The Calistoga City Council took a significant step towards enhancing affordable housing during its regular meeting on February 27, 2024, by approving a zoning ordinance amendment aimed at facilitating the development of lower-income housing. The council unanimously adopted the amendment, which allows certain residential projects to bypass discretionary review if they include at least 20% affordable units.

This decision aligns with the city’s 2023-2031 housing element, which was certified by the state in October 2023. The amendment specifically targets three parcels identified as reuse sites that can accommodate lower-income households. By streamlining the approval process for these projects, the city aims to encourage the construction of affordable housing in response to pressing community needs.

Interim Community Building and Planning Director Sandra Meyer explained that the amendment modifies the R3 zoning district to allow residential projects with the required percentage of affordable units to undergo a more straightforward ministerial review instead of a more complex design review process. This change is intended to expedite housing development while still adhering to established objective design standards.

During the public hearing, community members raised concerns about ongoing construction delays in adjacent affordable housing projects and questioned how design changes occur post-approval. City officials clarified that delays are often due to contractor issues rather than city oversight, and that state law allows developers to request concessions that may alter approved designs.

Council members expressed the need for more middle-income housing, emphasizing that while the current amendment addresses lower-income housing, the city must continue to explore options to meet broader housing needs. The council's decision reflects a commitment to addressing housing shortages while navigating state regulations that dictate certain development processes.

As Calistoga moves forward with this zoning amendment, the city anticipates that these changes will facilitate the timely development of affordable housing, ultimately benefiting the community and addressing critical housing demands.