Chapter 12.154 — LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY LANDS

The purpose of this chapter is to implement the provisions of Cal. Gov't. Code § 65914.7 (enacted by AB 2295 of 2022) to authorize the development of housing on properties owned by Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to support the provision of affordable housing for public school employees, teachers, and other public agency staff. This chapter ensures compliance with all requirements under Cal. Gov't. Code § 65914.7 and prioritizes ministerial approval processes for eligible projects. (Ord. 2025-152, 8/18/2025)

• A. This chapter shall apply to properties owned by LEAs, including the Gonzales Unified School District, the Monterey County Office of Education, and other public educational agencies within the city limits.

• B. Eligible LEA-owned lands shall be zoned for residential uses or other non-residential uses that permit residential development under this chapter, including all properties designated for educational use that qualify under Cal. Gov't. Code § 65914.7.

• (Ord. 2025-152, 8/18/2025)

• A. LEA-owned properties may be developed with residential housing that meets the requirements of this section and Cal. Gov't. Code § 65914.7 and other applicable state laws.

• B. Development projects shall be permitted by-right and approved by the Community Development Director, provided that the project meets all of the following criteria:

  1. At least 50% of the units shall be affordable to lower-income households as defined in Cal. Health & Safety Code § 50079.5 ; and

  2. Units prioritize occupancy for LEA employees, public school teachers, and other employees of public agencies within the City.

• C. Development projects shall be permitted by-right and approved by the Community Development Director, provided that the project meets all of the following criteria.

• (Ord. 2025-152, 8/18/2025)

• A. Projects developed under this section shall comply with all development standards requirements of the R-2 zoning district.

• B. Consistent with Cal. Gov't. Code § 65914.7, projects may exceed local height limitations, density requirements, and other development standards, as necessary to make the development feasible, unless such exemptions would present a specific, adverse impact to public health or safety.

• (Ord. 2025-152, 8/18/2025)

• A. Residential projects proposed under this chapter shall be processed ministerially, without discretionary review or hearings, in accordance with the streamlined provisions of Cal. Gov't. Code § 65914.7.

• B. Any objective standards or requirements that would physically preclude the development of a project at the permitted density, height, or with other exemptions under this section shall not apply.

• (Ord. 2025-152, 8/18/2025)