AGENDA TITLE:
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Consider Certification of the Final Subsequent General Plan Environmental Impact Report and Adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Findings and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, to Consider a Resolution Amending the General Plan Text and Land Use Map, and Consider Introducing an Ordinance Amending Associated Zoning Map Designations City-wide (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024-04 Z-GPA-EIR; CEQA Determination: A Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) has been prepared pursuant to Sections 15162, 15166, and 15175 through 15178 of the CEQA Guidelines (SCH #2023010102)) (CD)end
MEETING DATE:
July 16, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Cynthia Marsh, Deputy Director / City Planner
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Consider certification of the Final Subsequent General Plan Environmental Impact Report and Adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Findings and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, to Consider a Resolution Amending the General Plan Text and Land Use Map, and Consider Introducing an Ordinance Amending Associated Zoning Map Designations City-wide (City of Lodi; File Number: 2024-04 Z-GPA-EIR; CEQA Determination: A Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) has been prepared pursuant to Sections 15162, 15166, and 15175 through 15178 of the CEQA Guidelines (SCH #2023010102))
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
The City of Lodi has prepared a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Lodi Project No. 2024-04 and SCH Number 2024020668) to evaluate the environmental effects of the proposed focused 2025 General Plan Update, including amendments to the text and Land Use Map, in addition to associated Zoning Map amendments (rezones).
The 2025 General Plan Update is a focused planning effort that proposes relatively narrow revisions to the City's 2010 General Plan and associated EIR in order to:
• Establish consistency between developed lands and General Plan/Zoning designations;
• Enhance land use designations for greater clarity and functionality;
• Designate land to allow for affordable housing projects to meet Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) obligations per the City’s adopted Housing Element and State Housing Law;
• Facilitate development and reinvestment in Downtown Lodi; and
• Amend the Transportation Section to establish Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as the metric for assessing transportation impacts, consistent with Senate Bill (SB) 743 and the City’s adopted VMT guidelines.
2025 Focused General Plan Update
Because the City anticipates initiating a comprehensive General Plan update within the next 12 months, this targeted effort focuses specifically on these urgent objectives, while other elements of the 2010 General Plan (some of which are outdated) will be addressed in the near future.
Focused amendments have been made to the following General Plan chapters:
• Introduction
• Land Use
• Growth Management
• Transportation
• Conservation
• Noise
The project also modifies the General Plan Land Use Map and related text for internal consistency.
Amendments to the Zoning Map
The 2025 General Plan Update supports implementation of Program 1.4 of the City’s adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element. Specifically, the project includes:
• Rezoning 14.35 acres to Mixed Use Corridor (MCO) (8-35 dwelling units per acre); and
• Rezoning 16.04 acres to Residential High Density (RHD) (15-35 dwelling units per acre).
As required by State Law, these sites were identified in Chapter 5 of the Housing Element (Table 72, Page 136) to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) obligations for the 2023-2031 Housing Element cycle. Consistent with State Law, the City conducted extensive community outreach efforts throughout the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update process. These efforts, inclusive of Planning Commission, City Council, etc. held over a two-year period are summarized within Section 1 of the adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element.
Other rezones are proposed to expand the downtown zone, and city-wide for consistency with underlying land uses and General Plan Land Use Map designations or to correct issues, such as split and/or spot zoning.
ANALYSIS:
2025 Focused General Plan Amendments
The proposed amendments to the 2010 General Plan are presented below in redline/strikeout format. For reference, the 2010 General Plan can be accessed at: <https://www.lodi.gov/191/Plan-Documents>
It is noteworthy that the City updated its Housing Element in 2024 and as part of that effort the following elements were substantially amended:
• Housing
• Conservation
• Safety
• Environmental Justice (new element)
Amendments to General Plan Figures
In addition to text revisions noted below, various figures of the General Pan are proposed to be amended including: 1) negligible revisions to the Land Use Diagram; 2) revisions to accurately reflect the City’s sphere of Influence boundary as amended in 2022; and 3) revisions to reflect existing and planned transportation improvements.
