Clovis is taking a focused, strategy-driven step to address its affordable housing gap. With housing costs rising across California, the city has introduced the Infill Rezone Program—a targeted rezoning initiative aimed at creating space for 1,284 new affordable housing units within existing neighborhoods. This isn’t a broad-stroke overhaul, but a thoughtful shift in land use, designed to unlock opportunity where it already exists. In this article, we’ll walk through how the program works, why it matters, and what it could mean for Clovis residents. You’ll get a clear look at the program’s goals, mechanisms, and what to expect next.
At its core, the Infill Rezone Program rezones select areas in Clovis—particularly infill sites within developed neighborhoods—to higher-density categories (R-3 and R-4). The program is projected to create capacity for approximately 1,284 new housing units. These zones allow for more multifamily housing, supporting a mix of new, affordable units without expanding the city’s footprint. The approach focuses on smart growth by using land more efficiently in places that already have infrastructure. References: City responses note the addition of Program H11 in the Housing Plan, zoned to R-3 and R-4 for roughly 1,284 units.
Clovis is among the least affordable cities in Fresno County. A settlement reached with a housing advocate and legal services groups pushed the city to adopt housing reforms, including this rezoning program. It’s part of a broader agreement that included new funding streams, trust funds, and zoning changes to ease the creation of affordable housing. Though construction is still in early stages, the policy groundwork shows the city is shifting from resistance to active facilitation. References: Settlement details (§1,300 units) and funding strategies.
The Infill Rezone aligns with other reforms in Clovis’ Housing Plan triggered by HCD feedback. Code revisions increased minimum densities in R-3 zones from 15 to 20 units per acre. Several new programs were adopted: a local Housing Trust Fund, inclusionary zoning mandates, and fee waivers—all designed to support affordable housing. Together, these tools aim to streamline development, reduce financial hurdles, and encourage partners to step forward. References: Updates to Program H4, H8, H10, H11, and H12.
Implementation of these changes is underway, but tangible results like completed units remain in progress. The city has taken actions like funding the first housing trust fund projects and rezoning medium-density areas. However, affordable housing development remains slow overall due to resource constraints and funding competition. Still, developers see these changes as a positive signal that Clovis intends to work closely on these projects. References: Status updates and remarks from developers and legal partners.
Clovis’s Infill Rezone Program is a clear shift toward inclusive, efficient housing development. By rezoning existing infill parcels for density and coupling that with financial and policy incentives, the city is now laying the groundwork for 1,284 affordable housing units. While it will take time for new homes to appear, these steps reflect a serious and coordinated push to bring more housing choice within reach of lower-income residents. As the city follows through, these efforts may soon transform communities and build stronger foundations for all.
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References
City of Clovis. (2025, August 27). Infill rezone program (Settlement implementation). https://www.clovisca.gov/services/planning_development/planning/projects/infill_rezone_program.php