Zoning Code Update

What is the Zoning Code, and why is the City updating it? 

The City of Salinas Zoning Code is a set of rules that helps decide what can be built and where in the city. It was adopted in 2006 and helps carry out the goals of the City's General Plan. The Zoning Code helps protect the health, safety, and well-being of the community while also respecting property owners' rights.

These rules guide where homes, stores, offices, parks, and factories can be located and what they can look like. The Zoning Code also supports walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods in the right areas of the city.

The City is updating the Zoning Code to make sure it follows current state laws and matches the goals of the Visión Salinas 2040 General Plan Update once it is adopted. The update will also make the rules easier to understand, reduce confusion, and support the community's current and future needs.

Goals of the Zoning Code Update  

The goal of the Zoning Code Update is to make the City's zoning rules easier to understand and use for residents, property owners, businesses, and City staff.

The update will help make sure the City follows State housing laws and matches the goals of the updated General Plan. It will also make development rules and review steps easier to follow.

The City also plans to improve the layout of the Zoning Code by using clearer language, better organization, and more helpful pictures and graphics. These changes will help support the community's vision for how Salinas grows and develops in the future.

Zoning Code Update Phases 

The Zoning Code Update is split into three phases to address immediate needs, ensure consistency with the General Plan Update once adopted, while ultimately developing a new code. 

Phase 1 started in 2026, amends the Zoning Code for compliance with state and federal law and addresses priority optional items that do not need to wait for the full update. Most of the changes it introduces implement the mandatory amendments identified in the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The Planning Commission recommended that City Council adopt an ordinance implementing Phase One at their July 15 meeting.

• Click here for the July 16, 2026 Planning Commission meeting materials

Phase 2 will include bridge amendments to make the current Zoning Code consistent with the General Plan Update once the latter is adopted, and objective design standards for residential development. Completion of Phase 2 is anticipated by mid-2027, but exact timing will depend on adoption of the General Plan Update.

 Phase 3 is the completion of a new and revised Zoning Code. The new Zoning Code will be easier to use for the public and staff, visually rich with easily shareable graphics, and streamlined development processing that is consistent with community needs and vision. This also includes fully implementing relevant portions of the General Plan Update. Completion of Phase 3 is anticipated by the end of 2027.   

Engaging the Public