temporary Use Permit, and an unchecked box, means that a use is presently disallowed in that district; and
WHEREAS, the City has on occasion, opportunity to improve land use flexibility, reflect existing conditions, and better serve the needs of the City and district users; and WHEREAS, there are potential public benefits in allowing additional uses in the Industrial District, and streamlining the permitting process to more easily permit such uses, such as:
• 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. • Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
WHEREAS, staff has approached community members on occasion to determine public interest in allowing Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage and Ministorage in underutilized and or vacant industrial areas, and has found great interest; and WHEREAS, staff has clarified the particular Retail Uses to be (P) permitted in the Industrial District to enhance services for workers, adjacent neighborhoods and provide utility to the citizens of Gonzales, as follows:
• “Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials, industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as determined by the Community Development Director;” and
WHEREAS, to facilitate access to urgent care or occupational health services within proximity to industrial operations, Medical services will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” by the Community Development Director; and
WHEREAS, to strengthen existing and proposed business operations by deterring vandalism and theft, Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, attached or detached will be changed from a Conditional Use Permit “C” requiring Planning Commission approval, to needing only site plan approval “P” by the Community Development Director; and WHEREAS, the City proposes to now add and streamline several permitted uses particular to the Industrial District to enhance its utility and reflect existing patterns of use. Specifically, the following uses would be newly permitted (P), with applicable site plan review:
• Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage Yards (Change from to “P”) • Ministorage (Self-Storage) (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Retail Sales (Change from to “P”)
• Medical Services (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. (Change from “C” to “P”) WHEREAS, the proposed new “P” principally permitted uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses; and WHEREAS, staff has prepared revisions to the City of Gonzales Code, Table 1 of Chapter
12.56 Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses to principally allow Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage, Ministorage Uses, particular Retail Uses, Medical Services and Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, to complement the industrial uses allowed in the City’s Industrial District (See Attachment 3); and
WHEREAS, CEQA. In support of the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.) (SCH#20091211017) was completed and released on August 2, 2010, for public review of 45 days; and WHEREAS, CEQA, On December 3, 2010, Vol. 3 of the Final EIR and the City’s responses to comments was made available to each public agency, group and individual that submitted comments to the Draft EIR; and
WHEREAS, CEQA. On January 18, 2011, the City Council determined that the Final EIR reflected the City’s independent judgement and analysis as to the potential environmental effects of the 2010 General Plan; and
WHEREAS, CEQA. In consideration of the present effort to amend Chapter 12.56 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses, an Addendum to the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 and Vol. 3.) (SCH#20091211017) has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164; and
WHEREAS, an addendum to a previous EIR may be prepared if only minor changes or additions are necessary to make the prior document adequate for the current project and the changes involve no new significant impacts or impacts substantially greater than previously identified in the EIR; and
WHEREAS, the CEQA Guidelines provide that an EIR addendum need not be circulated for public review but is attached to the EIR. The decision-making body considers the addendum together with the certified EIR when making a decision on the current project; and WHEREAS, on Monday, November 25, 2025, at a duly noticed public hearing the Planning Commission considered the addendum and the proposed revisions to the City of Gonzales Code, Table 1 of Chapter 12.56 Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing on this Ordinance was given and published by the City of Gonzales in the manner required by law, and the public hearing on this Ordinance was held on _______ , 2025 before the City Council.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City Of Gonzales as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
SECTION 1. Findings for Amendment of the Zoning Code.
The City Council hereby makes the following findings concerning the amendments for the Zoning Code proposed by city staff and the Planning Commission to address public necessity, provide for the general convenience of the population and to improve the general welfare, pursuant to Gonzales City Code Section 12.44 - Amendments:
Finding 1. The amendments to the zoning code are consistent with the general plan.
