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City staff to bring rezoning and objective design standards tied to housing element; Lincoln Avenue Apartments delayed
Summary
City staff told the Calistoga Planning Commission they will return soon with rezoning for sites identified in the housing element and associated objective design standards. The manager also reported an incorrect housing element version was submitted to HCD and that Lincoln Avenue Apartments construction has been delayed after contractor-caused sewer breaks.
City staff told the Calistoga Planning Commission that rezoning of specific sites tied to the city’s housing element and accompanying objective design standards will be brought back for commission review as soon as staff and the city attorney complete clarifications.
The city manager said the housing element appendix and reuse map were unclear, which delayed identification of sites for rezoning. Staff reported that the prior director submitted an incorrect version of the housing element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and that the city attorney is working on a remedy.
Staff said it hopes to present the rezoning and objective design standards at the next meeting or by February to accommodate ministerial processing for qualifying projects, though that timing was described as contingent on resolving the HCD issue.
On project updates, the city manager reported the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process is underway for three large projects (identified in the meeting as the “big 3,” including references to 'Yellow Rose' and 'Quarter Branch') and noted problems at the Lincoln Avenue Apartments construction site. The contractor allegedly broke sewer lines multiple times, causing shutdowns and extending the timeline. Staff estimated potential move‑in as early as summer but emphasized the schedule is delayed and staff are working with the contractor to finish the project.
Staff also said the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance needs updates for municipal code consistency related to utility connection fees, and that the city council has asked the city to update the mobile‑food vendor ordinance to exclude parking on 'WAPO' (term used in the transcript).
When commissioners pressed about the Vine Trail and frontage improvements, staff said portions are completed but not officially open; PG&E disclosures required redesign work, and some frontage extensions depend on private developments and coordination with Caltrans.
Chair requested an EIR status update at the next meeting and for monthly website postings of EIR progress; staff agreed to provide both.
