Attachment 1
Draft Ordinance Amending RMC Articles 15.04.104,
15.04.201, 15.04.202, 15.04.203, 15.04.602, 15.04.607; and Sections 15.04.610.180, 15.04.610.360, 15.04.805.040, and
15.04.806.040
ORDINANCE NO. XX-26
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF RICHMOND AMENDING ARTICLES 15.04.104, 15.04.201,
15.04.202, 15.04.203, 15.04.602, 15.04.607; AND SECTIONS 15.04.610.180, 15.04.610.360,
15.04.805.040, AND 15.04.806.040 OF THE RICHMOND MUNICIPAL CODE TO COMPLY WITH
STATE HOUSING ELEMENT LAW
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond 6th Cycle Housing Element, which was adopted by the City Council on January 24, 2023, and subsequently found in compliance with Housing Element law by the California Department of Housing and Community Development on October 2, 2023, provides that the City will continue timely and effective implementation of all programs; and
WHEREAS, Government Code § 65583 et seq. require the City to adopt and implement programs, including zoning regulations, to accommodate its Regional Housing Needs Allocation and comply with State housing law;
WHEREAS, the City has prepared amendments to the RMC to implement specific Housing Element programs; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance (“Ordinance”) amends various sections of the RMC to align with State housing law (Government Code § 65583 et seq.); and
WHEREAS, on April 2, 2026, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the proposed RMC ordinance amendments related to Housing Element implementation, received the staff report and staff presentation, received comments from the public and interested parties, and discussed the matter. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 26-06 recommending the City Council adopt the proposed Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, on May 19, 2026, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the proposed Ordinance related to Housing Element implementation, received the staff report and staff presentation, received comments from the public and interested parties, considered the recommendation of the Planning Commission, and discussed the matter; and
WHEREAS, on the basis of the application, plans, materials, and testimony at or before the public hearing, the City Council adopts the following findings and statements of fact in approving the proposed zoning ordinance amendments pursuant to RMC Section 15.04.814.050:
A. The proposed amendment is consistent with the General Plan.
Statement of Fact: The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are consistent with General Plan Housing Element Programs 1.I; 1.L; 1.M; 3.A; 3.D; 3.E; 3.F; 3.G; 4.G; 4.H; and 4.I, each of which aim to ensure the Zoning Ordinance does not contain barriers to developing housing, in part to provide a balanced supply of housing types, densities, and prices to meet the needs of all income groups and amend the ordinance to ensure compliance with State law.
B. The proposed amendment is necessary for public health, safety, and general welfare or will be
of benefit to the public.
Statement of Fact: The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments will benefit the public by increasing housing production within the City of Richmond and ensuring local regulations comply with State law. California’s housing production is not keeping pace with demand and the lack of housing supply impacts affordability. The State legislature has determined that local jurisdictions must analyze and remove governmental barriers to the development of housing for all income levels.
C. The proposed amendment has been reviewed in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Statement of Fact: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, the City prepared an Addendum to the Richmond General Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (State Clearinghouse No. 2008022018), which evaluated the potential environmental effects associated with implementation of the Housing Element. The Addendum concluded that the Housing Element implementation actions are within the scope of the prior EIR and would not result in any new significant environmental impacts, nor would they substantially increase the severity of previously identified impacts. The proposed zoning ordinance amendments implement these Housing Element programs and are therefore within the scope of the analysis contained in the Addendum and the prior EIR. Accordingly, no subsequent or supplemental environmental review is required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15163.
D. For a change to the Zoning Maps, that the subject property is suitable for the uses permitted in the proposed zone in terms of access, size of parcel, relationship to similar or related uses, and other relevant considerations, and that the proposed change of zoning district is not detrimental to the use of adjacent properties.
Statement of Fact: The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments will modify the text only and will not change the Zoning map.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The recitals above are true and correct and are hereby adopted as the City Council’s findings.
SECTION 2. The City Council finds that the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) have been satisfied. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, the City prepared an Addendum to the Richmond General Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (State Clearinghouse No. 2008022018), which evaluated the potential environmental effects associated with implementation of the Housing Element. The Addendum concluded that the Housing Element implementation actions are within the scope of the prior EIR and would not result in any new significant environmental impacts, nor would they substantially increase the severity of previously identified impacts. The City Council further finds that this Ordinance implements such Housing Element programs and is within the scope of the analysis contained in the Addendum and
the prior EIR. Accordingly, no subsequent or supplemental environmental review is required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15163.
SECTION 3. The Ordinance would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City, as the proposed Ordinance ensures the City’s zoning regulations comply with State housing law and facilitate housing production.
SECTION 4. The City Council has reviewed, considered, and evaluated all of the information prior to acting upon this Ordinance.
SECTION 5. The documents and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon which the City Council has based its recommendation are located in and may be obtained from the Planning Division, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804.
SECTION 6. By this ordinance, the City Council approves the zoning ordinance amendment as shown in Exhibit A, attached hereto and made a part hereof.
SECTION 7. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining portions of this Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance irrespective of the unconstitutionality or invalidity of any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase.
SECTION 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance becomes effective thirty (30) days after its final passage and adoption.
First introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Richmond held and finally passed and adopted at a regular meeting held by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
Mayor
Approved as to form:
City Attorney