The City General Plan designation for the subject zoning code text amendments is Industrial/Manufacturing. The General Plan provides that:
“The primary purpose of this designation is to define those areas that are appropriate for heavy industrial and manufacturing uses, the location of which my create land use conflicts with residential uses and schools. The emphasis is on agricultural services, but other types of industry compatible with the policies in the General Plan are encouraged. The designation permits industrial parks, light manufacturing, warehousing, wineries, auto and farm equipment sales or repair establishments, feed stores, lumber yards, construction supply companies, and similar compatible uses. Compatible highway serving uses like gas stations, restaurants and motels and truck stops are permitted in this area.” There are potential public benefits in allowing additional uses in the Industrial District and streamlining the permitting process to permit such uses more easily. • 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. • Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand that can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
The City Council finds that enabling these additional and streamlined permitted processes would provide for the general convenience of the population and improve the general welfare.
Finding 2. That the proposed zoning and/or amendment will be beneficial to and not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare.
The proposed changes to Chapter 12.56 Table 1 below (summarized), will not be detrimental to the public health, welfare and safety. These changes will be inserted into the respective sections of Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code indicating the Permitted and Conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district (See full Table 1 in Attachment 3).
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MUCCI OS PF
Residential Uses
Caretaker or live/work dwelling units,
attached or detached
C P
Services
Ministorage C, P
Medical P C P P C, P P
Industrial Uses
Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and
general sales, outdoor equipment, landscape
materials, industrial and agricultural
clothing and PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment), and other similar classes as
determined by the Community
Development Director.
P
Vehicle Sales, Service And Related Activities
Recreational Vehicle And Equipment
Storage Yard
C P
Further supporting the evidence presented above for Finding 1, allowing the additional uses of recreational vehicle and equipment storage yards, ministorage, industrial serving and neighborhood serving retail, emergency medical services, and caretaker live/work units (aka: 24-hour on-site security) in the Industrial District and streamlining the permitting process to more easily permit such uses, will provide for enhancement to the public health, safety, and welfare.
SECTION 2. Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
The City Council has considered the Addendum to the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. And Vol.3) (SCH#20091211017) and finds it to be timely, relevant, true and supportive of the minor zoning code enhancements for the particular allowed and permitted uses under consideration.
SECTION 3. The above recitals are all true and correct and are hereby adopted as findings.
SECTION 4: EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force after thirty (30) calendar days after its final passage and adoption. Within fifteen (15) calendar days after its adoption, the Ordinance, or a summary of the Ordinance, shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation.
This Ordinance was introduced and first read by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting on the 8
th of December, 2025, thereafter; adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of , 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
_____________________________________
Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Mayor
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
ATTACHMENT 1
City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. and Vol. 3) (SCH#20091211017).
• https://gonzalesca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/EIR-Volume-1_0.pdf • https://gonzalesca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/EIR-Volume-2_0.pdf • https://gonzalesca.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/EIR-Volume-3_0.pdf ATTACHMENT 2
October 2025 Addendum to the City of Gonzles 2010 General Plan, Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Vol. 1, Vol. 2. And Vol. 3) (SCH#20091211017) CEQA Addendum for Zoning Text Amendments
To Uses in the Industrial District
Project Title: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12.56 – Table 1 Summary of Zoning Districts and Permitted Uses of Title 12, Part 3 Zoning Districts.
CEQA Addendum to the Gonzales 2010 General Plan Environmental Impact Report, Certified January 2011 Lead Agency: City of Gonzales
Introduction
This document is an addendum to the Gonzales 2010 General Plan Environmental Impact Report (2010 GP EIR) which was certified by the City of Gonzales in January 2011 by adoption of Resolution No.2011-01 (SCH#2009121017).
