AGENDA TITLE:
title
Public Hearing for October 15, 2025 to Consider Waiving the First Reading and Introducing an Ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code, Title 15 (Building and Construction) Chapter 15.25, Title 17 (Development Code) Sections 17.18.040 (Residential zoning district general development standards), 17.20.030 (Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.22.030 (Mixed use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements), 17.24.030 (Industrial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.32.040 (Number of parking spaces required), 17.36.130 (Accessory dwelling units), 17.36.220 (Tobacco retailer establishments), 17.36.230 (Alcoholic beverage sales), 17.36.240 (Problem uses), 17.40.020 (Site plan and architectural approval), 17.40.050 (Variances and administrative deviations), 17.78.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases) (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024-07 Z; CEQA Status: Exempt per Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule Exemption and Section 15378 as the Ordinance is not a project) (CD)
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MEETING DATE:
October 1, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Cynthia Marsh, Deputy Director / City Planner
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Public Hearing for October 15, 2025 to consider waiving the first reading and introducing an Ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code, Title 15 (Building and Construction) Chapter 15.25, Title 17 (Development Code) Sections 17.18.040 (Residential zoning district general development standards), 17.20.030 (Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.22.030 (Mixed use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements), 17.24.030 (Industrial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.32.040 (Number of parking spaces required), 17.36.130 (Accessory dwelling units), 17.36.220 (Tobacco retailer establishments), 17.36.230 (Alcoholic beverage sales), 17.36.240 (Problem uses), 17.40.020 (Site plan and architectural approval), 17.40.050 (Variances and administrative deviations), 17.78.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases).
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Approval of the requested action will amend the LMC zoning and development standards (the “Development Code”) as part of the first phase of 2025 code changes needed to align with the Lodi General Plan. This update is proposed in accordance with Government Code § 65860, which requires a city’s zoning ordinance to be consistent with its General Plan-the overarching policy framework and community vision for future growth.
In addition, the amendments incorporate changes necessary to comply with recently enacted State planning laws that supersede local regulations, further streamline existing processes (including those related to the Council-approved Planning Fee Update), and address various clean-up items such as clarifying language, correcting typographical errors, and removing outdated references.
Key proposed changes include the following:
• Support the preservation of historical buildings and properties by referring to the California Historical Building Code.
• Reduce parking requirements for senior housing.
• Update accessory dwelling units’ section to be consistent with State law.
• Establishment of location and operation standards for tobacco retailer establishments.
• Establishment of location and operation standards for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
• Identification of use permit criteria for the establishment of uses identified as “problem uses”.
• Update table showing applicability of Site Plan and Architectural Approval to building projects.
• Allow religious facilities in the Industrial (M) zone with a conditional use permit.
Table 1 below summarizes the individual LMC Sections being amended, listed by Development Code Section numbers, title, subject matter, reason for the amendment, and supporting General Plan policies.
Table 1 - Development Code Amendment Summary
|
Section(s) |
Section Title |
Subject Matter |
Reason for Amendment |
Related General Plan Policy |
|
15.25.010, 020, 030, 040 |
Reference to chapter, Purpose of chapter, Adoption by reference of the California Historical Building Code, Penalty provisions |
By reference to the California Historical Building Code, provide regulations for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, relocation, or reconstruction of buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties. |
Protect historical buildings and properties. |
H-G2 H-P2.1 |
|
17.18.040 Table 2-5 |
Residential zoning district general development standards. |
Increase the height limit for residential buildings in the Medium Density Residential (RMD) zoning district from 2 stories, not to exceed 35 feet to 3 stories, not to exceed 45 feet. |
Lessen development restrictions for residential projects. Maintain consistency with established policy direction and standard administrative practice. |
CD-G8 H-P1.1 H-P1.7 H-P5.2 LU-G3 LU-P27 |
|
17.20.030, Table 2-6 |
Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements. |
Add new land use category “Tobacco retailer establishments” - UP (Use Permit) in the GC zone. Add citation. |
Respond to new economic trends. Clarification. |
|
|
17.22.030 Table 2-8 |
Mixed use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements. |
Add new land use category “Tobacco retailer establishments” - UP (Use Permit) in the DMU, MCE and MCO zones. Add citation. |
Respond to new economic trends. Clarification. |
|
|
17.24.030, Table 2-10 |
Industrial use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements. |
-Add new land use category “Tobacco retailer establishments” - UP (Use Permit) in the M zone. Add citation. -Allow “Religious facilities” in the M zone - UP (Use Permit). |
Respond to new economic trends, Clarification. |
|
|
17.32.040 |
Number of parking spaces required. |
-Reduce parking requirement for one-bedroom duplexes. -Reduce parking requirement for mobile home parks. Removed allowance for tandem parking in a carport. -Added duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes townhouses and cottage courts as applicable projects to multifamily dwelling parking standards. -Reduced required parking for senior housing projects from 0.75 space to 0.5 space per unit. |
Lessen development restrictions for residential projects. Reduce cost of development. Clarification. |
