GUSTINE — The Gustine City Council has taken a significant step toward shaping the city’s housing future, voting on May 20 to submit a revised draft of its 2024-2032 Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The plan, which outlines how the city will accommodate 346 new housing units over the next eight years, is essential for Gustine to remain compliant with state regulations and eligible for infrastructure and housing funds.

City officials have been working for months to refine the document after receiving feedback from the state. Among the key concerns highlighted were the need for clearer zoning rules, stronger fair housing policies, and improved environmental conditions in underserved areas. One major change involves revising policies for Planned Development zones, which currently lack defined standards, creating uncertainty for developers. Rather than committing to a single solution, the city will evaluate multiple approaches to make the development process more predictable.

The state also urged Gustine to take further steps in ensuring fair housing access, particularly for residents who face language barriers or have disabilities. In response, officials have incorporated new policies requiring city resources to be available in both Spanish and English and ensuring translation services are more accessible for non-English speakers.

Environmental concerns were another focus of the revisions. The city plans to strengthen efforts to mitigate air quality impacts from nearby highways and rehabilitate parks in Southeast Gustine, where recreational access is currently limited. Pioneer Park, a project already underway, will be part of the city's strategy to improve access to green spaces.

Additionally, HCD raised questions about Gustine’s approach to farmworker housing. While such housing is not commonly found within city limits, officials plan to consult with state representatives before determining how to respond to the issue in future planning efforts.

The revised draft now returns to HCD for review, with city officials hopeful that these latest changes will secure final approval. Once certified, the Housing Element will serve as a roadmap for Gustine’s housing policies through 2032, ensuring compliance with state mandates while addressing local needs.