Adaptive Reuse

Housing Element Program HE-1

The proposed adaptive reuse ordinance is the implementation action of Housing Element Program HE-1: Facilitate Conversion of Nonresidential Buildings to Housing. HE-1 directs Planning Division staff to draft an adaptive reuse ordinance for buildings to convert to multi-unit or mixed-use residential.

The purpose of the adaptive reuse ordinance is to:

• incentivize housing creation,
• reuse existing nonresidential buildings,
• codify commonly approved modifications, and
• reduce planning process for eligible adaptive reuse projects.

An adaptive reuse ordinance was discussed with City Council and Planning Commission at a Joint Work Session (July 26, 2024) and Planning Commission (December 12, 2024). The ordinance has been recommend to City Council for adoption by Planning Commission (June 12, 2025) and Ordinance Committee (July 29, 2025). See the Timeline below for upcoming public hearings to introduce and adopt the proposed adaptive reuse ordinance.

The adaptive reuse ordinance will be introduced to City Council on September 9th. The Council Agenda Report for the hearing is available.