Three Lompoc properties along Ocean Avenue could be the sites for future housing developments thanks to the City Council’s decision on June 16. Council members approved zoning changes that turned commercial designations into high-density residential uses.
In May, the city Planning Commission approved zone changes for around 3.88 acres of vacant land at 1308, 1316, and 1406 East Ocean, as well as 1220 West Ocean. At the request of the property owner, 1406 East Ocean was included, but the City Council excluded it from the plan in part because of feedback during the June hearing.
Dr. Michael Harris, owner of the Lompoc Veterinary Clinic located at 1416 East Ocean, spoke out against the zoning changes because of public safety concerns. Harris purchased the practice in 1996 and has observed dangerous traffic patterns at the intersection of 7th Street and Ocean Avenue, according to his public comment letter.
“I don’t see how high-density residential is going to make things better or safer,” Harris said at the meeting. “I don’t think it would be a better situation when it comes to public safety.”
Another community member said Harris’ claims were valid but was interested in the idea of new housing potential in Lompoc.
“Housing that doesn’t chew up farmland and is within the city limits is good,” the speaker told the council. “We need more housing, and I’m glad you’re thinking about using areas that are not on farmland.”
Since the sites are now considered residential, they count toward Lompoc’s numbers for the state-mandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), which requires that jurisdictions plan how to meet local housing needs.
Lompoc’s current RHNA cycle lasts until Feb. 15, 2031, by which time the city will need to have identified land suitable to construct around 2,248 housing units, according to the city’s housing element.
“Last year we built zero homes,” Mayor Jim Mosby said at the meeting. “The year before that we built two single-family residences. We have a few ADUs and garage conversions. We’re going to get a few hundred this year.”
The city fears that if it doesn’t meet its RHNA goals, the state could come in and take control of housing.
“[How] I’m trying to look is proactive so that we don’t get our butts in a ringer and the state come in and mandating and doing this,” Mosby continued.
Councilmember Jeremy Ball backed Mosby’s opinion, agreeing that it would be best for the city to maintain control over managing its properties.
“My biggest fear is that if we don’t at least make the gesture for trying to appease the state to some degree, they have a lot of leverage,” Ball said.
Councilmember Victor Vega dissented, but the high-density residential designations were adopted 4-1.
This article appears in June 25 – July 2, 2026.
