AGENDA TITLE:
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Set a Public Hearing for July 16, 2025, to Consider Certification of the Subsequent General Plan Environmental Impact Report (SCH #2023010102), to Consider Adopting 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)) (CD)end
MEETING DATE:
June 18, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Cynthia Marsh, Deputy Director / City Planner
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Set a Public Hearing for July 16, 2025, to consider certification of the Subsequent General Plan Environmental Impact Report (SCH #2023010102), to Consider Adopting 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:
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.
STRATEGIC VISION:
4C. Housing: Continued progress towards Regional Housing Needs Assessment goals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.