The Calistoga City Council on Nov. 18 introduced an ordinance amending Titles 8 and 17 of the Calistoga Municipal Code to implement 14 programs from the cityth-cycle housing element and waived further readings by unanimous roll-call vote.

Assistant Planner Lauren Clark summarized the package as implementing state-required items and council direction, including no-net-loss requirements, ministerial approval for certain multifamily projects on identified sites, adaptive reuse allowances for inns and motels, and new permissive rules for supportive and transitional housing. Clark told the council the housing element "includes 14 items that are due on August 20, 2025" and that several of the code changes are required by state law.

One focus of council discussion was program A6.1-9, which staff said would "permit residential care facilities and group homes of up to 12 persons in all residential zones" without a use permit, provided the facility meets building, health and licensing rules. City Attorney Karen Murphy clarified the legal distinction between the two uses: "Residential care facilities and group homes are different," she said, explaining care facilities typically provide ongoing medical or senior care while group homes can encompass a broader range of assisted-living or transitional uses.

Council members raised concerns about concentration and neighborhood impacts but were reassured by staff that state licensing, building-occupancy calculations and existing code requirements (parking, inspections and licensing) limit practical occupancy in typical single-family homes. The city s building official noted occupancy is calculated by square footage and estimated that a typical two-bedroom home would have a capacity of about "4 to 5" people depending on size.

Public comment on the item included questions about the minimum density rule (A1.2-1) from resident Donna Higgins and reiterations of broader community expectations. After discussion, Mayor Williams moved to accept the ordinance introduction and waive further readings; Council member Eisenberg seconded. The roll-call vote was unanimous in favor.

What happens next: the motion established the ordinancefirst reading; additional formal readings or implementation steps will follow per the city s legislative process. Staff said it will return as needed to finalize language and ensure consistency with state law and existing municipal codes.