NEWMAN—The Newman Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. on May 8 to continue discussions on proposed modifications to the city’s housing element—an essential component of the General Plan that will guide housing development in Newman through 2031. The meeting is a key step in the city’s ongoing efforts to comply with California’s housing laws while addressing local housing needs.
California law requires cities to update their housing elements every eight years to ensure they are providing sufficient housing opportunities for residents of all income levels. Newman, as part of the Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) region, was required to submit its updated housing element by December 31, 2023. The City Council adopted the 2023-2031 Housing Element in October 2024, repealing the previous 2015-2023 plan. Now, city officials must refine zoning ordinances to reflect new state mandates and facilitate housing development.
At the May 8 meeting, city staff will present proposed changes to the city’s Municipal Code to align with Program 1.2 of the Housing Element Update. The objective is to review and discuss the amendments with the Planning Commission and receive input from the public. Because this is an Ordinance Amendment, the final approval rests with the City Council, meaning the Planning Commission’s role is to assess the changes and make a formal recommendation.
A Public Notice for this meeting was published on April 2, 2025, inviting residents to submit comments on the proposed amendments. As of April 9, no public comments had been received. Officials hope the upcoming meeting will encourage more residents to voice their thoughts on these significant changes.
The proposed modifications seek to encourage housing development by streamlining zoning requirements and removing regulatory barriers. Among the most notable adjustments are eliminating minimum lot sizes in residential zones, allowing density to be determined by General Plan designations rather than strict lot size restrictions. Additionally, a new section of the city code—Section 5.05.070—would mandate that sites rezoned to R-3 allow multi-family residential developments by-right, meaning developers would no longer need discretionary approvals such as conditional use or design review processes.
Other proposed zoning updates include establishing a minimum density of 20 dwelling units per acre in the R-3 zone while prohibiting new single-family home construction in that district. The city would also comply with new density bonus laws, which allow developers to build additional units if they include affordable housing.
Mixed-use housing would be further encouraged by permitting upper-story residential units in commercial zones without requiring conditional use permits. This change aims to promote development that combines housing with business spaces, increasing living options in key commercial areas.
Parking standards would also be adjusted to reduce development costs. Proposed minimum parking requirements include one space for studio and one-bedroom apartments, two spaces for two- and three-bedroom units, and two and a half spaces for four-bedroom units.
The amendments also aim to increase housing availability for low-income and unhoused residents. Newman’s zoning code would be updated to permit single-room occupancies (SROs) by-right in mixed-use and residential zones, meaning they could be built without special permit approvals. Additionally, developers would no longer be required to meet open space and parking requirements for SROs in certain areas.
Transitional and supportive housing—essential services for individuals needing long-term stability—would be formally defined in the zoning code and explicitly permitted in residential zones. Supportive housing would also be allowed by-right in multi-family and mixed-use areas, ensuring easier development of these much-needed facilities.
Emergency shelters would also receive zoning adjustments to facilitate their construction. The minimum lot size for shelters would be reduced from 20,000 square feet to 2,500 square feet, and lot width requirements would decrease from 100 feet to 50 feet in industrial zones. Parking standards for emergency shelters would be modified to comply with AB 139, ensuring enough parking for staff but not requiring more spaces than for other residential or commercial uses in the same zone.
Additionally, the proposed amendments permit large residential care facilities serving seven or more residents by-right in residential zones, eliminating conditional use permits that can slow development.
Officials encourage residents to attend and provide comments at the May 8 meeting, as the updated housing element will shape Newman’s approach to housing development for the next eight years. The city’s goal is to create a housing strategy that meets state requirements while addressing local needs and making housing more accessible for all residents.
For more information on the meeting or to provide feedback, residents can visit Newman’s official website or contact city officials.
By modernizing its zoning laws and reducing barriers to housing development, Newman aims to create a more livable and inclusive community—one that supports diverse housing options for residents of all backgrounds and income levels.
