In a significant move regarding the city’s housing strategy, the Fullerton City Council has begun plans to enhance the Housing Incentive Overlay Zone (HIOZ). During a meeting on December 3, 2024, council members directed staff to raise the affordability requirement for the HIOZ from 15% to 20% for households with moderate to very low incomes.

Furthermore, the council decided to exclude certain parcels located between Raymond and Euclid along Chapman Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue from the Housing Sites Inventory. This decision aims to improve the city’s approach to housing development in that area.

As part of this initiative, the council introduced several resolutions:

1. **Resolution No. 2024-XXX**: This resolution provides guidance on the inventory sites to be included in Fullerton’s Housing Element.

2. **Environmental Impact Report Certification**: The council plans to certify an Environmental Impact Report, which will include findings of fact, a statement of overriding considerations, and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program related to the Housing Incentive Overlay Program.

3. **General Plan Amendment**: Another resolution seeks to amend the Fullerton General Plan, specifically the Built Environment section, to incorporate the Housing Incentive Overlay designation.

In addition to these resolutions, city officials will present an ordinance for a first reading that proposes amendments to the Fullerton Municipal Code. This includes updates to Section 15.08.020, the addition of a new section (15.17.075), and the creation of Chapters 15.18 and 15.23, which detail the establishment of the Housing Incentive Overlay Zone Program and its related development standards. Additionally, the official Fullerton Zoning Map will be updated to apply the Housing Incentive Overlay zoning designation to select commercial and industrial properties.