Atascadero City Council Meeting - March 10, 2026

The Atascadero City Council held a regular meeting on March 10, 2026, focusing extensively on zoning code updates for mixed use zones as part of the city's general plan implementation. The council discussed four new mixed use zoning districts (MU1 through MU4), addressing development standards such as density, height limits, setbacks, ground floor commercial requirements, and the balance between vertical and horizontal mixed use. Key procurement-related topics included the city's ongoing wastewater treatment plant challenges, with a proposed sewer service charge increase of 18.5% to fund necessary upgrades and regulatory compliance. The council approved initiating the Proposition 218 process for the rate increase, with a public hearing scheduled for May 12, 2026. The meeting also covered community engagement efforts, including a wastewater task force and studies to optimize sewer fees and plant design. Public comments highlighted concerns about equitable sewer rates and the impact of zoning changes on property owners. The council emphasized transparency, flexibility in zoning to encourage redevelopment, and the need to balance commercial and residential uses to support economic vitality. No contract awards or specific vendor selections were discussed, but the sewer rate increase and capital improvement planning represent significant upcoming procurement and budgetary actions.