Table 1 of Section 12.56 of the City Code sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the City of Gonzales by zoning district. Notations of “C” mean that a particular use within a district designation requires a Conditional Use Permit, “P” indicates a Permitted Use, “T” indicates a requirement for a Temporary Use Permit, and an unchecked box, means that a use is presently disallowed in that district.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, this addendum analyzed the City’s proposal to add and streamline several permitted uses particular to the Industrial District to enhance the district’s utility and reflect existing patterns of use. Specifically, the following uses would be newly permitted (P), with applicable site plan review:
• Recreational Vehicle and Equipment Storage Yards (Change from to “P”) • Ministorage (Self-Storage) (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Retail Sales (Change from to “P”)
• Medical Services (Change from “C” to “P”)
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. (Change from “C” to “P”) Industrial uses were analyzed in the 2010 GP EIR, and the City finds now that:
1. No substantial changes are proposed that involve new environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects;
2. No substantial changes in circumstances are evident that involve new environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects;
3. No new information has emerged that would materially change the analyses or conclusion set forth in the 2010 GP EIR:
a. The project will not have one or more significant effects not previously discussed; b. A significant effect previously examined will not be substantially more severe; c. Mitigation measures or alternatives found to not be feasible would not now, in fact, be feasible (not relevant); or
d. New mitigation measures or alternatives would substantially reduce one or more significant effects, and the project proponent has not declined to adopt the measure or alternative (not relevant).
As a result of these findings, the City of Gonzales, acting as lead agency, finds that the preparation of an Addendum to the 2010 GP EIR is the appropriate level of review under CEQA. This addendum will be used to support City Council approval of the several added and streamlined permitted uses particular to the Industrial District.
Description of the Proposed Zoning Text Changes / Project Description This Addendum addresses proposed amendments to the zoning regulations for the Industrial District to enhance its utility and reflect existing patterns of use. Specifically, the following uses would be newly permitted (P) by-right, with applicable site plan review:
• 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. • Retail uses that are neighborhood and city-serving, that are compatible with the mixed industrial-commercial character, and unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Medical services that have a negligible impact to traffic generation and infrastructure demand and can serve a vital public health and safety function in an industrial context; and • Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
These changes are intended to improve land use flexibility, reflect existing conditions, and better serve the needs of the city and the district’s users.
Environmental Analysis Summary
The proposed zoning changes, particular to Industrial Land Use allowances, were evaluated for consistency with the previously certified EIR. The following findings are made:
Environmental Topic EIR Conclusion Addendum Finding
Land Use and Planning Less than Significant No new impact; consistent assumptions
Population and Housing Less than Significant Less than Significant, no new impact.
Agricultural Resources Significant and Unavoidable No new impact to agricultural resources; consistent assumptions
Aesthetics Less than Significant No new impact; consistent assumptions
Traffic/Transportation Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No change in trip generation
assumptions, no conflict with GP
mitigation measures
Air Quality Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No impact to Air Quality, no conflict
with GP mitigation measures
regarding exposure to toxic air
contaminants and strong odor.
GHG Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Significant and Unavoidable
2010 mitigation measures directing
the City to prepare a Climate Action
Plan, GHG Best Management
Environmental Topic EIR Conclusion Addendum Finding
Practices and Adoption of the Green
Building Code are in place, and the
documents have been prepared. The
provisions of the CAP, BMPs and
Green Building Code are in effect
city-wide. The project does not
contravene these measures.
Energy Conservation Less than Significant Less than Significant Noise Less than Significant No change to land use interface or noise sources
Hydrology and Water
Quality
Less than Significant Less than Significant
Utilities/Services Adequate Capacity No additional demand generated Public Services Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No change to land use intensity, nor
impact to public facilities.
Parks and Recreation Less than Significant Less than Significant Biological Resources Less than Significant with
Mitigation
No increased impact to riparian
resources, or protected wetlands.
Cultural Resources Less than Significant with
Mitigation
All City Projects, regardless of
zoning designation are subject to
protecting cultural resources. No
increased impact from the project.