Revised General Plan Figures (Attached) include:
• Figure 1-2: Lodi Planning Area
• Figure 2-1: Land Use Diagram
• Figure 3-1: Development Phases
• Figure 3-4: Public Services
• Figure 5-1: Road Improvements
• Figure 5-2: General Plan Roadway System
• Figure 5-3: General Plan Bicycle System
• Figure 5-4: Existing Transit System
Proposed Amendments to the General Plan Land Use MAP
The majority of proposed Land Use Map amendments relate to existing development that occurred in past years, but that is not precisely consistent with General Plan designations. This development occurred on lands zoned Planned Development (PD) and flexibility was granted to such projects as long as they were consistent with the total amount of planned development by land use type. The General Plan Land Use Map has specific designations such as Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, Public/Quasi Public, etc. During the development of various projects, the amount of each of these development types as identified in the General Plan occurred, but the specific locations for each use were in some cases modified. Amendments that restore consistency between existing land uses and General Plan designation generally apply to already developed lands and therefore do not result in changes to existing uses.
Additional revisions to the Land Use Map create new higher density residential sites as contemplated in the recently adopted General Plan Housing Element. A total of ten properties totaling 17.35 acres are proposed to be designated Downtown Mixed Use or High Density Residential through the General Plan update.
Approximately 20 acres of land fronting the north side of Kettleman Lane and west of Lower Sacramento Road within the City’s Sphere of Influence are proposed for annexation and development. Applicants in this area have requested this land, currently designated Office, be redesignated to Mixed Use Corridor. The Mixed Use Corridor would allow more diverse uses, including residential, office, neighborhood commercial, and public uses. This amendment would also increase the maximum floor area ratio (FAR) from the Office designation of 0.6 FAR to the Mixed Use Corridor 1.2 FAR.
Several changes are proposed in the City’s SOI south of Harney Lane. These amendments would revise the configuration of land uses but would generally retain the same number of acres for each land use type. Proposed amendments include placing High Density Residential and Mixed Use Center/Mixed Use Corridor designations closer to primary roads, locating parks in proximity to Mixed Use Center and school sites and creating more prominent entry points on the southern boundary of the City.
These changes can be found in an interactive map online at <http://bit.ly/3GPdH2L>.
Proposed Amendments to General Plan text
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Amend the overview discussion on page 1-1 of the Introduction chapter to reflect the purpose of the 2025 General Plan update.
This General Plan outlines a vision for Lodi’s future, building on the city’s assets, including its historic downtown, parks, arts and culture, and sense of community. With the wine industry increasingly vital to the city’s economic sustenance and character, the General Plan promotes continued compact form and emphasizes preservation of surrounding agricultural and viticulture lands. Economic development, downtown vibrancy, revitalization of commercial corridors with a mix of uses, and creation of walkable neighborhoods are priorities, along with a commitment to a sustainable development pattern, ranging from overall city form to the design of buildings and open spaces. In 2025, the City adopted a focused amendment of the General Plan to achieve the following objectives:
• Establish consistency between developed lands and General Plan designations.
• Enhance Land Use designations.
• Designate land to allow for affordable housing projects.
• Facilitate development in downtown Lodi.
• Amend the Transportation Section and establish Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) to support implementation of the City’s VMT guidelines.
Replace “Figure 1-2: Lodi Planning Area” on page 1-9 with an updated version that depicts the current Sphere of Influence.
Chapter 2 - Land Use
Replace “Figure 2-1: Land Use Diagram” on page 2-8 with an updated version that depicts the current Sphere of Influence.
Replace “City Detail of Land Use Diagram” on page 2-9 with an updated version that depicts the current Sphere of Influence.
Add policy LU-P16 and renumber following policies on page 2-26 of the Land Use Element to document and direct the City’s efforts to undertake planning efforts to support enhancement of the City’s Downtown.
LU-P16: Prepare a Downtown Specific Plan that will guide land uses and development within the Downtown to create a vibrant, entertaining, and walkable interconnected core. Address pedestrian amenities and outdoor gathering spaces, enhanced streetscape and provide for a mix of commercial and residential uses.
