Ventura council approves new shelter and housing rules under state housing law

Ventura City Council voted 4-0 on July 14 to approve a new ordinance overhauling the city's regulations for emergency shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, and group care facilities.

The ordinance, numbered 2026-14, implements Housing Element Program 19 and brings Ventura's zoning code into compliance with recent state housing laws. It amends Title 24 of the municipal code, the Downtown Specific Plan, the Parklands Specific Plan, and the Saticoy and Wells Development Code.

A key change is the repeal of the city's Emergency Shelter Overlay Zone, which is replaced with updated rules that apply directly in the base zoning districts. The ordinance also establishes regulations for Low Barrier Navigation Centers, a category created by state law to streamline overnight shelter programs that reduce intake requirements.

Councilmembers Liz Campos, Bill McReynolds, Jim Duran, and Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios voted in favor, according to the July 14 action agenda minutes. Councilmembers Alex Mangone and Ryyn Schumacher were absent. Deputy Mayor Doug Halter recused himself, disclosing a conflict of interest from property he owns at 1188 and 1190 Buena Vista Street, 137 North Hemlock Street, and 2235 North Ventura Avenue.

The only public speaker on the item was Phillip Fields, per the minutes.

Staff found the ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act on the grounds that it establishes a regulatory process without directly authorizing construction.

The council also directed staff to initiate a Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan amendment to align the city's coastal zone regulations with the new rules.