Mineral Resources Less than Significant Less than Significant Geology and Soils Less than Significant Less than Significant Hazards and Hazardous
Materials
Less than Significant with
Mitigation
The project will have a less than
significant effect on site specific
reviews of potential land use
conflicts involving the location of
new schools, and does not involve
development in areas of very high
wildfire potential east of Iverson
Road.
Health and Wellness
Less than Significant, as
determined through June 2018
Addendum to 2010 GP EIR
SCH#2009121017
No increased impact or contravene
of Health and Wellness policies or
programs.
Environmental Analysis
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15164, the Lead Agency has determined that the proposed amendments do not require a Subsequent or Supplemental EIR. The proposed changes:
1. Do not constitute substantial changes to the project (2010 General Plan) described in the original EIR that would involve new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects.
2. Do not involve new information of substantial importance that was not known at the time the previous EIR was certified that would trigger further CEQA review.
Justification:
• Recreational Vehicle, Equipment Storage and Ministorage uses support decongestion of public streets and residential areas by providing legal, designated storage areas, potentially improving neighborhood visual and traffic conditions. • Medical services are low impact uses with limited traffic or infrastructure demand and serve a vital function in an industrial context.
• Retail uses that are generally small-scale and neighborhood/city-serving, and compatible with mixed industrial-commercial character, are unlikely to generate adverse environmental effects beyond those previously analyzed.
• Caretaker or live/work dwelling units. Such allowed land uses in the industrial district can strengthen business models by deterring vandalism and theft.
The proposed uses are compatible with existing infrastructure capacity, circulation patterns, and surrounding land uses.
Conclusion
Based on the above, the Lead Agency finds that the proposed zoning text amendments are within the scope of the previously certified EIR. No new significant impacts would result, and preparation of a subsequent EIR is not required.
This Addendum shall be attached to the original EIR.
Prepared by:
Taven M. Kinison Brown
Community Development Director
City of Gonzales, CA
Phone: 831.675.4203
Cell: 831-529-6388
Email: [email protected]
ATTACHMENT 3
Full copy Revised Table 1 - Chapter 12.56
CHAPTER 12.56
SUMMARY OF ZONING DISTRICTS AND PERMITTED USES
SECTION:
12.56.010: Districts Designated
12.56.020: Overlay Districts
12.56.030: Locations And Boundaries; Map
12.56.040: List Of Permitted And Conditional Uses By Zoning District
12.56.050: Other Uses
12.56.040 LIST OF PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL USES BY ZONING DISTRICT:
Table 1 of this section sets out permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the city by zoning district.
For explanation of numbers in table 1 of this section, see notes at end of table.
C - Conditional use permit
P - Permitted
T - Temporary use land permit
TABLE 1
PERMITTED AND CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USES
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Residential Uses
Accessory buildings and uses P1 P1 P1 P1 P P
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) P P P P P
Boarding house P2 P2
Caretaker or live/work dwelling units, attached or
detached
C P
Condominium C P C
Duplex P P P C C
Home occupation/business/office P P P P P P
Manufactured structure (residential) P3 P3 P3 P3 C3
Mobile home park C
Multiple-family P P P P C
Residential care facility, large P P P C C C
Residential care facility, small P P P P C
Second single-family dwelling P P C
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Single-family attached C C P P C
Single-family detached P P P P
Single room occupancy units (SRO) P P
Agricultural Uses
Agricultural services P
Breeding, raising and keeping of animals C P
Dairy
Employee housing, large
Livestock farming
Plant nurseries P C
Temporary agricultural stands having no permanent
electricity, plumbing or paving
T T T T T T
Community Service
Art, dance, music or craft studios/school C P P P C
Church, other institutions for religious observance C C C C C C C Club, lodge, hall, fraternal organization C C C