Chapter 3 - Growth Management and Infrastructure
Replace “Figure 3-1: Development Phases” on page 3-6 with an updated version that depicts the current Sphere of Influence, adopted in 2022.
Chapter 5 - Transportation
Replace “Figure 5-1: Road Improvements” on page 5-7 to reflect the current existing and planned roads of the City of Lodi.
Replace “Figure 5-2: General Plan Roadway System” on page 5-8 to reflect the current existing and planned roads of the City of Lodi.
Replace “Figure 5-3: General Plan Bicycle System” on page 5-10 to reflect the current existing and planned bicycle system of the City of Lodi.
Replace “Figure 5-4: Existing Transit System” on page 5-13 to reflect the City’s current transit system.
Amend Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) policy T-P50 and add VMT policies T-P51 through T-P55 to page 5-19 of the Transportation Element to clearly state City procedures for the review of VMT impacts.
Policy T-P50: Continue to implement the SB 743 Implementation Guidelines for City of Lodi January 2025 that reduces the total vehicle miles of traveled (VMT) by making efficient use of existing transportation facilities and by providing for more direct routes for pedestrians and bicyclists through the implementation of “smart growth” and sustainable planning principles.
Policy T-P51: Periodically update the City’s SB 743 Implementation Guidelines to remain consistent with State standards, guidelines and regulations related to reduction of VMT.
Policy T-P52: Within its SB 743 Implementation Guidelines, the City shall identify those types of projects for which VMT impacts are considered less-than-significant and shall also identify those types of projects that are likely to exceed the City’s VMT thresholds. Consistent with Policy T-P51, the City’s SB 743 Guidelines shall be periodically reviewed and updated as needed to maintain consistency with State VMT reduction guidance and regulations.
Policy T-P53: Development projects shall be reviewed for consistency with the City’s then-current SB 743 Implementation Guidelines, as adopted at the time of development project review, or for consistency with any other VMT reduction criteria as may be adopted by the City and in effect at the time of project review.
Policy T-P54: The City shall evaluate transportation improvement projects for consistency with the City’s SB 743 Implementation Guidelines or other VMT reduction criteria as may be adopted by the City and in effect at the time of the transportation improvement project review.
Policy T-P55: For projects determined to exceed the City’s VMT thresholds pursuant to the City’s then-current SB 743 Implementation Guidelines or any other VMT reduction criteria as may be adopted by the City and in effect during project review, the City shall require feasible mitigation measures to reduce VMT impacts from any and all VMT threshold exceedance(s) identified.
Chapter 7 - Conservation
Add air quality policies C-P81 through C-P 83 to page 7-42 of the Conservation Element to establish requirements for compliance with air quality regulations.
Policy C-P81: Require projects that exceed the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Valley Air District) Small Project Analysis Level (SPAL) and Ambient Air Quality Analysis (AAQA) screening criteria to evaluate project-specific operation emissions in conformance with Valley Air District’s GAMAQI, and if operation-related air pollutants exceed the Valley Air District-adopted thresholds of significance, require the project applicants to mitigate the impact to an acceptable level.
Policy C-P82: Require projects that exceed Valley Air District’s screening sizes as described in the District’s Guidance for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality (GAMAQI) to evaluate project-specific construction emissions in conformance with the Valley Air District’s GAMAQI methodology and if construction-related criteria air pollutants exceed the Valley Air District’s thresholds of significance, require the project applicant to mitigate the impacts to an acceptable level.
Policy C-P 83: Require applicants for industrial or warehousing land uses or commercial land uses that would generate substantial diesel truck travel (i.e., 100 diesel trucks per day or 40 or more trucks with diesel-powered transport refrigeration units per day) to contact Valley Air District’s to determine the appropriate level of operational health risk assessment (HRA) required. If required, the operational HRA shall be prepared in accordance with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and SJVAPCD requirements and mitigated to an acceptable level.
Chapter 9 - Noise
Add policies N-P15 and N-P16 to page 9-11 of the Noise Element to address noise levels in the Downtown and the potential issues that might arise in mixed use districts.
