City plans vital housing element rezoning and updates on Lincoln Avenue Apartments

The Planning Commission meeting held on January 10, 2024, in Calistoga focused on several key issues, primarily concerning the city's housing element and ongoing development projects.

A significant topic of discussion was the rezoning of certain sites as part of the housing element. Delays in this process were attributed to unclear guidelines in the housing element appendix and inconsistencies with the reuse map. The city has recently concluded which sites require rezoning and plans to present this information at the next meeting, aiming to facilitate ministerial processing for qualifying projects. Additionally, the commission is expected to review objective design standards at the same meeting, as these two matters are interconnected.

The meeting also addressed the need to update the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance to align with municipal code regarding utility connection fees. This update is anticipated to be on the agenda for either the second meeting in February or the first meeting in March. Furthermore, the council has requested an update to the mobile food vending ordinance to exclude parking on WAPO.

Updates on ongoing projects were also provided. The Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for the Grant, Yellow Rose, and Quarter Branch projects are still in progress. Concerns were raised regarding the Lincoln Avenue Apartments, which have faced construction delays due to contractor issues, including damage to sewer lines. The anticipated completion date for tenant move-ins has been pushed to summer 2024.

The commission acknowledged the efforts of the Green Committee in implementing the recently adopted foodware ordinance, which includes a workshop for local businesses to ensure compliance. Recruitment for planning staff has concluded, with a promising pool of candidates identified for interviews.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to address housing needs, improve municipal codes, and manage development projects effectively, while also emphasizing the importance of community engagement and compliance with new regulations. The commission will continue to monitor these developments closely in the coming months.