City of Napa Planning Commission Regular Meeting - July 16, 2026
City of Napa Planning Commission Regular Meeting - July 16, 2026
The City of Napa Planning Commission held a regular meeting on July 16, 2026. The meeting included a consent calendar, two public hearings (one continued, one new), a study session on the zoning ordinance update, and public comment on non-agenda items. The commission approved a use permit for a roller skating rink at 585 First Street and provided extensive direction on proposed zoning amendments.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the meeting minutes from July 2, 2026, by unanimous vote.
- Item 7A was continued by motion.
Public Comments & Testimony
On non-agenda items: One speaker recommended a five-acre buffer zone for annexation areas. On the skating rink (Item 7B): Six members of the public spoke in favor. Chris Benz called it a brilliant idea and healthy activity. Jennifer Huffman expressed strong support for three reasons: the need for family-friendly activities, supporting small entrepreneurs, and the joy of skating. Terrence Mulligan (Napa Valley Community Foundation) supported it for offering affordable enrichment and community gathering. Maria Messias noted the community-building aspect for adults as well. All speakers urged approval. On the zoning ordinance study session (Item 8): Eight speakers addressed the commission. Concerns included: allowing new/expanded fossil fuel stations contradicts the General Plan's climate goals and public health policies (Marilyn Knight Mendelson, Sophie Wasiff, Chris Benz). Bayard Fox urged a permanent moratorium on drive-throughs and gas stations. Carlotta De Sainato (Napa County Bicycle Coalition) requested bike parking standards that comply with 2025 CalGreen codes and best practices for security. Catherine Kelly noted the industrial park map is outdated and questioned the elimination of certain industrial uses. Jim Wilson quoted the mayor and staff letters to reinforce climate action.
Discussion Items
585 First Street Skating Rink (Item 7B): Staff presented a proposal for a 6,400-square-foot roller skating rink under a roof cover at Napa Yard, with a use permit expiring December 21, 2029. Applicant Rick Gudgel spoke about creating a safe, multi-generational gathering place, reducing youth risky behaviors, and partnering with local organizations. Commissioners commented on the return of youth activities, appreciation for interim use of the site, and support. A few questions addressed roller blade allowances and permit renewal. The commission voted unanimously to approve the use permit and design review permit, determining the project is exempt from CEQA. Zoning Ordinance Update Study Session (Item 8): Lisa Wise Consulting presented the public review draft of the comprehensive zoning ordinance. Topics included: new zone districts (e.g., multifamily residential medium, conservation open space), land use table updates, new definitions, regulations for drive-throughs, food trucks, amplified sound, fossil fuel stations, parking reductions, and residential objective design standards. Commissioner Q&A covered: definitions, density gradations, parking standards (two vs. three spaces per unit), building articulation, window recesses, materials (metal siding, reflective roofs), architectural style specificity, dormers, solar panel placement, and artificial turf. Commissioners requested several clarifications and adjustments, including removing chimneys as an articulation option, revising window trim requirements, and adding more options for modern design. Commissioner Shotwell raised concerns about artificial turf and permit extensions.
Key Outcomes
- Approved the resolution for a use permit and design review permit for the 585 First Street skating rink (all aye).
- For the zoning ordinance update, the commission gave the following direction to staff:
- Ban new and expanded fossil fuel stations (not a temporary moratorium).
- Ban new drive-throughs for restaurants and car washes; retain existing for pharmacies, banks, and other retail but no new ones.
- Review and incorporate detailed feedback on residential objective design standards (specific figures, materials, articulation options).
- Update the industrial park map and reconsider retained uses.
- Ensure bike parking standards comply with 2025 CalGreen codes.
- Staff and consultants will produce an errata document identifying proposed edits for the next public hearing in August 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Welcome to the July 16, 2026 City of Napa regular meeting for the Planning Commission. I would like to call this meeting to order and ask Myra to please conduct a roll call. Commissioner Ebach. Present. Commissioner Masaro. Present. Commissioner Shotwell. Present. Chair Owen here. And I have Vice Chair Myers noted as absent. And we will now rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The Planning Commission conducts all meetings in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and pursuant to the City's rules of order for Planning Commission meetings. Policy resolution 10. Staff, are there any changes to the evening's agenda or any supplemental reports? Yes, so there have been three supplemental memos that have been conveyed to the planning commission and are available for physical copies in the back. One to agenda item seven B. And then two for the study session item later tonight. Not to a day certain. Okay. Can I get a motion to continue item 7A? So moved. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Motion passes. Public comment. Public comment provides an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the Planning Commission on items of interest not otherwise noted on the agenda. Each speaker's comments will be limited to three minutes and will comply with the rules of order for planning commission meetings. Do we have any members of the public who wish to provide public comments on non-agenda items? Yes, sir, please come forward. And I've held things in abeyance. And I had 62.7 and one parcel and a pending application. Like comments repeatedly to staff and to other planning people involved have been that one, it is unwise to have a large parcel of property in the city that is zoned for now under the proposal. And that isn't logical. If the city attempts to do any annexations, it is wise to have a better proposition to pose to those parcels to be annexed. Mine is already in, but I've made the comment repeatedly that if you had a five-acre zone, you could probably encourage people to annex without having to force any issues. And five acres is a very reasonable buffer zone that would help avoid problems with the public who does do not wish to have annexations, and with the public that do wish to have annexations, it would just be a wise policy. So that's what I recommend. Thank you. Thank you. Does anybody else wish to speak on something not on tonight's agenda? Can I get a motion to close public comment? So moved. Second. All those in favor? I think consent calendar. These routine items may be approved by a single vote.
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