Policy N-P15: In conjunction with future Downtown planning efforts, review commercial and mixed use noise standards and revise appropriately to allow outdoor dining and outdoor entertainment while still considering the noise sensitivity of existing and future noise sensitive uses. Such a review may require revisions to General Plan noise standards identified in Table 9-3 of the Noise Element.
Policy N-P16: In the Downtown Mixed Use district outdoor dining and entertainment uses shall be granted the following adjustments to the noise standards identified in Table 9-3:
1. If the ambient noise is already measured at levels identified in Table 9-3, allow an increase of 3 CNEL over existing noise levels.
2. As part of an approved land use, outside dining and entertainment may generate a 5 CNEL noise level over otherwise applicable standards until 10:00 p.m.
Zoning Map Amendments
The proposed Zoning Map Amendments implement Program 1.4 of the City of Lodi’s adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element, as supported by the 2025 General Plan Update. To meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), Lodi is legally required to rezone sufficient land to accommodate the remaining housing shortfall identified in the adopted Housing Element.
The Housing Element Sites Inventory identifies 13 sites to be rezoned to facilitate residential development. Of these, six sites are proposed for rezoning to High Density Residential, and seven sites to Mixed Use Corridor. Both zoning designations allow for a maximum residential density of up to 35 dwelling units per acre. These sites are distributed across North, South, and East Lodi. A summary of the acreage and assumed unit capacity for each site is provided in Table A (adapted from Table 72 on page 136 of the Housing Element).
In accordance with California Government Code Section 65860, zoning must be consistent with the General Plan Land Use Map. Therefore, concurrent General Plan Land Use Map Amendments are proposed to align with the zoning changes. This consistency ensures that land use regulations reflect the City’s broader goals for growth, development, and community well-being. For example, if a site’s General Plan map designation is changed from residential to commercial, the zoning must also be updated to allow commercial uses.
Of the 13 Housing Element sites listed in Table A, one site-130 W. Century Boulevard-has already been rezoned through a separate action. That site was approved in 2023 for the Salas Park Senior Apartments project by both the Planning Commission and City Council. As such, it is not included in the current rezoning package and will remain unaffected by this action.
Housing Element Site - APN 05803006 / 2025 Lower Sacramento Road
• The proposed action would amend the General Plan Land Use Map for the parcel at 2057 Lower Sacramento Road, changing the density designation from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential.
• A corresponding Zoning Map Amendment is proposed to align with the City’s adopted Housing Element, which identifies the site as part of the required RHNA rezoning program.
• At its regular meeting held on Wednesday, October 25, 2024, The Planning Commission recommended approval of the requested Amendment to the General Plan Land Use Map for the parcel at 2057 Lower Sacramento Road and the corresponding Zoning Map Amendment to align with the City’s Adopted Housing Element.
• If the General Plan and zoning changes are approved by the City Council, any future development proposal would require a separate application for Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee (SPARC) for review and approval.
• SPARC review includes public notice, routing to all City departments, and a hearing at a regularly scheduled public meeting to evaluate site layout and architectural compatibility.
Table A - Required Housing Element Rezone Sites
In addition to the Housing Element Sites Inventory, the rezone effort is implementing Council Strategic Vision item “1F” to “expand the perimeter of downtown mixed-use zoning.” In support of the Downtown Specific Plan, which is currently being prepared by the City’s consultants, areas east and northeast of the downtown presently zoned Mixed Use Corridor (MCO - shown in pink color) and Industrial (M - shown in grey) will be rezoned to Downtown Mixed Use (DMU - shown in purple color). Several of these parcels overlap with the required Housing Element sites rezones.
Figure A (MCO & M Zoning/General Plan Map - Downtown existing)
Figure B (DMU & MCO Zoning/General Plan Map - Downtown proposed)
Finally, several other rezones are proposed city-wide for clarity, consistency with underlying land uses and General Plan Land Use Map designations, flexibility in land uses, or to correct issues, such as split and/or spot zoning. All proposed map changes are listed by Assessor Parcel Number (APN) on Attachment 4 - General Plan Land Use Map Amendments and Rezones List, Figure 2-1 (Land Use Diagram), and an interactive map is shown in more detail online at <http://bit.ly/3GPdH2L>
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
A Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Lodi Project No. 2024-04, SCH No. 2024020668) has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Lodi’s CEQA procedures to evaluate the environmental impacts of the 2025 General Plan amendments.