Convalescent hospital C
Emergency shelters P P
Galleries, arts and crafts P P P P
Golf course C C
Hospital C
Kennel C
Large/small family daycare P4 P4 P4 C4 C4 C4
Outdoor recreation services C C
Park, playground P P C C C C C C C C
Private sports recreation club P P P C C
Public building: police, fire, community center, library C C C C C C C C Public utility service yard, station, facility C C C C C C C C Publicly owned historic sites C C C C C C C C C
School, public or private, nursery school C C C C C C
Vocational or trade school C P C C C
Commercial
Banks, savings and loan P P P P
Commercial recreation and amusement establishment C C C C C Hotel P P C
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Motel P P C
Outdoor entertainment C C C
Personal service P P P P
Restaurant P P P P C
Restaurant, fast food P P C C
Restaurant limited to up to 6 seats P P P P P
Retail sales, new clothing, used clothing, footwear,
furniture, appliances, small food market, drugstore,
P P P P **
Retail sales for industrial uses P P P P
Sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off
premises
P C P P
Sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on
premises as part of restaurant
C P P C P
Sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on
premises without food service (bar/nightclub)
C C
Shopping center C C
Super drugstore C C
Supermarket/grocery P P P C
Theater P C P C
Video/movie/music rental P P P P
Services
Ambulance C P
Appliance repair, small P P P P
Carpet, furniture cleaning C P P
Equipment, vehicle, light/heavy, truck or trailer rental C P Laundromat, self-service for public P P P P
Laundry, commercial P
Ministorage C, P
Pet grooming P P P P
Photography studio P P P P
Office Uses
Business or professional P P P P P
Medical P C P P C, P P
Industrial Uses
Industry, general: uses such as food processing, major
manufacturing, major assembly
P
Industry, limited: uses such as contracting, equipment
repair, laundry and dry cleaning, limited
manufacturing, paint supplies, janitorial services
P
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Laboratory, research facility C
Maintenance and repair facility – major C P
Maintenance and repair facility – minor P P P P P
Outdoor storage P
Retail: Hardware store, tool sharpening and general
sales, outdoor equipment, landscape materials,
industrial and agricultural clothing and PPE (Personal
Protective Equipment), and other similar classes as
determined by the Community Development Director.
P
Warehousing P
Wholesale activities C
Vehicle Sales, Service And Related Activities
Car wash P C C
Farm equipment sales and service C P
Marine and boat sales and service C P
New vehicle sales and rental C P
Recreational vehicle and equipment storage yard C P
Recreational vehicle sales and service C P
Recycling facility, heavy, drop off C
Recycling facility, light, drop off P P C
Service station/self-service C C C C C
Truck terminal C C
Used vehicle sales C P C C
Vehicle body repair and painting C
Vehicle repair and service (garage) C P
Vehicle tires and accessories, sales, service C C C C
Other
Adult entertainment facility
Bird, animal preserve P
Cemeteries, columbarium, mausoleum C
Conversion of single-family (any) to nonresidential use C Mortuary and funeral services C C C
Off-site directional sign C C C C C C C C P C C
Parking structures or facilities C C C C
Printing, photocopying, lithographic C C C C C
Stables, riding academies C C
Use R-1 R-1D R-2 MHP HC NC MU MU-CC I OS PF
Temporary residence during construction of permanent
residence
P P C
Veterinary hospital without overnight boarding C P P P
Notes:
1. Accessory Buildings: Accessory buildings and uses on the same lot with any of the above uses; provided, however, that no accessory building shall be constructed on a vacant lot unless concurrently with the construction of the main building.
2. Boarding House: A boarding house of more than two (2) persons other than the residents requires approval of a CUP.
3. Manufactured Homes: Manufactured homes certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 USC section 5401 et seq.) on a permanent foundation.
4. Family Daycare House: As defined in sections 1597.40 through 1597.465 of the California Health and Safety Code. ** Retail Sales for Industrial Districts clarified in the Industrial Use Section (Ord. 2010-67, 9-7-2010; amd. Ord. 2014-82, 10-6-14; Ord. 2016-92, 4-4-2016; Ord. 2020-120, 7-6-2020)