Setting the record straight about recent commercial property questions

Recently, the City has been contacted regarding concerns about a potential major change to a commercial center controlled by a private property owner. To be clear, there is no proposal to establish a homeless shelter or Low Barrier Navigation Center at this site oranywhere else in Mission Viejo.

California law (Government Code section 65660) does allow Low Barrier Navigation Centers permitted by-right in areas zoned for mixed-use or non-residential zones allowing multi-family residential development. The are seven sites in Mission Viejo that meet this zoning criteria.

The City's proposed Development Code amendment is required to align with California law and to comply with Program 13 of the City's Adopted and State Certified Housing Element, including allowing Low Barrier Navigation Centers as a permitted use in areas zoned for mixed-use or non-residential zones allowing multi-family residential. The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has created a fact sheet which explains what a Low Barrier Navigation Center is and where it is allowed throughout California.

For the private property site referenced on social media, a Low Barrier Navigation Center is already allowed by State law - yet none have been proposed by the developer and numerous elements would seem to render the site impractical for such a use. In fact, there are only three Low Barrier Navigation Centers in all of Orange County, and none in South Orange County. Even so, all cities in California are required by State law to permit them in areas zoned for mixed-use or non-residential zones allowing multi-family residential development.

The City Council is scheduled to continue review of the proposed Development Code amendments at its regularly scheduled meeting on September 22, beginning at 6 pm in the Council Chamber, and residents are encouraged to attend. Meetings are also streamed live on the City's website and air on Spectrum Channel 30 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the City's eNewsletter and follow the City's official social media sites for the most accurate, up-to-date information.