The EIR serves to inform decision makers and the public of potential environmental effects, identify mitigation measures or alternatives, and ensure compliance with CEQA before project approval. It reflects the City’s independent judgment, with input from City staff and technical subconsultants.
Environmental analysis draws from field observations, agency coordination, adopted plans and policies, and technical studies in areas such as air quality, greenhouse gases, noise, transportation, and public services.
The City of Lodi held a public Scoping Meeting for the EIR on February 22, 2024. The Notice of Preparation (NOP) was circulated from February 16, 2024, to March 15, 2024, and provided to Responsible Agencies and interested parties to solicit input on the scope and potential environmental effects of the proposed project.
The Draft Subsequent EIR was available for a 45-day public review period from April 28 to June 12, 2025.
CEQA outlines six core objectives for an EIR:
1. Disclose significant environmental effects;
2. Identify ways to reduce impacts;
3. Require feasible mitigation or alternatives;
4. Explain agency decisions on significant impacts;
5. Promote interagency review; and
6. Enhance public participation.
As the most detailed CEQA document, the EIR supports informed decisions on projects with potential significant impacts. Prior to approval, the City must certify the EIR, confirm its compliance with CEQA, make findings on significant effects and alternatives, and adopt a statement of overriding considerations if necessary.
Subsequent EIR Format
Chapter 1. Executive Summary: Summarizes the background and description of the proposed project, the format of the EIR, project alternatives, any critical issues remaining to be resolved, and the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures identified for the proposed project.
Chapter 2. Introduction: Describes the purpose of the EIR, background on the proposed project, overview of the Notice of Preparation (NOP) process, the use of incorporation by reference, and Final EIR certification.
Chapter 3. Project Description: Contains a detailed description of the proposed project, including its objectives, its area and location, approvals anticipated to be required as part of the proposed project, necessary environmental clearances, and the intended uses of the EIR.
Chapter 4. Environmental Analysis: Each environmental topic is analyzed in a separate section that discusses: the standards used to determine if a significant impact would occur; the methodology to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of the project; the existing environmental setting; the potential adverse and beneficial effects of the project; the level of impact significance before mitigation; mitigation measures for the proposed project; the level of significance after mitigation is incorporated; and the potential cumulative impacts of the proposed project and other existing, approved, and proposed development in the area.
Chapter 5. Significant Unavoidable Adverse Impacts: Describes the significant unavoidable adverse impacts of the proposed project.
Chapter 6. Alternatives to the Proposed Project: Describes the alternatives and compares their impacts to the impacts of the proposed project.
Chapter 7. CEQA-Mandated Sections. This chapter addresses the CEQA-mandated requirements for analyzing the environmental impacts of the proposed project, as outlined in California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, Section 15126. It covers several key areas such as Significant Environmental Effects, Unavoidable Impacts, Irreversible Environmental Changes, and Growth-Inducing Impacts.
Chapter 8. Impacts Found Not to Be Significant. Briefly describes the potential impacts of the project that were determined not to be significant by the NOP and were therefore not discussed in detail in the EIR.
Chapter 9. Organizations and Persons Consulted: Lists the people and organizations that were contacted during the preparation of the EIR.
Appendices: The appendices for the document are comprised the following supporting documents:
• Appendix A, Notice of Preparation (NOP) Comment Letters
• Appendix B, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data
• Appendix C, Water Infrastructure and Supply Memorandum
Type and Purpose of the EIR
The Final Subsequent EIR serves as a Program EIR for the Lodi 2025 General Plan Update, consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15168. A Program EIR evaluates a series of related actions as one large project, allowing for a broader analysis of environmental impacts, alternatives, and mitigation measures.
Program EIRs are more conceptual than Project EIRs and provide lead agencies with flexibility to address cumulative and project-specific impacts on a comprehensive scale. They are commonly used for geographically linked or programmatically related activities governed by the same regulatory framework.
