Development Code Update

Development Code Update to Implement Housing Element Programs

The City of Mission Viejo is proposing updates to its Development Code to comply with recent State housing laws, expand housing options, and streamline review processes. This work is being funded through a REAP 2.0 grant from the Southern California Association of Governments.

These items were previously reviewed, and public input was received, during the update of the City’s Housing Element in 2024. The amendments to the Development Code are intended to implement those previously discussed policies and programs. These changes aim to address housing needs across the community while maintaining clear and predictable development standards.

Before the code updates are brought before the Transportation and Planning Commission and City Council later this year, the City of Mission Viejo will hold an online public workshop in April 2026 to share information and answer questions from the public. Below is a summary of the proposed code amendments:

• Low Barrier Navigation Centers: Updated regulations for these types of special shelter facilities will help people experiencing homelessness move into permanent housing. These centers would be allowed in certain non-residential and mixed-use areas, as required by State law.
• Emergency Shelters: The City will create an overlay zone for emergency shelters in the Business Park zone, including updated development and operational standards to meet State law.
• Supportive Housing: Small supportive housing developments (50 units or fewer) will be allowed by right in areas where multi-family or mixed-use buildings are already permitted. Supportive housing includes long-term housing with on-site services for people who need extra support.
• Employee Housing: Amend regulations to allow housing for six or fewer employees to be treated the same as a single-family home and allowed wherever single-family uses are permitted.
• Residential Care Facilities: Residential care homes serving seven or more people will be allowed in residential neighborhoods, subject to a public review process and clear standards to ensure compatibility with nearby homes.
• Reasonable Accommodation: The City will amend its rules for disability-related housing requests by removing certain findings that are no longer allowed under State and federal law, making the process more clear and equitable.
• Senior Housing: Amend the Zoning Code to remove the Senior Housing Overlay and incentivize senior housing through parking incentives.
• Residential Lot Splits and Duplexes: The City will adopt local regulations to meet SB 9 to allow eligible property owners to divide one lot into two, building up to two units on each newly created low for a total of four units. Homeowners can also build two units on a single lot (or convert a single- family home into a duplex).
• Building Height Limit Adjustments: The City will allow slightly taller residential buildings in certain higher-density zones to support more housing opportunities.
• Maintain Existing Housing and Supporting New Development: The City will update regulations to encourage new housing development while addressing community needs, with particular attention to projects that involve the removal of existing housing.

For more information, please contact Cliff Jones, Planning and Economic Development Manager, at CJones@cityofmissionviejo.org.