CD-G8 H-P1.1 H-P1.3 H-P1.7 LU-P22 LU-P27 |
|
17.36.130 |
Accessory dwelling units |
- Updated number of accessory dwelling units allowed on single-family and multifamily parcels. - Updated parking standards. - Updated development standards. - Added development standards for conversions to accessory dwelling units. |
Consistency with State law. Lessen development restrictions for residential projects |
H-P1.1 H-P1.6 H-P1.7 H-P1.8 LU-P1 LU-P27 |
|
17.36.220 |
Tobacco retailer establishments. |
- Add location and operation standards for the sale of tobacco products. Major Proposed Standards: - Tobacco retailer establishment (1) not allowed within 500 feet from a youth-oriented facility (2). - Tobacco retailer establishment not allowed within 500 feet from another tobacco retailer establishment. - Tobacco retailer establishments legally existing on the effective date of the ordinance may continue to operate as legal nonconforming uses. -No self-service displays or redemption of coupons or discounts for tobacco products are allowed. |
Clarification. Establish development standards for tobacco retailer establishments, which were not previously addressed in the Development Code, to provide clear land use regulations and permitting requirements. |
LU-G6 LU-G7 |
|
17.36.230 |
Alcoholic beverage sales (on-sale and off-sale). |
- Add location and operation standards for alcoholic beverage sales. Major Proposed Standards: -New alcoholic beverage sales or establishments (includes liquor stores, convenience stores, markets, taverns, bars and restaurant with bars) cannot be located within 500 feet of a public or private school, nursery school, preschool, day-care facility. -New alcoholic beverage sales or establishments cannot be located within 500 feet of a public park, playground, recreational area, or youth facility. -Requirements for the upgrade or transfer of an existing off-sale alcoholic beverage license in a census tract where there is an over-concentration of licenses. -Requirements for transferring an existing off-sale alcoholic beverage license to different location in a census tract where there is an over-concentration of licenses. - Requirements for alcoholic sales establishments located in a crime reporting district where average number of crimes in that district exceeds that city wide by more than 20 percent. |
Clarification. Establish operational and development standards for alcoholic beverage sales, supplementing existing Use Permit requirements to provide clear expectations and ensure consistent enforcement. |
LU-G6 LU-G7 |
|
17.36.240 |
Problem uses |
-Provide criteria for the establishment of uses identified as “problem uses”. |
Clarification |
LU-G6 |
|
17.40.020 |
Site plan and architectural approval (Table 4-2) |
-For “Individual single-family homes and accessory structures including alteration” - replace R-1, R-1E and R-2 with “residential”. -For “Multiple single-family detached homes and accessory structures” - replace R-1, R-1E and R-2 with “residential”. -For “Multi-family dwellings and accessory structures” - add “MCO and DMU”. -For “Additions and alterations in all zoning districts except the…” - remove “R-1, R-1E and R-2”. |
Update zoning district designations by removing outdated references. |
LU-P1 |
|
17.40.050 |
Variances and administrative deviations (Table 4-3) |
For “Fence or Wall Height”, update Lodi Municipal Code section reference. |
Update Reference |
|
|
17.78.020 |
Definitions of specialized Terms and phrases. |
Add definition for “Alcoholic beverage sales”. Add definition for “Cottage Court”. Add definition for “Duplex”. Add definition for “Emergency shelters”. Add definition for “Fourplex”. Add definition for “Low Barrier Navigation Center”. Add definition for “Problem Use”. Add definition for “Short-term rental”. Add definition for “Tobacco retailer establishment”. Add definition for “Triplex”. |
Clarification/ State Law |
|
|
(1) Does not include ancillary sales of tobacco products (tobacco products comprise not more than two percent of gross floor area, or 200 square feet, whatever is less). (2) Includes public and private schools, parks and playgrounds, youth centers, child care centers and preschools (other than day care homes). |
The Planning Commission reviewed this item on July 23, 2025, and voted to recommend City Council approval of the proposed code amendments as part of the third phase (“Phase 3”) of the ongoing Incremental Development Code Updates (Attachment 1). Phase 3 includes revisions to multiple sections of the Lodi Municipal Code, as outlined in Attachment 2, with the specific proposed amendments shown in redline/strikeout format in Attachment 3.
Staff recommends that the City Council waive the first reading and introduce an ordinance amending the Lodi Municipal Code as follows:
• Title 15 (Building and Construction)
o Chapter 15.25
• Title 17 (Development Code)
o Section 17.18.040 - Residential Zoning District General Development Standards
o Section 17.20.030 - Commercial Zoning District Land Uses and Permit Requirements
o Section 17.22.030 - Mixed-Use Zoning District Land Uses and Permit Requirements
o Section 17.24.030 - Industrial Zoning District Land Uses and Permit Requirements
o Section 17.32.040 - Number of Parking Spaces Required
o Section 17.36.130 - Accessory Dwelling Units
o Section 17.36.220 - Tobacco Retailer Establishments
o Section 17.36.230 - Alcoholic Beverage Sales
o Section 17.36.240 - Problem Uses
o Section 17.40.020 - Site Plan and Architectural Review
o Section 17.40.050 - Variances and Administrative Deviations
o Section 17.78.020 - Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The proposed Development Code amendments were reviewed and found to be exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378. Staff’s recommendation is that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the proposed amendments to the Development Code would have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, subject to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Future project-specific approvals per the Zoning Code would require individual environmental review, at which time project-specific impacts would be identified and analyzed.
STRATEGIC VISIONS:
2B. Expand and diversify economic opportunities.
3B. Fiscal Health: Diversified revenue mix to reflect economic prosperity of the community.
4E. Adopt standards and policies to promote housing for all economic levels.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.