Future activities under the General Plan may be covered by this Program EIR if their impacts were already analyzed. If not, additional CEQA review (e.g., an Initial Study or supplemental EIR) may be required. In all cases, feasible mitigation and alternatives from the Program EIR must be applied to subsequent activities, per CEQA Guidelines Section 15168(c)(3).
CEQA encourages Program EIRs for their advantages:
• Comprehensive analysis of impacts and alternatives;
• Emphasis on cumulative impacts;
• Reduced duplication of policy analysis;
• Early consideration of broad mitigation strategies;
• Reuse of data through tiering.
The Final Subsequent EIR for the General Plan Update provides a comprehensive environmental analysis covering all areas within the current Lodi city limits as well as the City’s adopted Sphere of Influence (SOI), including areas identified for potential future annexation. By preparing this EIR now, the City is not only addressing the impacts of the current General Plan amendments but also laying the groundwork for future planning efforts. Because of its broad programmatic scope, the City will likely be able to tier from this EIR when it initiates a more comprehensive General Plan update, anticipated to begin within the next year. This approach will streamline future environmental review, reduce redundancy, and support more efficient and informed decision-making.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
A public Scoping Meeting for the EIR was held on February 22, 2024, at Hutchins Street Square. The Notice of Preparation (NOP) was circulated from February 16 to March 15, 2024, and provided to Responsible Agencies and interested parties to solicit input on the scope and potential environmental effects of the proposed project. The NOP was also published in the local newspaper and social media.
Pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 52 and Senate Bill (SB) 18, Native American consultation letters were sent in December 2024 via certified U.S. Mail and electronic mail to all tribes on the consultation list provided by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). No formal requests for consultation were received. One tribe responded with questions regarding the scope of the General Plan updates but indicated that consultation would not be requested since the boundaries of the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) were not proposed to change.
A public meeting to accept oral and written comments regarding the Draft EIR was held by the City of Lodi Planning Division at the Lodi Police Department, Rick Cromwell Community Room, 215 W. Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240, on May 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was publicly noticed in the newspaper, posted online, and included in an e-mail blast to nearly 400 interested parties who have signed up for Constant Contact notifications via e-mail or the www.planlodi.com <http://www.planlodi.com> website.
The EIR and related documents were made available to the public through multiple platforms:
• City of Lodi’s Environmental Documents webpage: <https://www.lodi.gov/1263/Environmental-Other-Plans-Projects>
• Plan Lodi project website: <https://www.planlodi.com/general-plan-1>
• California State Clearinghouse/CEQAnet: <https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/2024020668/2>
Additionally, the Notice of Availability and links to the EIR documents were distributed via e-mail to nearly 400 interested parties and agencies, including local, regional, and state agencies.
On June 11, 2025, the Lodi Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing to accept public comment on the Subsequent General Plan Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”), and the Commission adopted a resolution recommending City Council approve the 2025 focused General Plan text and Land Use Map amendments, and the Commission recommended City Council approve an Ordinance amending the associated Zoning Map designations.
SUMMARY OF HOUSING ELEMENT ENGAGEMENT
Starting in 2023, the City conducted a comprehensive community engagement and outreach strategy as required by State law to assist in informing the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. This included a series of community meetings and study sessions with City Council, Planning Commission, community workshops at multiple locations throughout the community, one-on-one and group interviews with stakeholders, and booths at the Lodi Certified Farmers Market. These meetings and study sessions are summarized below, and described in detail beginning on page 3 of the adopted Housing Element.
