Planning Commission 9 23 26

The City of Ridgecrest Planning Commission met on September 23, 2026, to discuss amendments to the municipal code related to housing development in compliance with recently adopted state housing element requirements. Key procurement-related topics included recommendations to the city council for ordinances permitting group homes and room and board housing, adjusting building height limits in R4 zones, and extending site plan approval periods. Additionally, the commission reviewed state-mandated reductions in parking requirements for multi-family residential developments to lower development costs. These changes aim to facilitate affordable housing projects and align local regulations with state law. The commission voted unanimously to approve the recommendations for city council consideration. Other discussions included community development block grant projects and the upcoming Kern County multi-jurisdiction hazard mitigation plan, which may influence future capital improvement planning.