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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Adoption of an Ordinance Approving City-Initiated Zoning Code Amendment (P2024-0306-ZCA) Replacing the Current Density and Other Bonus Incentives (DOBI) Ordinance in its Entirety with a New DOBI Ordinance and Adding New Definitions to the Zoning Code (Project).
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Meeting Date: April 14, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Jose Mendivil, Associate Planner
Gabriela Silva, Associate Planner
Emily Stadnicki, Current Planning Manager
Phone Number: (310) 253-5757 / (310) 253-5736 / (310) 253-5727
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Hearing: [X] Action Item: [ ] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [ ]
Commission Name: Planning Commission Date: February 12, 2025
Public Notification: (Email) Public Notifications - City Council (02/27/2025), Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/10/2025), Interested Parties (03/12/2025); (Posted) City website (02/27/2025), Social Media (02/28/2025); (Published) Culver City News (02/27/2025)
Department Approval: Mark E. Muenzer, Planning and Development Director (03/18/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt an ordinance, approving City-Initiated Zoning Code Amendment (P2024-0306-ZCA) replacing the current Density and Other Bonus Incentives (DOBI) ordinance in its entirety and adding definitions to the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Title 17 - Zoning for terms that are in the new DOBI ordinance, as stated in Exhibit A of the Ordinance.
BACKGROUND
On February 12, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve the DOBI ordinance (Zoning Code Amendment, P2024-0306-ZCA) and on March 17, 2025, the City Council unanimously (with one abstention) introduced the ordinance, replacing the current DOBI ordinance in its entirety and adding definitions to the Zoning Code.
The new DOBI ordinance implements affordable housing goals outlined in the Housing Element and replaces the current Density Bonus code language (CCMC Chapter 17.580: Density Bonuses And Other Bonus Incentives).This chapter also implements density bonuses and other bonus incentives pursuant to California Government Code Section 65915. The new DOBI language includes enhanced local incentives to encourage the production of affordable housing by introducing: Tier Density Bonuses, Community Benefit Density Bonuses, and Additional Concessions.
The proposed amendment will increase the potential to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) number as outlined in the City’s certified Housing Element. Overall, the proposed amendment will streamline development, comply with recent changes to State law, clarify Density Bonus procedures and processes, encourage greater provision of affordable units within market rate developments, and expand eligibility for housing bonuses.
The proposed ordinance is presented for adoption by the City Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) statutes, a Finding of Consistency (FOC) has been prepared pursuant to the applicable provisions of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183. On March 17, 2024 the City Council, adopted an FOC report demonstrating the DOBI ordinance is consistent with the Certified Environmental Impact Report for the Final Culver City General Plan 2045 and Zoning Code Update.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Community Benefit Bonuses and Tier Density Bonuses have no anticipated fiscal impacts to the City.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025-04-14_ATT Ordinance Approving P2024-0306-ZCA (with Exhibit A: New DOBI Ordinance)
MOTION:
That the City Council:
Adopt an ordinance, approving City-Initiated Zoning Code Amendment (P2024-0306-ZCA) replacing the current DOBI ordinance in its entirety and add definitions to CCMC Title 17 - Zoning for terms that are in the new DOBI ordinance, as stated in Exhibit A of the Ordinance_(Attachment 1).