Ukiah planning commission requests staff draft open-space zoning options after wide-ranging workshop

The City of Ukiah Planning Commission on Jan. 8 held a workshop on creating an open space zoning district and asked staff to return with draft regulatory options that reflect the commission’s guidance.

The discussion, led by Jesse Davis, the city’s chief planning manager, focused on how a new zoning district could protect natural open space — with particular emphasis on the Western Hills watershed — while balancing recreation, ecological function, utilities and public safety. Davis told commissioners the item is intended to “establish our primary objectives for proposed open space designation” and to identify “the most critical criteria for an open space zoning designation within Ukiah.”

Why it matters: the city owns roughly 700 acres in the Western Hills and staff and the commission said a zoning tool is needed to implement open-space policies in the general plan, protect groundwater recharge and habitat, and guide public access and fire-safety measures. Commissioners stressed that the zoning language, permit triggers and review level will determine whether uses such as trails, utilities or other installations are allowed and under what environmental review.

Most important facts

- Staff presentations: Jesse Davis (Chief Planning Manager) presented the zoning rationale and options; Blake Adams (chief resilience officer) framed links to the Climate Action Plan and groundwater sustainability; Neil Davis (director of community services) reviewed parks and the Western Hills Watershed Protection Area Management Plan.

- Public input: Susan Knuff, a Ukiah resident, urged preservation of the Western Hills…