In addition, consultants created a webpage at www.planlodi.com <http://www.planlodi.com> where interested parties could find updates, draft documents, and sign up for e-Blasts. Staff followed up with personal emails to non-profit housing developers and similar interested parties to ensure that e-Blasts and newsletters were received in inboxes. Meetings and updates were also posted to the City’s various social media sites, and shared via the City Manager’s weekly newsletter. The website and materials were available in English and Spanish, and a one-click translation tool was offered online. Spanish translation services were available for meetings, with one meeting at CHD translated entirely in Spanish from the presentation through Q&A. Feedback received throughout the ongoing community engagement and outreach process assisted staff and the consulting team in preparation of the adopted Housing Element Update and related items. Prior meetings and workshops included:
• March 23, 2023, Kick-off Workshop, Carnegie Forum
• April 11, 2023, Lodi Improvement Committee
• April 12, 2023, Planning Commission Study Session
• April 13, 2023, Hutchins Street Square Workshop
• June 5, 2023, LOEL Senior Center
• June 8, 2023, Farmer’s Market Booth
• June 29, 2023, Farmer’s Market Booth
• July 26, 2023, California Human Development (CHD) at WorkNet (with live translation in Spanish)
• September 12, 2023, City Council Shirtsleeve Session
• September 13, 2023, Planning Commission Study Session
• February 28, 2024, Planning Commission Public Hearing
• March 20, 2024, City Council Public Hearing
• April 11, 2024, Certification of the Housing Element by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
SUMMARY OF DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN ENGAGEMENT TO DATE
Although the Downtown Specific Plan process is still underway, substantial early outreach has been conducted to support the City Council’s Strategic Goal 1F: “Downtown: Expand the perimeter of downtown mixed-use zoning.” Community engagement to date has included the following:
• October 2024, Project Kickoff, Steering Committee Meeting and Tour
• January 9, 2025, Steering Committee Meeting and Community Workshop
• February 4-5, 2025, Open House
• April 17, 2025, Open House
• April 22, 2025, Realtor’s Group Presentation
• April 23, 2025, Planning Commission Study Session
• May 7, 2025, City Council Study Session
These engagement activities have played a critical role in shaping the emerging vision and direction for the Downtown Specific Plan, including consideration of the Downtown Mixed-Use zone boundary expansion. Additional outreach and public engagement opportunities are planned as the Specific Plan continues to progress.
FINDINGS REQUIRED PER LODI MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 17.72.070
Findings for General Plan Amendments:
1. Internal Consistency with the General Plan
Analysis: The proposed amendments maintain internal consistency among the General Plan elements by updating key chapters and enhancing clarity and alignment. The Land Use Map, Growth Management, and Transportation policies are cohesively updated.
2. No Detriment to Public Interest, Health, Safety, Convenience, or Welfare
Analysis: The proposed amendments promote affordable housing, transportation sustainability (VMT reduction), and Downtown revitalization, each of which supports the public health, safety, and welfare.
3. Site Suitability for Requested/Affected Land Uses
Analysis: Sites designated for rezoning/map amendments have been evaluated in the Housing Element Sites Inventory. Infrastructure, access, and compatibility factors confirm their physical suitability for the anticipated land uses.
4. Compliance with CEQA and Lodi Environmental Review Guidelines
Analysis: Subsequent EIR 2024-04 was prepared in accordance with CEQA and the City's Environmental Review Guidelines and circulated for public review.
Findings for Zoning Map Amendments:
1. Consistency with the General Plan
Analysis: The proposed zoning changes implement the updated General Plan designations and policies in a consistent and complementary manner.
2. No Detriment to Public Interest, Health, Safety, Convenience, or Welfare
Analysis: Rezoning supports the City's strategic goals for infill development, housing production, and sustainability without creating adverse effects on the community.
3. Compliance with CEQA and Lodi Environmental Review Guidelines
Analysis: Environmental analysis has been conducted and circulated in accordance with CEQA, and the environmental document has been made available for public comment.
4. Physical Suitability of the Sites
Analysis: The sites proposed for rezoning are physically suitable based on absence of significant physical constraints, existing infrastructure availability, and appropriate land use compatibility.
STRATEGIC VISION:
4C. Housing: Continued progress towards Regional Housing Needs Assessment goals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Planning Commission Resolution 25-07
2. General Plan Land Use (GPLU) Map Amendments and Rezones, with an interactive map available online at <http://bit.ly/3GPdH2L>.
3. General Plan Statement of Overriding Considerations and MMRP
4. Revised General Plan Figures
5. Draft Ordinance
6. Resolution
7. Exhibit A to Resolution