Planning Commission Meeting - December 21, 2023: Residential Design Guidelines Discussion

This was the last regular meeting of 2023 for the City of Napa Planning Commission. The main agenda item was an administrative report on the upcoming update to the Residential Design Guidelines, focusing on moving from subjective to objective design standards in compliance with state law. Commissioners provided extensive feedback on priorities, sustainability, materials, and process. No formal action was taken, but staff direction was given. The meeting also included the approval of previous meeting minutes and a farewell to Commissioner Ricky Hurtado, whose term ended.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the November 2, 2023 Planning Commission minutes with an amendment to add Commissioner Kelley's vote as 'yes' on items 6A and 7A.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made on items not on the agenda.

Discussion Items

• Residential Design Guidelines Update (Administrative Report): Staff presented an overview of objective design standards, using examples from Sunnyvale, Temecula, and Santa Rosa. Commissioners then shared their priorities:
  • Commissioner Huether emphasized avoiding repetitive architecture, eliminating fake mullions, and ensuring quality and inspiration across all income levels.
  • Commissioner Kelley supported sustainability, natural daylight, elimination of vinyl windows and siding, hierarchy of materials, glazing in garage doors, overhangs, mixed materials, EV charging preparation, and ADU flexibility. He also asked to review the B&B and SRO ordinances.
  • Commissioner Hurtado stressed the importance of maintaining balance (e.g., front/backyards), community outreach, learning from other cities, and tying design guidelines to the General Plan.
  • Vice Chair Shotwell agreed with eliminating vinyl, favored sustainable roofing, and advocated for modern design that pays homage to historical architecture, with a focus on longevity and integrity.
  • Chair Masaro strongly advocated for sun protection (awnings) on south and west windows to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, citing his own experience with healthy buildings. He also called for banning vinyl windows (due to off-gassing and health impacts), promoting carbon-neutral siding materials, requiring true renderings and material samples, and integrating solar panels into design. He emphasized the goal of achieving design integrity and sustainability.
• Staff confirmed that the city has issued an RFP for a consultant to lead the comprehensive zoning code update, which includes the objective design standards. Proposals are due the day after the meeting (December 22, 2023).

Key Outcomes

• No formal action was taken, as this was an administrative report for discussion only.
• Commissioners expressed a strong desire to complete the objective design standards by the end of 2024, though staff noted the timeline depends on consultant proposals and scope.
• Staff was directed to return at the January 18, 2024 meeting with an update on the consultant selection process and proposed timeline.
• Commissioners agreed to provide additional written feedback and to review examples from other cities (e.g., Sebastopol, Santa Rosa).
• The meeting concluded with a certificate of appreciation presented to Commissioner Ricky Hurtado for his service from January 2021 to December 2023.