Napa Planning Commission Regular Meeting – March 2, 2023

The Napa Planning Commission met on March 2, 2023, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of previous meeting minutes, two administrative reports on the 2022 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and the 2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report, and public comment. The commission voted to forward both reports to the City Council with recommendations to accept and file them with state agencies. Commissioners also discussed future agenda items related to ADUs, housing funding, and a presentation from the housing manager.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The commission approved the minutes from the February 2, 2023 regular meeting (all in favor) and the February 16, 2023 meeting (commissioner Huether was absent from that meeting, so the vote was 3-0 with Huether abstaining).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chuck Shenaman (134 Acacia, Napa) commented on the Housing Element Annual Progress Report. He expressed support for the city's efforts in creating affordable housing, noting that Napa has done well compared to other Bay Area communities. He highlighted the need for more housing to address the workforce shortage and advocated for a local preference ordinance, similar to those in other Napa County cities, to give priority to people who live or work in Napa. He also noted that Napa is the only city in the county without such an ordinance.

Discussion Items

• Housing Element Annual Progress Report (Item 8A): Staff presented the 2022 report covering the fifth cycle (2015-2022). Key statistics: 468 building permits issued in 2022, including 342 above-moderate income units, 24 moderate, 38 low, and 64 very low (including 54 supportive housing units from the Valley Lodge conversion). The city exceeded its overall RHNA allocation by 1,051 units (121% increase) but fell short in moderate and very low categories. Commissioner Kelly asked about RHNA compliance and the lack of rollover for overbuilding. Commissioner Hurtado raised concerns about affordability for locals and suggested a future discussion on ADUs. Commissioner Shotwell asked about permit expiration timelines and outreach workshops. Staff clarified that the report is procedural and does not affect the ongoing sixth cycle housing element update. The commission voted unanimously to forward the report to city council with a recommendation to accept and file with HCD and OPR.
• General Plan Annual Progress Report (Item 8B): Staff reported that the 2040 General Plan was adopted in late 2022, so limited progress to report. The interim zoning ordinance (IZO) is being drafted and will go to council as an urgency ordinance. Comprehensive municipal code updates will follow later. Commissioner Kelly asked about the timeline and public input opportunities. Staff clarified that the IZO will not come to the Planning Commission, but future code amendments will. The commission voted unanimously to forward the report to city council.
• Commissioner Comments on Future Agenda Items: Commissioner Hurtado requested a future agenda item on ADU accessibility and process. Commissioner Kelly and Chair Massaro echoed the need for a presentation from the housing manager on how affordable housing impact fees are allocated and used. Vice Chair Shotwell expressed interest in an educational session on ADU types and regulations. Staff noted that the April 6, 2023 meeting will include a discussion on residential design guidelines, and April 20 will include a presentation on the Brookfield Napa pipe project.

Key Outcomes

• Motion passed (unanimous): Forward a recommendation to the City Council to accept the 2022 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and direct staff to file it with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
• Motion passed (unanimous): Forward a recommendation to the City Council to accept the 2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report and direct staff to file it with HCD and OPR.
• Future agenda items: Commissioners agreed to schedule an administrative report from the housing manager on affordable housing funding and allocation, and a discussion on ADUs. Staff will coordinate attendance at the city's parking workshop (limited to two commissioners to avoid a Brown Act violation).